St Joseph's Mount Isa magnificent new facility is now officially open and blessed in a ceremony presided by Townsville Bishop Tim Harris on Thursday.
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The $8.4m works has seen a total redevelopment the 56-year-old campus by building 13 general learning areas and breakout spaces, the new San Jose library, a learning support centre, student and staff toilets, two prep areas, walkways and a lunch area.
Bishop Harris said the new facility was magnificent and a testament to the hard work of the entire school community.
"COVID-19 threatens our very existence but now is our opportunity to go on the front foot because life needs to go on and communities need to thrive," Bishop Harris said.
Stage 1 of the school's masterplan was brought to life with a $7.4m donation from the state government plus $1 million raised by local residents.
St Joseph's principal Helen Wade said St Joseph's had served the Mount Isa community for 90 years and so much had changed but their vision was the same as ever: to love, to learn, and to share.
"With this opening we celebrate not just our new facilities but our community spirit," Ms Wade said.
The school is currently applying for further funding to complete stage 2 of the masterplan and rebuild and refurbish the main administration building.
Director of Townsville Catholic Education Jacqui Francis congratulated the school on its achievement and its fundraising efforts.
"This cost $8,400,000 with $1,000,000 from the community - there's a lot of zeroes in there," Ms Francis said.
"It means St Joseph's will continue to be a thriving place for learning."
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