THE Former Governor-General of Australia the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce was among the special guests to officially open a new learning facility at St Andrew’s Anglican College.
The opening ceremony took place on Friday 19 August and was also attended by The Right Reverend Dr Jonathan Holland and college principal The Reverend Chris Ivey.
The recently finished facility connects the primary and secondary campuses at the college.
It incorporates contemporary libraries, multiple collaborative teaching spaces, staff offices, a professional development centre, several student lounges and an expansive outdoor learning area.
Reverend Ivey said it was an honour to open the facility in the presence of students, staff, parents, members of the community and special guests.
“The Learning Hub is a very exciting addition to our college and will provide an atmosphere for students to make the most of their education for years to come,” he said.
“The internal spaces are connected to an outdoor plaza that will further reinforce the facility as a dynamic icon strategically located at the centre of the college.
“The plaza is already being thoroughly enjoyed by students and is an excellent venue for music concerts and lunch-time open mic sessions.”
Ms Bryce said the Learning Hub not only provided an inspiring place for students to learn but represented a significant contribution to architecture for education in the state.
“This will physically transform learning and encourage connections with one another – teachers, families, yourselves and the world around you,” Ms Bryce said.
“I urge you to embrace your voices to discover what it is that you want in life, engage in this wonderful new space, make it your own and continue to listen to the message of love, success, creativity and spirituality that beats at the heart of your school.”
Also in attendance was College Council chairman Archdeacon Richard Gowty, councillor Stephen Robinson and Noosa MP Glen Elmes.
Reverend Ivey said the facility was originally designed to support the college’s transition to more collaborative teaching and learning.
“The college worked closely with Wilson Architects to ensure the teacher-led and student-directed spaces offered 21st century engagement in learning,” he said.
“One example of this are the general learning areas that can be separated by retractable walls or open up into a dynamic learning that will hold a full cohort of students.
“Students have particularly been enjoying the relaxed furniture in the libraries, student lounges and the options they now have for studying, working and socialising.”
St Andrew’s Anglican College also thanked the Federal and State Government which each contributed $1,012,500 to the $12.5 million project.
