19 Jul 2024
The Mother Teresa Catholic College school community gathered to mark the official opening of stages 4 to 7 of their building development with a blessing event, on 14 June.
The opening was attended by Mr Wayne Bull, Executive Director – Catholic Education Western Australia, Most Reverend Donald Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop – Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, Hon Madeleine King MP, Federal Member for Brand, Minister for Resources, and Minister for Northern
Australia, Mr Ted Simpson, Chair of Mother Teresa Catholic College Advisory Council and Mrs Susan Macdonald, Vice Principal.
The new developments included a new Visual and Performing Arts Centre, a new technologies centre with Commercial Kitchen, VET Certificates classroom, and a Fabrication Space for robotics. In addition, the school launched a two-court gymnasium equipped with a climbing wall and ergo Room, and four additional external hardcourts.
Principal Geri O’Keefe remarked, “…..What’s grown here since February 2014, when we opened Mother Teresa Catholic School (as it was known at that time) with 119 children from Kindy to Year 2, has been truly amazing – a vibrant and flourishing learning community (consisting now of 1500 students from 995 families, and 170+ staff), where, 10and-a-half years later, the award-winning, spacious, rammed earth facilities and contemporary furniture impact intentionally on the learning and teaching that happens here.”
The opening ceremony began with a Welcome to Country presented by Marie Taylor and Tryse Rioli followed by performances by the College’s Junior and Senior choirs, Senior Dance and Drama students, and a snippet from their recent musical production of The Little Mermaid.
Year 11 student Kendall said the event was an opportunity for the school to unveil their impressive new buildings to the public, and highlight the benefits we students get from this privilege,
“Personally, I had the privilege to greet distinguished officials and perform in several capacities. I sang with the senior choir alongside talented vocalists and participated in the “Life of Mother Teresa” dramatisation, honouring our College’s namesake.
“Cheering on my fellow cast members from backstage during our production of “The Little Mermaid” was a highlight, especially as the show received the Executive Director’s Award for Excellence from Mr Bull. Reflecting on our school’s growth, from its humble beginnings to now, fills me with gratitude for our facilities and supportive staff who make such opportunities possible.”
Harry, Year 12 said the opening and blessing ceremonies showcased the many arts and performance opportunities that the College offers and how the new spaces provided will give them the avenue to further excel.
“I performed with the senior choir and acted in the “Life of Mother Teresa” performance. As one of the Senior Year 12 Arts and Culture Leaders, I accepted the Executive Director’s Award for Excellence on behalf of The Little Mermaid cast. Our new Arts and Technologies centres have been instrumental in nurturing my creativity, particularly the wood and metal work rooms. These workshops have allowed me to explore my passions and prepare for a future in live production and design.”
Mr Bull thanked everyone involved, giving special mention to foundation Principal Geri O’Keefe and all her staff who have been around since the inception of the College. He also acknowledged the loan provided by the State and Federal Governments that enable “parents to continue to benefit from school choice.”
“….We acknowledge the $22m State Low Interest Loan and $3.66m Commonwealth Government Capital Grants which have made these works possible. Hon King, Hon Whitby – please pass on to the Ministers our thanks for the contribution the Governments have made to these works.
“The Mother Teresa School community have also contributed $1.2m to the works, and I want to acknowledge Ted Simpson, Chair of the College Advisory Council. The relationship between a school and its advisory council is paramount. Ted – your presence here today is a great sign of the community working together to create a positive school environment and on behalf of CEWA, I thank you.
“I know that one of the major features of this school, and a source of pride, is the unique and striking building design. I hope these new facilities will add to the life and culture of your school, and that teachers and students alike benefit from the facilities for many years to come.”
