ARCHBISHOP John Bathersby of Brisbane asked students at Mary MacKillop Primary School, Birkdale to keep loving God throughout their lives, at a blessing and opening ceremony on July 29.
Archbishop Bathersby blessed a multi-purpose building and extensions to the administration building and classrooms at the school before Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Education Pat Farmer officially opened the facilities.
Archbishop Bathersby told the 564 students, from Preschool to Year 7, that as they grew up they had the ability, through their choices and the development of their gifts and talents, of making a difference in their community and in the world.
The facilities cost more than $1.5 million, with the Federal Government contributing more then $480,000, the State Government $220,000 and the Birkdale parish community $800,000.
Mr Farmer and State Member for Cleveland Darryl Briskey later unveiled a commemorative plaque.
Assistant principal for religious education Yvonne Devlin said in her welcome address that without the children, parents and teachers, there was no school community.
“We welcome the children with open arms and trust this opening is one of celebration as we say thank you to our God for the wonderful blessings we as a school have received and the wonderful resources we have,” she said.
Among guests at the celebrations were foundation principal Bernard Holland, who had recently left the school to take a position at Brisbane Catholic Education, representatives of the Sisters of St Joseph and Brisbane Catholic Education administrative services director Paul McQuillan.
Mr Farmer told the community about his achievements and the “ups and downs” of being a competitive long distance runner and his love for and appreciation of the Josephite Sisters.
