STUDENTS at Augustine’s College, Augustine Heights, are getting a head start on future career pathways with the opening of a new contemporary Senior Years Hub.
Featuring modern facilities and flexible furniture usually reserved for tertiary campuses, the open and unique learning environment will help students in Years 10-12 plan their futures.
The
senior students will enjoy the benefits of seminar rooms, meeting
rooms, an auditorium, a recharge zone with a kitchen, and a deck
over-looking the campus with support from Career Pathways, Guidance Counsellor and pastoral staff located in the same building.
Since opening in 2003, the college had gone through
rapid growth and the blessing of the Senior Years Hub was another big
step in the history of the college.
BCE Executive Director Pam Betts officially opened the contemporary learning space following a blessing by Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Springfield, Parish Priest Fr Mauro Conte.
Miss Betts and 2019 college captain Alex Banlusack also unveiled a contemporary painting of St Augustine by artist Jen Norton to special guests including the BCE Leadership Team, State Member for Jordan, Charis Mullen, and Federal Member for Oxley, Milton Dick.
Assistant Principal for Religious Education Years 7-12, Simon McAndrew, said the painting reflected the vision of the Senior Years Hub as a place of welcome and pathways.
“We wanted to capture this by embracing the story of Augustine - who in his own life faced many choices, pathways, and restlessness,” Mr McAndrew said.
“This image aims to inspire our Senior Years students who are also searching.”
Fr Conte also blessed a First Nations and an El Salvadorian cross that will find a home in the hub
Principal Graham Meertens said with modern teaching practices creating a shift in education and the way curriculum was delivered, there was a need to provide more accessible, collaborative and visible learning spaces to engage all students.
Staff and students were invited to share their ideas and opinions on the new facility prior to construction.
Many participated in workshops run by a Brisbane consulting agency with feedback used by architects who also integrated the college’s Augustinian values into the design.
The seminar rooms - Ostia one and two - were named after the town in Rome where St Augustine had a spiritual religious experience he described as a mystical touch from God.
Occurring around the time he was baptised, Augustine then returned to North Africa where he would set up his community, become a priest and later a bishop.
Mr Meertens said with students also learning holistically in the new facility, it was important to have this Catholic connection in the hub.
Miss Betts said the Senior Years Hub was a wonderful example of both educational design and community connection that was about creating a better future for students and staff.
She said the hub showcased how BCE schools were embracing change and identifying innovative ways to best support students, so they succeeded in both school and life.
“I hope all who pass through this hub will be inspired to as they completed their education at St Augustine’s College in this wonderful new facility,” she said.