New hall for St Pats’ performers

WITHIN two years, St Patrick’s College students will be able to gather, perform and learn in a new multipurpose centre, financially supported by the State government.

Through their Non-Government Schools Capital Fund, the State will inject $2 million into the $13.2 million project, which will see the construction of an assembly hall set to accommodate 2000 people, an auditorium, and specialty performing arts learning spaces for musical and dramatic tuition.

Acting principal, Stephen Hill was grateful for the “outstanding” financial contribution.

“This is going to make a significant difference to the students, to the staff, the SPC community, and the wider community, contributing to a program around the arts, but also a space for us to gather as a school,” he said.

“At the moment, our boys are involved in anything from small ensembles, like our brass band, all the way through to our larger ensembles, like symphonic wind. Depending on the year, the ensemble numbers range between 50 and 70 musicians.

“From the drama side of things, in a normal year we have a co-production with Loreto, where we’d typically have between 40 and 50 boys involved, whether on-stage or backstage. The hope is that we can accommodate the performance of our co-production in the new multipurpose centre.”

Year 10 student, James Clark said his peers are excited, looking ahead to their VCE years when they can make the most of the new facility.

“We’re all so thrilled to hear this news and for the commitment the State government has shown to us,” he said.

“St Patrick’s College is a great, tight-knit school, so I think the inclusive community centre, where performing arts and assemblies can come together, will take this to new heights.

“It’s also exciting for students that will be coming to the school over future years.”

Old Collegian, Luke Jarvis, is the architect of the project, which will also include the creation of more car parking, landscaping and all-weather play surfaces.

The school’s projected enrolment figures are at 1500 in the coming years, considering Ballarat’s westward growth.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said the funding injection is part of a broader commitment to students across Ballarat.

“One third of Victorian students attend catholic and independent schools, and our government strongly believes that it’s important we support not only the government sector, but the non-government sector,” she said.

Previously, St Francis Xavier Primary School in Ballarat East received $2 million from the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund.