Star of the Sea School opens new chapter this Book Week

As schools across Australia celebrate Children's Book Week (22 to 28 August), Star of the Sea School, Merrimac is marking an exciting milestone in its journey with the Blessing and Opening of its new library and learning hub.

For a school that officially opened its doors in 2022, the library represents far more than a building. It is an important step in the school's continuing growth and development, providing students with a dedicated space to foster a love of reading, learning, and connection, while planning progresses for a future purpose-built library, due to be completed by 2029/2030.

Bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the school grounds, the contemporary library has been thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of reading. Open-plan learning spaces encourage collaboration, dedicated reading nooks invite students to get lost in a good book, and flexible furniture and workspaces allow the environment to adapt to a range of learning experiences. The library also welcomes students to engage in new reading resources and games like chess.  

Star of the Sea School Principal Tony Barron said the timing could not be more fitting.  

“At Star of the Sea, the blessing and opening of a purpose-built library during Book Week is a reminder that every great learning journey begins with a story,” he said.  

Tony adds that the school was established with a vision of becoming a thriving Prep to Year 6 campus and is master-planned to accommodate approximately 550 to 580 students in the future.  

“The new library forms part of Stage 2 of the school's five-stage master plan and sits alongside a range of infrastructure improvements designed to support future growth,” he said.  

“As the school community continues to watch the campus evolve, the library stands as a visible symbol of Star of the Sea's commitment to investing in contemporary learning environments that prepare students for the future.”  

Alongside the blessing and opening of the new library, Star of the Sea School also celebrates a significant suite of new facilities, including an undercover physical education area, administration building, multipurpose spaces, canteen, student amenities, covered lunch areas, maintenance facilities, connecting walkways, and new Prep learning and covered spaces.  

The Australian Government has contributed $8.048m through the Capital Grants Program to assist with this project.  

For more information about Star of the Sea School, Merrimac or to enrol, click here.

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Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book Week  

Book Week is an annual event celebrated by schools, libraries, and communities to promote literacy and the joy of reading among children. For more information about the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book Week, click here.

Image caption: Star of the Sea School, Merrimac's new library and learning hub. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Star of the Sea School, Merrimac (2026).