School unveils performing arts centre

LIVE music from student performers carried across the grounds of St Patrick’s College on Monday from the institution’s new performing arts centre.

The doors were officially opened on the $20 million facilities as part of a launch earlier this week following more than five years of development.

“I believe we have some magnificent resources around the college but in terms of our performing arts, that was an area we were keen to improve,” said school principal Steven O’Connor.

“Our performing arts has always been strong but we were keen to lift and improve the opportunities for the boys.

“It’s been lovely to see the response from the boys. We’ve already seen an increased number wanting to get into music and drama which is wonderful.”

St Pat’s principal Steven O’Connor and Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, unveiled the school’s performing arts centre and auditorium on Monday.

The new centre brings the school’s music, theatre, and live performance amenities to one location, with the institution’s performing arts components previously dotted about campus.

Located at the Wanliss Street side of the college and delivered by local contractors Nicholson Construction, the centre boasts an auditorium with more than 800 retractable seats, which will also be used for school assemblies.

Adding to that is a black box drama theatre, as well as four teaching spaces, five tuition studios, and three music spaces as well as landscaping works.

The centre is fronted by an art piece depicting Catholic missionary and educationalist Edmund Ignatius Rice, and his friend Mary Power.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison officiated the centre’s opening with a plaque unveiling.

The centre’s entrance features bronze statues created by artist Jenny Steiner.

She said the centre, and in particular the new auditorium, is a public testament to the school’s commitment to the arts.

“The auditorium with seating of up to 800 guests provides somewhere for the college and wider community to come together to celebrate the school’s achievements,” she said.

“Before I became a member of Parliament, I had a career as a teacher, which I loved, just across Wanliss Street, so from my perspective as an educator, I am in awe of the potential of what surrounds us.”

The upgrade was supported with $2 million from the State Government.