On Thursday 16 May, the College’s Executive Leadership Team, Prefects and special guests gathered to officially open the newest addition to our College facilities, the Flexible Learning Centre.
Principal John Bormolini warmly welcomed Perth Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, (now former) Executive Director of CEWA Wayne Bull, College Chaplain Fr Fr Zygmunt Wloczek SDS, Chair of the School Advisory Council, Glen Jacobsen and Wheelchairs For Kids founder and former student Brother Olly Pickett.
Mr Bull commenced the proceedings by addressing those present, acknowledging the work of Mr Bormolini in leading the project from its inception to completion.
Mr Bull also thanked Mr Bormolini for his 12 years of dedicated leadership at Chisholm Catholic College.
The heart of the ceremony was the Blessing of the Centre, presided over by Bishop Sproxton.
During the Prayers of the Faithful, those present gave thanks for the many blessings God has granted the College community and for the gift of great facilities that serve the education of the young people.
Bishop Sproxton then blessed each classroom with holy water.
In his address, Mr Bormolini extended his gratitude to all who were present and those who contributed to the planning and construction of the project, including Site Architecture Studio, Sanpro Construction, the School Advisory Council, the College Grounds and Maintenance staff, the Chisholm Master Plan Steering Group, CEWA, Chisholm staff and community members.
When asked about the new building and the ceremony, Bishop Sproxton, a former student of St Mark’s (one of the two Chisholm’s heritage schools), shared he was very grateful to receive the invitation to be present for the occasion.
“I’d seen the building as it was being constructed bit by bit on my last couple of visits to the College, so I was quite excited to receive the invitation to come and be part of the opening and blessing,” Bishop Sproxton said.
“It’s a great addition to the school’s facilities. Of course, the school is huge now compared to the one I visited many, many years ago. It’s wonderful to see that we have the facilities to serve education,” he continued.
Guests also took the opportunity to admire two magnificent murals, completed in time for the occasion.
Painted by artist Jerome Davenport from Blank Walls, the works of art contribute to the existing outdoor installations and add vibrancy and colour to the oval side of the College.
They offer a glimpse into Chisholm’s heritage and a snapshot of contemporary student life.
2025 Australian Senior of the Year and 2025 Western Australian Senior of the Year, Brother Olly Pickett, a regular and well-loved guest of the College who is also part of our Chisholm heritage, is featured in one of the murals.
“I can’t believe it, absolutely magnificent. I said to John, I can’t believe you even thought of me to put up there,” Br Olly shared, upon seeing the mural.
“It’s lovely to be here. I was honoured to attend, and I really enjoyed the ceremony today. This is such a beautiful building; the students are so lucky to have it,” he added.
Construction of the Flexible Learning Centre began in late 2023 and was completed in December 2024.
The two-storey facility was built on the former visitor carpark on Beaufort Place, next to the College Chapel.
The Centre serves as a versatile facility for examinations and House or Year Group assemblies.
Outside of exam periods, it is used daily for classroom teaching and learning across various courses, primarily for Senior students.
Head Prefects, Maia Securo and Declan Carlson, reflected that they feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to use this new, modern and well-designed learning space.
“The new Flexible Learning Centre has become a valuable resource to us, offering a calm and focused environment that supports both our classwork and exam preparation,” the students highlighted.
“It encourages both our independent learning and collaboration with peers with its relaxed and versatile setting,” they continued.
Having access to the new building has made a notable difference to our studies, providing both structure and flexibility that supports everyone’s learning needs.”
Since the beginning of this year, students have made great use of the Centre.
They appreciate its contemporary, tertiary-like environment.
The building hosted its first examinations in Semester One and has been the venue for various events, including the Year 12 Seminar Day.
The College Homework Help programme also uses the facility for after-school study.