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St John Fisher College Bracken Ridge has unveiled an impressive redevelopment of their Hospitality and Design facilities, as Stage One of their Master Plan. Officially Opened and Blessed by Fr Gerry Heffernan, Principal Catherine Galvin welcomed Deputy Executive Director Dr Doug Ashleigh and fellow BCE principals for a momentous event, which included an Acknowledgment of Country by Uncle David Miller, hymn by the College choir, and a performance by Senior music students.
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With this being one of the final BCE Opening and Blessings for Dr Doug Ashleigh to attend, he shared how he felt like “he was meant to be here”, noting a strong connection to the mural adorning the side of the Mercedes building. This mural is a stunning artwork by Joel Fergie ‘The Zookeeper’ with additions by the St John Fisher College’s Cultural Liaison Officer and First Nations artist Jess Tedim. Dr Ashleigh was also surprised with an “Eternal Optimist Award” by Principal Galvin and enjoyed a tour of these modern and innovative facilities following the opening and blessing.
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Hospitality students proudly served tea from the refurbished Maggie’s Café; named after the magnolia bush which is a strong symbol of resilience for the Mercy Sisters in Brisbane.
“As a testament to this enduring faith, all proceeds from the Café will go towards supporting Mercy Works, and since opening for business, Maggie's has already raised more than $1000 for various charities,” said Principal Catherine Galvin.
Morning tea was also served in front of their new commercial kitchens and food technology spaces, prepared using produce grown on campus in the raised garden beds.
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“Staff and students are benefiting from this redevelopment, growing fresh ingredients which is our own micro-version of paddock to plate,” the Principal added.
A modern design hub also forms part of this new Mercedes Building & Magnolia Place Precinct, supporting students with state-of-the-art technology including 3D printers, a laser cutter and engraver, sewing machines, prototyping materials to test new designs, and lightboards to share and communicate ideas – all set in a flexible learning space which flows from indoors to outdoors.
“These spaces are pivotal to teaching, challenging, and transforming here at St John Fisher College,” Dr Ashleigh said.
“There are endless educational opportunities and a place that allows students to develop real-world skills and creativity. I know this space will be filled with many special memories for years to come and will create a sense of accomplishment that comes with learning a new skill.”