A Drouin school recently unveiled a new learning centre, STEM hub and art room.
St Ita's Catholic Primary School held the blessing and official opening of the new spaces, which represent stage two of a masterplan redevelopment.
Diocese of Sale director of Catholic education Paul Velten said the redevelopment would enable St Ita's to accommodate up to 480 students, positioning it to manage future growth and support the community ahead of the 2027 opening of a new Catholic primary school in Drouin.
The stage two works at St Ita's involved demolition of existing de-mountable buildings to construct a new learning centre, which offers six general learning areas for grades one and two classes. The centre also features a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) hub, breakout areas and student amenities.
Stage two also included transformation of a former library to create an art/music specialist space, as well as alterations to existing hardcourts to create outdoor learning areas.
Bishop of Sale Most Reverend Greg Bennet officially blessed the new spaces assisted by Father Brendan Hogan of St Ita's Parish.
They were joined by education leaders from Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited, members of the project team, special guests, school staff, students and the school and parish community.
Principal Andrew Osler said the projects were transformative for the school which had experienced steady enrolment growth over the past decade.
"We are very proud of our new light-filled, flexible learning spaces that offer students an opportunity to learn in a faith-filled environment," Mr Osler said.
Mr Velten said long-term enrolment growth across the Parish of Drouin underpinned the work to construct a new school - St Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School - to the south of Drouin, which was scheduled to open in 2027.
"The establishment of this new Catholic school is expected to alleviate future enrolment pressure at St Ita's," Mr Velten said.
Stage one and two construction phases will receive partial funding from the State Government's capital funding program.
Viewing the new learning spaces at St Ita's, Mr Velten said it was wonderful to see staff and students enjoying the final result.
"The project reflects the strong partnership between the school and parish community, working together to support the best outcomes for students," he said.
He also thanked the State Government who funded the works via the capital funding program. A loan was also gained from the Catholic Development Fund.
In a video message, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing congratulated the school community on the milestone project.