IT was a beautiful bright sunny day when Bishop Vincent Long and Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) Executive Director Greg Whitby blessed St Andrew’s Primary, Marayong’s new Sr Josita Paczkowska Learning Centre.
The occasion marked the end of a long journey for the school in its quest to update its facilities. Now students, teachers and the wider school community can embrace the beginning of a new learning experience and journey.
Acting Principal Kim McDonald said all of the school’s learning spaces, and particularly the Sr Josita Paczkowska Learning Centre, gives students the opportunity to use talents God has given them. Bishop Vincent Long led the blessing of the new school building and acknowledged what a ’great achievement’’ it was for the school.
“This brand new school building will transform many lives. It will see relationships enhanced, friendships formed and futures invested. We must also acknowledge the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth who have been actively working in the school since its beginning,’’ Bishop Long said.
“Sr Josita was an inspiration for this community and her legacy will now lives on,’’ Bishop long said.
CEDP Executive Director Greg Whitby also acknowledged the sisters and said they must be amazed to see how the school is coming along. “They could not have seen 40 years ago what their legacy has brought them.”
Mr Whitby also thanked the State Government for their support in providing some funds which helped bring the building to life.
“We recently carried out a research project with Melbourne University about what we are doing with our school buildings,” Mr Whitby said. “We always want to support the learning experience and this research has shown the direction we are heading in with regards to our building projects is is the right one,’’ Mr Whitby said.
“This building is only as good as what happens in it,’’ Mr Whitby said.
Mr Kevin Conolly, the Riverstone State MP who was also representing the Minister for Education, said the government was happy to assist in the new school building becoming a reality as it believes in parents having a choice.
“Parents are the first teachers and educators of their children. It is a partnership that starts with their children and the end product is the child that grows and learns in that space,’’ Mr Conolly said.
The new building has certainly lifted the spirits of St Andrew’s Primary and has ignited students desire to learn and grow.