St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens, has officially opened its new state-of-the-art learning and community centre, known as ‘The Hub’ in a special blessing ceremony on Thursday.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, joined Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland, Executive Director of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Jack de Groot, St John XXIII Parish Priest Fr Jolly Chacko MS, College Principal Dr Peter Webster, and numerous other dignitaries, along with around 1000 students and school community members.
School Principal Dr Peter Webster speaks during the official opening and blessing of
The Hub at St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens, 1 August 2024. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Bishop Vincent blessed the new, innovative multipurpose facility and spoke of its importance in one of the fastest-growing regions in Sydney.
“The hub is the centrepiece of one of the biggest education precincts in Western Sydney,” Bishop Vincent said.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, speaks during the official opening and blessing of
The Hub at St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens, 1 August 2024. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
“This is a celebration not only of a structure, but above all a commitment to build a better future for our children and a better future for Australia.”
Bishop Vincent shared how in journeying with Christ through learning, we “sit on the old mat to weave a new tapestry”. He referred to the Eight Beatitudes of Jesus displayed near the steps of The Hub.
“The Eight Beatitudes provide the inspiration for this learning community as they did for the pioneering sisters and brothers who founded the first Catholic school in Australia.”
An external view of The Hub at St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens, 1 August 2024. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Catholic education came into existence due to Australia’s pioneers, such as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, who never saw a need without ‘doing something about it’.
“Catholic education began, therefore, not so much as an academic institution, but as a community,” he said.
“Let it be imbued with the Spirit of Jesus, who came to stretch our capacity to love and to ensure that no one is left behind. Together, let us build a future of hope for our children and for generations to come.”
CSPD Executive Director Jack de Groot echoed Bishop Vincent’s sentiment that outstanding education transcends the physical environment: the “bricks and mortar, the technology and the modern furniture”.
Jack de Groot, Executive Director of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) speaks during the official opening and blessing of
The Hub at St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens, 1 August 2024. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Mr de Groot addressed the students, saying, “You will truly flourish within these spaces when you embrace the call of S John XXIII to explore your hopes and dreams during your time at school – let them inspire you in your learning.”
“Use every experience as stepping stones that will unlock your capabilities and talents,” he said.
The Hub’s opening coincided with the announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at St John XXIII College of free internet for more than 15,000 Aussie families, as part of the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).
The initiative – which is being implemented by NBN Co with $8.8 million from the Albanese Government – will end up supporting up to 30,000 families across the country.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese poses for a photograph with students and parish priest Fr Jolly Chacko MS during a School Student Broadband Initiative announcement at St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens, 1 August 2024. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Prime Minister Albanese said the SSBI, which launched in February last year, fulfils an election commitment to help to narrow the digital divide for families who otherwise have no access to broadband at home.
“We want to ensure no Australian child is left behind in their learning due to cost of living pressures.”
