Catherine McAuley students to make the most of their new BER spaces

Bishop Anthony Fisher OP blessed the newly constructed $13.4 million learning spaces

A representation of students particpated in the ceremony which was also live streamed to classrooms

On Tuesday 5 June, an opening and blessing ceremony was held at Catherine McAuley Westmead to officially open the newly constructed $13.4 million general learning areas and specialist facilities for technical and applied studies funded under the Australian Government’s Building the Education Revolution (BER) Program, the Catholic Block Grant Authority capital works program, and through local contributions from the Parramatta Diocesan school building levy.

Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP blessed the new building named in honour of former principal and Catherine McAuley archivist, Sister Barbara McDonough, which was officially opened by the executive director of schools, Greg Whitby.

Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, Fr Wim Hoekstra, welcomed the school and parish community, as well as special guests including State Member for Parramatta, Dr Geoff Lee and Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Lorraine Wearne, Sr Mary-Louise Petro representing Sisters of Mercy Congregational Leader, Sr Catherine Ryan, representatives from Thomson Adsett Architects and Zadro Constructions and principals from neighbouring Catholic schools. Former principal, Sr Barbara McDonough rsm was guest of honour at the ceremony, with the newly constructed building being named in her honour.

Bishop Anthony said school was a formative time for young people.

‘These new buildings provide you with solid foundations for learning and your Catholic education is providing you with the spiritual foundation for life,’ said Bishop Anthony.

Executive director of schools, Greg Whitby, thanked the Australian Government for their investment in education.

‘The new building and hospitality kitchen are wonderful contributions to our journey as a system of schools in the Parramatta diocese,’ said Greg. ‘I thank the state and federal governments, teachers and parents for their investment in Catholic education.’

Principal Margery Jackman expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the project and encouraged the students to make the most of their new learning spaces.  

‘These are your buildings. They have been built for you, and you will, I know, make the most of the wonderful facilities they provide,’ said Margery.

(from left) Sr Barbara McDonough rsm, Margery Jackman, Bishop Anthony Fisher OP and Fr Wim Hoekstra.

Executive director of schools, Greg Whitby thanked State and Federal Governments for their investment in education

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