The Official Blessing and Opening of Stage 2 of Mackay’s newest Catholic secondary school, Catherine McAuley College, was held on Wednesday 7 February.
Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton, The Most Reverend Michael McCarthy, conducted the Blessing and Stage 2 was officially opened by Member for Mackay Julianne Gilbert MP representing the Queensland State Government, and Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) Leesa Jeffcoat AM.
“This is an exciting milestone for the Catherine McAuley College community, for the Mackay community and represents the culmination of extensive collaboration, planning and development by a dedicated group of people,” College Principal, Mr Jim Ford said.
The completion of stage 2, designed by local Architects, Bold Architecture & Interior Design with construction being completed by Fergus Builders, consists of 2 new buildings known as Kappa and Theta Blocks and comprises 16 new learning hubs, including a new Technology Learning Centre.
College Principal Mr Jim Ford said he was extremely pleased with the completion of the second stage and was delighted to see planning concepts gradually transformed into bricks and mortar and finished off as beautifully designed, teaching and learning spaces.
“The College looks amazing with a blend of the refurbished old and the stylish new, and we acknowledge the State Government’s significant contribution towards this second construction phase along with the local Catholic Community,” Mr Ford said.
Catherine McAuley College now in its third year of operation has this year grown to a student enrolment of 431 with 68 staff, including 21 new staff this year. Year 7 enrolments this year have exceeded expectations with 157 in total. Forward planning will see the addition of a new year level each year until the College reaches its expected capacity enrolment of 1200 students in Years 7-12 by 2027.
Caption: Blessing and opening of Stage 2 at Catherine McAuley College, a significant occasion for education in Mackay. Photos supplied
