Our everyday experiences can be enhanced by the places and spaces we inhabit. On Wednesday, the Kolbe Catholic College community gathered in our new double gymnasium for a truly historic moment—the Blessing and Official Opening of the latest developments completed under Stages 15 and 16 of the College Masterplan. Students, staff, families, special guests, and representatives from Catholic Education Western Australia came together in celebration and gratitude for the transformation of our learning and community spaces.
These spaces provide state of the art facilities for students to be able to thrive and develop their unique God given talents. With a range of new and renovated facilities, there are more opportunities for students to develop their personal excellence and have the courage to take on new opportunities.
Stage 15 included a full renovation of the Performing Arts precinct, expanding and modernising the dance studio, music rooms, black box theatre, and student changerooms. This stage also delivered the new cafeteria, Physical Education offices, additional student changerooms, and spacious new classrooms.
Stage 16 began with the demolition of the former Sports Hall and the construction of the expansive double gymnasium we now proudly call home. This final stage also includes four new classrooms, additional storerooms, and the Parent & Friends sponsored weights and fitness room, which will support both curriculum and extracurricular sport well into the future.
Having celebrated the Eucharist together, the community then joined in blessing the crucifixes that will be placed in each new classroom and learning space.
The blessing reminded us that while these buildings support learning and achievement, they also nurture formation, wisdom, and faith—pillars at the core of a Kolbe Catholic education.
We extend our sincere thanks to Fr Giovanni for leading this special moment.
We were honoured to welcome Ms Magenta Marshall MLA, Member for Rockingham, who delivered the special guest address and acknowledged the College’s longstanding contribution to education in the region. Ms Marshall encouraged all students to participate in sport and develop their mind, spirit and bodies.
Our gratitude also extends to Ms Julie Hornby, Deputy Executive Director of Catholic Education Western Australia, who officially opened the new buildings on behalf of CEWA. Following the opening, Mr Neil Alweyn, School Improvement Advisor and substantive Principal of Kolbe Catholic College, unveiled the designs of the commemorative plaques marking this milestone.
The opening ceremony bought together students, staff, parents, friends, past Principal’s, and our local Parish priests. A community event which enabled us to honour the past whilst also celebrating the beginning of a new school year in fantastic facilities.
The opening of these buildings marks the completion of the current College Masterplan—one that began with bold hopes in 1989 and now continues to shape a vibrant, dynamic future for Kolbe Catholic College.
These new spaces are more than structures. They are places of learning, community, faith, and inspiration. They are gifts for our students today, and for the generations that will follow.
We thank all who contributed to this moment and look forward with excitement to the next chapter in the life of our College.