ARCHBISHOP Mark Coleridge has blessed and officially opened Stage 2 of St Joseph's College, Coomera, adding another milestone to the college's continuing story.
Archbishop Coleridge joined State Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan, (representing State Education Minister Grace Grace) and Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Deputy Executive Director Dr Doug Ashleigh to unveil a plaque marking the official opening of new classrooms, specialty labs and a library.
The Prep to Year 12 college, which welcomed its first students in 2019, will eventually cater to more than 1,800 students.
Archbishop Coleridge said it was Jesus and St Joseph, whom the college was named after, who would guide staff to teach, challenge and transform the lives of students into the future.
Dr Ashleigh told those gathered it was significant to have a blessing of St Joseph College buildings in the Year of St Joseph and in the presence of the Sisters of St Joseph.
He said BCE schools were built on a foundation of faith.
“Archbishop Mark's words remind us that faith is at the heart of our vision for our schools to be faith-filled learning communities who are creating a better future for the students in our care," he said.
He told the students it was they who would bring the new buildings to life.
“These classrooms are yours to learn and grow; the specialty labs are yours to experiment and discover new things and the library yours to explore the glorious world of literature.
“I wish you well as you continue your learning journey here at St Joseph's, a place where you will be nurtured to have the courage to love, learn and serve," he said.
Dr Ashleigh said it took a lot of resourcing to build a school.
“We are greatly appreciative of the partnership with government which has enabled Stage 2 of the college to become a reality," he said.
“This made possible with a further $10million from the State Government and $2million from the Archdiocesan Development Fund and, on behalf of BCE, I would like to thank them for their support to further develop this wonderful school.
He also acknowledged the leadership and commitment of Foundation Principal Paul Begg, and his college staff.
Archbishop Coleridge blessed crosses that will hang in St Joseph's new Stage 2 buildings
Mr Begg said the blessing of Stage 2 added to the college's story of growth and learning and the opportunities of the children of the Coomera, Pimpama community to dream big and shape their journey.
"We have a clear vision and purpose for the children in our school and the broader community in which we live.
“Our goal is to be an educational institution strong in our identity, delivering excellent opportunities and outcomes for our students and families and in turn shaping this young community it's attitudes, values into a place we can call home.
“I trust that, in years to come, we will continue to grow and develop as people through the vision of this great school - to always move forward with a heart that is willing to love, learn and serve," he said.
He said the commitment in the first two years from staff, students and parents while building works were in progress had been energising.
“To have so many people support what we are trying to achieve here is very important," he said.