WelCom December 2018:
Ginni Duxfield
Students, staff and local kaumātua at Cullinane College in Whanganui gathered on Friday 26 October for the opening dawn service for their new teaching and health services block.
The buildings were officially opened by Gerrard Albert and John Maihi at 5am, followed by a blessing from Bishop Charles Drennan later that morning.
This event marks the completion of Stage Two of a three-stage $2-million-dollar redevelopment, which began in 2016. The decision to redevelop the original St Augustine’s College buildings (circa 1960s) was made, when it was determined they did not meet earthquake standards.
Within the new block is a learning hub, commerce room, counsellor and nurse’s offices, a computer suite and a new toilet block.
The whole school attended the opening blessing service. Principal Justin Harper said, It’s been a little bit of a burden on our students, but well worth that time. The students have been working in various spaces with our cafeteria being used as a classroom.
‘Cullinane College will boast some of the very best ICT and commerce facilities within the region,’ Mr Harper said.
Earlier this year the college opened its new Wharenui and Performing Arts Centre and students are thoroughly enjoying the state of the art music and drama facilities this block offers.
The final part of the redevelopment, Stage Three, is set to begin in 2019 and will include further earthquake strengthening and renovation of seven classrooms.