The commotion of construction workers and machinery, busy building a new block underneath the school’s library, has left Sancta Maria a bustling college. Many members of the school’s community have witnessed the efficient progress of the new block and are curious as to what will be the newest addition to the school.
According to Mrs Margaret Littlejohn, Sancta Maria College’s Business Manager, the new block will house, “3 learning classrooms for the Religious Education department, 2 breakout spaces that can open up to allow for small group work, 1 resource room which will also have working areas for the Religious Education teachers, 1 office for the Director of Religious Studies, and 1 meeting room.”
In addition to this, “it’s going to have an exterior lift, which will be used for both passengers and goods. However, that won’t be finished until the end of August,” says Mrs Littlejohn.
The new block will also be well-equipped with new furniture and fittings as well as laptops available for different learning styles.
The new block, F Block, is named, “in recognition of Saint Francis of Assisi, of the current Pope Francis and that our school charisma follows the teachings of St Francis of Assisi so that like Mary, we can bring the joy of the gospel to the world,” says Ms Maria Fouhy, Director of Religious Studies.
Not only is Saint Francis Block (F Block) beneficial for the Religious Education department but, “Special character groups such as God Squad and Young Vinnies will have a proper home for their extracurricular activities and services,” added Mr Cedric Piggin, Assistant Director of Religious Studies.
The design of the block was thoroughly planned. It will be mostly made out of glass to allow plenty of light inside the building. The 2 breakout spaces will not only encompass a new and more innovative learning strategy for students, instead of the traditional enclosed classrooms, but will also allow the, “creation of larger spaces for visiting speakers or interclass collaboration…The centralised location of the block sends a clear message that faith education is the heart of the school,” says Mr Piggin.
With the date of the structure’s completion aimed for the end of term two, members of the Sancta Maria College community can look forward to the addition of a new block that will greatly impact the special character of the school.
“For if you have a strong Religious Education department, you have strong teaching, a united team and a place for both students and staff alike, to work together to develop, nurture and grow the special character of the school,” explained Ms Fouhy.
Zoe Chou
