Excitement is building at Mary MacKillop College, Nundah as the College opens its doors to its new McCormack facility. These upgrades mark a new chapter in the College’s commitment to fostering collaborative learning environments that increase student engagement and inspire active participation in lessons.
Unveiling the McCormack building
The three-story facility boasts an undercroft area with amenities, classrooms, a library, and cutting-edge designated STEM lab on the upper level.
The library features a classroom, two seminar rooms, and a meeting room, plus views of Brisbane Port and the Nundah area.
Upstairs, students can access a fully equipped STEM makerspace, complete with a design studio, including 3D printers.
“The girls are absolutely thrilled with the new facilities, which offer state-of-the-art resources and a more comfortable, modern space for their studies and activities,” Erin said.
“It’s not just a new building.
“The spaces also went through a refurbishment process, transforming the building into flexible, open-plan environments designed to support collaboration and engagement among learners.”
The McCormack building is named in honour of Josephite Sister Irene McCormack.
Despite its new location, the library has kept its former name, The Tenison Woods Library, in honour of Father Tenison Woods who co-founded The Sisters of St Joseph with St Mary MacKillop.
Maryvale classrooms
Erin adds, “Our former Tenison Woods Library has been reimagined and transformed into two vibrant Maryvale classrooms.
“Each classroom has been fitted with brand new furniture and designed with open plan learning in mind—fostering further student engagement,” she said.
“This area also includes two new meeting rooms for staff and students.”
Innovation Project
“These spaces also support our College’s Innovation Project, which is a major focus for our learners in the middle years (Year 7 to 9),” Erin said.
“These new facilities allow our educators the space to engage students in active learning.
“We want students up, using their bodies to learn—moving, collaborating, and thinking critically.
“These spaces make this vision a reality.
“We are already seeing greater engagement, leading to improved student outcomes.”
College growth
“With enrolment numbers currently at 620 and continuing to rise, the new facilities will help meet the growing demands of our local community,” Erin said.
“The STEM markers space will ensure we are also preparing the girls for jobs of the future.
“Jobs in engineering, technology, robotics, and design are rapidly evolving, and these spaces will give students the opportunity to build their skills, confidence, and creativity in these booming industries.
“These enhancements are a testament to our College’s commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for our students.”
As part of the facilities upgrades, a new car park is set to be completed, with an expected completion date of approximately September 2025.
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©Brisbane Catholic Education, Mary MacKillop College, Nundah (2025).