On Thursday 16 May, Chisholm Catholic College’s Executive Leadership Team, Prefects, and special guests gathered to officially open the newest addition to the College, the Flexible Learning Centre.
7 Jul 2025
Chisholm Catholic College Flexible Learning Centre Blessing Ceremony
Principal, John Bormolini warmly welcomed Auxiliary Bishop of Perth, Most Rev Donald Sproxton, recently retired Catholic Education WA Executive Director, Wayne Bull, College Chaplain, Fr Ziggy, School Advisory Council Chair, Glen Jacobsen, Br Olly Pickett, and several other special guests.
In his address, Mr Bormolini extended his gratitude to all who were present and those who contributed to the planning and construction of
the project, including Site Architecture Studio, Sanpro Construction, the School Advisory Council, the College Grounds and Maintenance staff, the Chisholm Master Plan Steering Group, CEWA, Chisholm staff and community members.
Mr Bull addressed the gathering and acknowledged the work of Mr Bormolini in leading the project from its inception to completion. Mr Bull also thanked the Principal for his 12 years of dedicated leadership at the College.
The heart of the ceremony was the Blessing of the Centre, presided over by Bishop Sproxton.
During the Prayers of the Faithful, the group gave thanks for the many blessings God has granted the College community and for the gift of great facilities that serve the education of its young people. Bishop Sproxton then blessed each classroom with holy water.
When asked about the new building and the ceremony, Bishop Sproxton, a former student of St Mark’s (one of the two Chisholm’s heritage schools), shared:
“I’m very grateful to get the invitation to be here today. I’d seen the building as it was being constructed bit by bit on my last couple of visits to the College, so I was quite excited to receive the invitation to come and be part of the opening and blessing. It’s a great addition to the school’s facilities.
“Of course, the school is huge now compared to the one I visited many, many years ago. It’s wonderful to see that we have the facilities to serve education.”
Guests also took the opportunity to admire two magnificent murals, completed in time for the occasion. Painted by artist Jerome Davenport from Blank Walls, these stunning works of art contribute to the existing outdoor installations and add vibrancy and colour to the oval side of the College. They offer a glimpse into Chisholm’s heritage and a snapshot of contemporary student life.
Br Olly, 2025 Australian Senior of the Year and 2025 Western Australian Senior of the Year, a regular and well-loved guest of the College, is featured in one of the murals.
After viewing it, he shared:
“I can’t believe it, absolutely magnificent. I said to John, I can’t believe you even thought of me to put up there.”
He also added:
“It’s lovely to be here. I was honoured to attend and I really enjoyed the ceremony today. This is such a beautiful building; the students are so lucky to have it.”
Construction of the Flexible Learning Centre began in late 2023 and was completed in December 2024. The Centre serves as a versatile facility for examinations and House or Year Group assemblies. Outside of exam periods, it is used daily for classroom teaching and learning across various courses, primarily for Senior students.
Head Prefects, Maia and Declan, reflected:
“We feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to use this new, modern and well-designed learning space. The new Flexible Learning Centre has become a valuable resource to us, offering a calm and focused environment that supports both our classwork and exam preparation. It encourages both our independent learning and collaboration with peers with its relaxed and versatile setting.
“Having access to the new building has made a notable difference to our studies, providing both structure and flexibility that supports everyone’s learning needs.”
Since the beginning of this year, students have made great use of the Centre. They appreciate its contemporary, tertiary-like environment. The building hosted its first examinations in Semester One and has been the venue for various events, including the Year 12 Seminar Day. The College Homework Help programme also uses the facility for after-school study. We look forward to extending its use long into the future as a valued facility and resource for Chisholm students, their teachers and families.