The new gymnasium has been a real game changer for our community. It has allowed a focus on participation in sporting activities, enabling more students to be physically active and involved. The Parents & Friends sponsored strength and conditioning space is becoming more widely used. It is so important to demystify gym equipment, learn about nutrition and how to develop cardio and weights programs effectively and safely.
Classes have been making use of the new learning spaces, with rooms set up for direct instruction and dedicated zones where students can branch off for individual quiet work or group project hubs. The flexible, high quality and comfortable furniture has more of a university feel than a typical classroom. I couldn’t have imagined something so nice when I was in high school.
There is much higher engagement in assemblies and gatherings now that we can all come together in one space again. Student involvement is much higher now, with:
- a student operated stream team providing live close-ups broadcast to the giant LED screen during assemblies
- live music with bands having an opportunity to perform
- dynamic performances for whole school liturgies
- student assembly processions showcasing the learning and pastoral areas of our community
- the ability to continue large scale events during wet weather
- speakers inviting audience engagement, including the Student Executive using a roving microphone during speeches
- all 1,400 members of our community joining together in applause to celebrate achievements and recognise those who demonstrate courage, faith and excellence.
The recent NAIDOC Assembly was a powerful example of impactful messages delivered to a live audience. Olman Walley was able to connect with language, laughs and music during a Welcome to Country, and being able to gather and hear the didgeridoo played by such a performer was fantastic. Phillip Walley-Stack then presented a powerful message about racism, identity, culture and following your dreams. As he encouraged audience participation, you could see students’ ears prick up and heads turn to get a better look. The ripple effect of recognition, and the way hearts and minds were engaged across the audience, has not been felt by our whole school community for a number of years.
The gymnasium space has helped bring our community together. The Flores Quiz Night was a massive hit, with plenty of space for tables and stalls to raise money for Flores Village Partners, a charity helping to develop education, health and water access in rural Indonesia. Past students who went on the Flores Immersion Tour came back to run the event and were blown away by the new facility and the way it helped bring people together. Families and friends of Year 7s were also able to gather to walk through the student Ignite projects, creating meaningful opportunities to improve engagement across the school and wider community and a fantastic end to the project week.
The contribution of families over many years made possible the construction of the new gymnasium. The activities and opportunities available to our students have grown through the new facility, with plenty more exciting developments still to come.
