Blessing made for place of learning

SIENA Catholic Primary School’s two hundred students gathered on Wednesday morning for a special blessing.

Their multipurpose room, used for sport, performances, assemblies, play and more, was officially opened by Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, and Bishop of Ballarat, Paul Bird.

The bishop blessed the building, and the learners and workers within it, with holy water.

“We dedicate this building to the education of youth and to the progress of learning,” he said.

“Make it become a centre where students and teachers, inspired with the words of truth, will search for the wisdom that guides the Christian life, and strive wholeheartedly to stand by Christ as their teacher.”

The project was funded with $300,000 from the school, and $1.5 million from the State Government.

“It’s really important we celebrate today, with the blessings and celebrations,” Ms Haylett said.

“As great as this building is, the most important thing is what you, the students, achieve in this building.

“At first, it might just seem like a gym and a multipurpose hall, but hopefully by now, you’ve all started to see all the potential that can be unlocked in one incredible building.

“In this space, Siena Primary School’s next sports star or actor might be discovered, and they’ll use this space to train hard.”

Principal Chris Kavanagh said the project took much time, effort, and teamwork to happen, and thanked the State, Y2Architecture, Searle Bros Building, Berne Fleming Civil, the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education, and the City of Ballarat.

“A special thank you to our children, staff, and parents, as we build Siena, piece-by-piece,” he said. “There’s always something going on with building, machinery, or fences, but you deal with it so well.”

Since opening six years ago, Siena’s enrolment numbers have grown by 130 pupils.