Held online due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony opened the Stage 2a project building, which includes general learning areas, community gathering spaces, art spaces, media production areas, studios and reception.
Like the college's Stage One building, it was designed by architect Ken Woodman, who said connecting with Yorta Yorta culture was vital in the development.
“The Yorta Yorta totem of the long-necked turtle has been embedded into the design. The roof form suggests the plates of the turtle shell with the verandahs being the upturned wings of the shell and the new entry canopy being the neck of the turtle extending from the building,” Mr Woodman said.
“Further Yorta Yorta references have been made with the creation of a fire-coloured corroboree in the flooring of the new stage, a waterhole which also represents Walters Park waterhole off the Goulburn River, the form of the artificial mounds representing people, and the use of River Red Gum in the materials used.
“There is a reduced-scale version of the Goulburn and Broken rivers which flow metaphorically through the new stage, flowing from a fountain, and physically in the stormwater courses to the dam.”
At the opening, principal Susan Carroll said the school - which now features Foundation, Years 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 - was continuing to flourish.
“There are so many people that have contributed to the development of St Anne's College, and this next stage brings us closer to the realisation of a fully-operational Foundation to Year 12 college,” she said.
“We are all very excited to see where the journey takes us.”
Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said the facilities allowed students to be actively involved in their education, urging students to set high expectations and get the most out of their schooling.
Year 9 Yorta Yorta student Alli Morgan performed a Welcome to Country while fellow Year 9s Megan Okely, Cooper Walker, Ava Rosella, Dante Mori, Emily Zampaglione and Taigue Mitchell said the Prayers of the Faithful. Year 8 student Alick Jarvis unveiled the official opening plaque with Mrs Carroll.
Bishop of Sandhurst Most Reverend Shane Mackinlay also led prayers.
The building, which has been used since the beginning of the year, cost $6 million, with $3 million in funding from the Federal Government's Capital Grants Program.
“It is great to hear about the positive impact the new facilities will have not only for students, but staff as well,” Mr Drum said.
“St Anne’s College has a wonderful school community, led by principal Sue Carroll, and the new classrooms and arts area will further enhance the learning environment.
“The Federal Government is ensuring that every child gets a quality education no matter where they go to school.”
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