15 September 2023

John Paul College, Frankston, has celebrated the official opening of two new state-of-the-art buildings.

‘Our students are the reason for all the hard work that has gone into bringing this project to fruition’, said Principal John Visentin at the recent opening of the college’s new senior learning building and food technology building. ‘We want them to have the best spaces and conditions to thrive, and the way they have embraced their learning in these facilities is an indication that we’ve got a lot right in our planning.’

The senior learning building, the Chaminade Centre, is a double-storey building comprising 11 classrooms, breakout spaces, study nooks, a large presentation space, meeting rooms, common area, staff offices and amenities, and is complemented by covered outdoor spaces. The upgraded food technology building will give students a taste of what working in a commercial kitchen is like, with two large kitchens, a food preparation and storage room, three theory classrooms, an alfresco and outdoor learning space, and a productive garden.

Most Rev Anthony Ireland, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, blessed the new buildings at an opening ceremony for the college community with students, current and former staff, as well as representatives from architect ClarkeHopkinsClarke, builder Melbcon, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and local primary schools.

The senior learning building is named in honour of Marianist founder, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade. ‘We are hopeful that all who learn and work in these facilities will be mindful of the example of Fr Chaminade to persevere and to follow God’s invitation to a deeper relationship with him’, said Mr Visentin.