The possibilities are endless at St Aug’s

At St Augustine’s College, possibility isn’t just a mindset — it’s a building.

Principal Brayden Stone was joined by Member for Murray Damian Drum and members of the Catholic archdiocese to officially open the state of the art Place of Possibility building on Friday.

It was funded in part by a $1 million grant from the federal government as part of its capital grants program, which provides funding to assist non-government primary and secondary school communities to improve capital infrastructure.

The light, airy and spacious building now caters for specialised learning areas including science, performing arts, visual arts and food technology spaces.

It’s the culmination of years of hard work from dedicated staff since before the grant was announced in 2016.

‘‘Today we gather here based on the tireless work of so many people,’’ Mr Stone said at the official opening.

‘‘Our college has experienced significant student growth over the past decade.

‘‘It’s no accident that a school experiences such enormous growth in such a short period of time. All of us here at St Augustine’s College continue to strive and offer the highest possible level of Catholic education to those families in the Goulburn Valley.

‘‘This essentially is what brings us here today. The dream that your postcode should never hold you back or limit your opportunities to learn.’’

He said the process from start to finish had been underlined by the dedication of the staff and contractors working on the project.

‘‘At one of our early planning meetings, a question was asked “what are we going to call this building?” and after a few blank looks around the room, I recall Luci Quinn stating “at this planning stage why don’t we just refer to it as the ‘Place of Possibility?’

‘‘And here we are almost three years later, proud to announce that today we will officially bless and open this building named the Place of Possibility.

‘‘And that is essentially what it is. A place that may just inspire our students to become scientists, musicians, artists, chefs or even quite possibly, inspirational educators.

‘‘Whatever it may be, the Place of Possibility will have a profound impact on all our students.’’

The Very Reverend Dr Brian Boyle and Fathers Jinjo Solis and Michael Morely blessed the building, which was dreamed up by architect Peter Byrne.

Mr Drum told the audience that education was the ‘‘start of everything’’, and that he was proud to see the building come to fruition.

‘‘I’m incredibly delighted. This building brings this school into line with the very best across the country,’’ he said.

‘‘If we show our kids anything is possible, they will know they can achieve anything they set their minds to.’’