On Wednesday 7 August, the Merici College community gathered for the opening and blessing of the newly renovated Angela Brady Administration Centre.
Mrs Anna Masters, Merici College Principal, acknowledged the tremendous importance of this very special occasion. “Today marks an auspicious moment in the history of our school as we gather to bless and officially open the newly enhanced Angela Brady Administration Centre. This centre stands as a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for our students and staff, embodying the values and mission of Saint Angela Merici.
All learning must have as its final purpose to bring us to a knowledge of the truth and to the worship of the one true God. Today, as we give thanks, we ask for God’s blessing on this centre of seeking, our newly renovated Angela Brady Administration Centre, which will continue to serve both our college and the wider community for many years to come.
We pray that those entrusted with the education of our young women will always teach their students to join the discoveries of human wisdom with the truth of the Gospel, enabling them to keep the faith and live up to it in their lives. May the students find in their teachers and all staff members the image of Christ, so that, enriched with both human and divine learning, they will, in turn, be ready and able to enlighten and assist others throughout life.
May the service provided by our dedicated staff members to the Merici community reflect our commitment to faith, excellence, and compassion. Let this building be a place where our mission to educate, inspire, and nurture the young minds entrusted to us is carried out with unwavering dedication and love.
As we proceed with today’s ceremony, let us remember the vision and hard work that has brought this project to fruition. Let us also keep in our hearts and prayers the legacy of Angela Brady, whose name this centre proudly bears. Angela was the first female lay principal of a Catholic Secondary School in the ACT and was principal between 1979 and 1989. Her contributions and spirit continue to inspire us.”
Mrs Masters thanked Fr Renoir for his uplifting liturgy and our guests, staff, students, and members of the Merici College community.
- Natalie Harper, CE
- Geoff Whitnall, CE
- Nick Pelle, Oztal Architects
- Jack Jones, Oztal Architects
- Arron Binutti, Binutti Constructions
- Anne-Marie Cooper, Community Council Chair
- Richard Ko, Giraffe Studio Canberra
- Shane Hemsworth, Giraffe Studio Canberra
Mr Adrian Heim, Business Manager presented the background behind the building works and process of remodelling the Administration Centre. “Remodelling the admin area had its inception several years ago. The need to improve line of sight and supervision of students as part of our collective duty of care of students in catholic education was identified early on. But more than that, as a community of staff, collaboration and connections were impeded by the separation of staff into boxed cubicles. Some had access to natural light, some didn’t. Apart from being separated, it felt like we had our backs to the school. With 3 parallel corridors into the college, the physical way into the nerve centre of our school was confusing for visitors. Strangely, a storeroom occupied what is arguably the best position and most important piece of real estate in the college, which is now student services desk. “
Mr Heim noted that with arrival of new leadership, the project grew in objectives its and therefore its complexities, and in detail, and its cost. So much about it became about what meets our student needs best, and breaking open space to get a look into the school.
“It became very important to get it right. And when it became clear it was more than about moving a few walls around and our local builder Paul Walker graciously admitted ‘it’s beyond me mate’, the architects Oztal Architects stepped in and tender process began,” noted Mr Heim.
Mr Heim added that what followed was a comprehensive process of consultation and compiling and drafting of ideas. The plan was worked and refined over and over. We unashamedly took a leaf out of the CE Manuka’s design for an open, collaborative workspace that is explicitly future proof.
“Now thanks to the efforts of Nick Pelle and Jack Jones from Oztal Architects, Arron Binutti and his team of builders at Binutti Constructions, all of those involved in the Project Control Group, Anna Masters, Geoff Whitnall, Mark Fritz, Trent Cannell, Susan Anderson, as well as all the staff who played a role behind the scenes or indirectly in its development and specification, staff from Finance and Strategy at Catholic Education, for sharing our enthusiasm and believing in our vision to approve this project and make it happen, together we stand here looking at a terrific outcome. The interactions in the space capture the vibe of Merici College perfectly and is now finally a magnificent first impression of our college for visitors. It is genuinely enhanced the fun and energy to work in admin space for our staff.
It remains known as the Angela Brady Administration Centre and now includes the Christine Collins Finance office, in memory of our beloved sisters who gave so much of their hearts to making Merici College.
We are truly blessed.
Full image gallery here, https://merici.news/view-galleries/opening-and-blessing-angela-brady-adm…
