In order to fully appreciate a gift, one must not see it as an entitlement, John XXIII principal, Anne Fry told those gathered for the opening of its Sports Centre on February 22.
During the opening, naming and blessing ceremony for the $5.5 million St Louis Sports Centre, Mrs Fry reminded attendees of schools around the world which do not have access to even the most basic structures to house teachers and students.
“I say this not to minimise our enjoyment of this wonderful gymnasium,” she explained. “Indeed, I say it to make sure we appreciate it fully, use it to the maximum and care for it so it becomes an enduring asset not only to our current students but for those who follow”.
Construction of the initiative, of which $3 million came from the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution Program, began in December 2011.
Mrs Fry acknowledged and thanked those who contributed to the project, including the “creativity and competence” of architects, the “capable hands” of the builders and the commitment of individuals and committees whose many hours of work are “hidden in the bricks and mortar of this building”.
The opening was attended by 1,500 current students, 250 staff and 150 guests, including seven members of the original St Louis school that was established in 1938.
Also in attendance was Fr Daven Day SJ, the first Principal of John XXIII in 1977, who blessed the new premises.
The name ‘St Louis’ was given to the Sports Centre as a sign of recognition of the service of the Jesuits to the school community over the past 75 years, Mrs Fry said.
“We were very conscious of wanting a name that continued to tell our Ignation story,” she explained.
“We wanted a name that captured our pride in being the successor to the great schools from which we came – Loreto and St Louis”.
The building, which has incorporated numerous sustainable practices such as energy efficient LED lighting, re-used steel, timber and tiles from the old gym and motion detecting lighting and balconies to reduce heat, will be used for a wide range of activities.
Des Hardiman, one of the Project Managers told The Record that as well as catering for the physical education needs of all students, the building would be utilised for other purposes, including school assemblies, Year 12 valedictory dinners, speech nights, sporting competitions, staff facilities, weights room and a therapy room for students with special needs.
In conclusion, Mrs Fry emphasised the spiritual foundation on which the school and new centre have been built.
“The legacy of the Jesuits to our college is immeasurable,” she said.
“May the new addition be always a place where we may pray together and play fairly for the greater glory of God.”