Building Works It was an exciting year for the construction of new facilities with the official opening of the Staff and Student Services Building in November. The building was named in honour of Mr Paul Tobias, College Principal, in recognition of his valuable contributions to education and the St Joseph’s College community over many years. The Paul Tobias Centre enabled the centralisation of a number of student services functions including, careers office, student counselling, education support, timetabling and vocational education. The Centre also houses a new staffroom, board room, general meeting rooms and daily organiser office. There is also an expanded area for the maintenance workshop. The cost of the building was approximately $5.0M and was funded from a combination of building fund donations, cash reserves and new debt. The Paul Tobias Centre has substantially changed the face of the College on the Aphrasia Street frontage and is a wonderful addition to the Edmund Rice campus. The project was completed on time and to budget by Lyons Constructions. The Paul Tobias Centre represented stage 1 of a two stage program. Stage 2 which commenced in November involves the refurbishment of the former staffroom into administration offices and a reworking of the current reception area to include an archival and student work display area. The total cost of these works is expected to be some $1.5M. These works also to be undertaken by Lyons Constructions are due for completion in May 2016.
Since the opening of Westcourt campus the College has relied on the generosity of Clonard College in providing a space to operate a canteen. That has now changed with the construction of a canteen in the existing spaces of the Westcourt campus. The establishment of the canteen means the College is now fully self-sufficient as far as facilities and amenities are concerned. Minor works undertaken during the year included the upgrade of the cricket practise wickets on Carey oval, installation of evaporative cooling in classrooms at Westcourt campus and installation of an improved security alert system at Edmund Rice campus. The College also took the opportunity to acquire a residential property in Douglass Street Herne Hill.This property is surrounded by the Westcourt campus and was many years ago the caretakers residence for the previous Western Heights Secondary College. The acquisition of this property will enable the expansion of College facilities as the need arises. Terry Fowler
The Paul Tobias Centre nearing completion
Westcourt Chapel Walls take shape
Work commenced in 2015 on construction of a chapel at Westcourt campus.The chapel will be able to seat about 140.The Chapel is a unique design with curved walls and huge 8 metre wide rear door enabling students to sit outdoors and still are able to participate in services. The chapel is due for completion early in 2016.
Westcourt Chapel Construction
Ben Caruso from Caruso Bricklaying current SJC parent, Bernie Henry from Lyons Construction - current SJC parent and Old Collegian with Principal Paul Tobias during building works.
The Paul Tobias Centre
Old Collegian Anthony Smith Turning the first sod at Westcourt for the Chapel Project 7
