Corpus Christi College in Bateman has officially commenced construction of its new multi-purpose aquatic centre.
The “turning of the soil” took place in a special ceremony prior to the co-educational school’s annual “Burgundy, White and Blue” sports dinner on Thursday 31 October, with alumni and the College Board in attendance.
Present for the formalities were Acting Principal Frank Italiano, College Board Chair Darren Cutri, Business Manager Sharon Carmichael, 2020 Head Boy Byron Devene, 2020 Head Girl Sophie Steel, as well as 2020 Sports Prefects Thomas Stephenson and Sophie Jones.
Claire Coten, Swimming Captain and Class of 2017, had the privilege of breaking ground.
The much-anticipated facility will be equipped with a covered eight-lane, heated 25m multi-purpose lap/water polo pool with a depth of 2m, as well as a 12m “learn to swim” pool and tiered seating for 180.
The build is slated for completion at the end of Term Three 2020, ahead of the competitive swimming season.
Described as the next stage of the College’s current capital development plan, Mr Italiano explained that the building of a swimming pool has been a part of the future vision of the College since the 1990s.
“I want to acknowledge not just the current board but all the people who’ve come before,” Mr Italiano stated.
“This project has been something that Principal Caroline Payne has been championing for a long time, not only at the board level but with staff and at the community level.
“On her behalf, it is a wonderful occasion that we’ve got to this point,” he continued.
With 1300 students across Years 7 to 12, the co-educational College has long enjoyed a strong sports culture.
After years of utilising pools at local leisure centres, the Bateman-located college hopes the new centre will develop the students’ aquatic skills and facilitate more rigorous training for the swimming and water polo squads.
The aquatic centre will complete the Dean Rd precinct of the school, which already includes the recently unveiled College Theatre, the refurbished James Nestor Centre, the David Heath Community Centre and gymnasium opened in 2016, and the existing hard courts.
Mr Cutri acknowledged the support of the whole college community, including the families that have been and are here as a part of the process, as well as those involved in the planning.
“It is really important to have great facilities for our students going into the future,” Mr Cutri said.
“I look forward to us winning trophies at the water polo and in the swimming.”