Construction process recognised

Saint Ignatius school captain Ross de Lange, left, Bellarine MP Alison Marchant , principal Michael Exton and school captain Matilda Stepto. (Ivan Kemp) 332787_12

Saint Ignatius College has marked a construction milestone of its new Mackillop Senior Centre with a topping-out ceremony this week.

Principal Michael Exton said the secondary school had finished concreting the top floor of the new centre and honoured the construction progress with a celebration on Wednesday, May 10.

“Each day, I, along with over 1400 students and 170 staff, look across at the construction site, curious and excited about the changes happening before our eyes,” he said.

“These additional facilities and amenities that this project will provide our school community, will enhance our students’ learning outcomes.”

Mr Exton said he was grateful to everyone involved with the project, which included a $1 million funding contribution from the state government.

“The support from the state government will enable us to better serve the needs of the Geelong community,” he said.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the top-out ceremony was a “great milestone and achievement” for the school, and she was “very proud to be a part” of the project.

“It’s incredible for this school and I’m very proud to be part of a government that values our education and invests in our education,” she said.

School captain Ross de Lange said the efforts of everyone involved in the project would be “ingrained in the very foundation” of the college.

“Everyone has helped shape the construction of this building, and we are very appreciative of the amazing opportunity you’re providing our future students,” he said.

Plan Group project manager Alex Simpson said the construction company was happy to recognise its current accomplishments and bring good luck by presenting a tree to the school.

“It’s nice to celebrate being halfway, but we are only halfway,” he said.

Jena Carr