Top educator remembered

ST JOSEPH’S College, Ferntree Gully has recently opened its stunning new administration centre at a special open day.
The day also included a naming ceremony for their trade centre, which was renamed the Carroll Centre in honour of Father Jim Carroll, a Salesian who dedicated his life to educating boys.
The new administration building now acts as an impressive gateway to the secondary school, housing an open plan foyer and reception, offices and meeting spaces.
Designed by Architects Bellemo and Cat, the building is notable for its unique oval-shaped appearance.
“We have used the concertina file as a metaphor, that works beautifully to allow the west facade to be closed to the sun while allowing direct northern sun in. The curved band of the building enables all staff and students to share a similar experience and eliminates the need for corridors,” said Michael Bellemo from Bellemo and Cat.
The building is also notable for its ‘green’ design, using extensive natural light and ventilation to maximise energy efficiency.
Vast water tanks have also been incorporated under the internal courtyard for water storage and use.
“To offer the best education possible, we feel it is critical to provide a learning environment for students and staff that is both progressive and nurturing.
“Our building program over recent years has been geared towards this, and our new administration building is another important step in this journey,” said Principal Vincent Feeney.
Following the opening of the administration building, there was also a short ceremony commemorating the renaming of the trade centre to the Carroll Centre.
The centre was named after Father Carroll, a Salesian who lived in residence at the college for many years and was appropriately a carpenter by trade.
His name now lives on in the Carroll Centre, a state-of-the-art facility which serves to teach students a variety of trade skills.
St Joseph’s College continues to go from strength to strength, and has recently added an additional Year 7 class for 2011 due to exceptional demand.
For details or to arrange a private tour, you can contact the college on 9758 2000.