Campus Improvement News

The College has invested significant time and resources over the Christmas holiday period in various campus improvements. This report details the major projects undertaken. Special thanks to the College Projects and Infrastructure Coordinator, Russell Randle and the Facilities Operations Manager, Matt Tarlinton (and their teams) for giving up time with family and friends over the holidays to ensure this work was completed.

Champagnat Centre

The external repaint of one of the College’s iconic buildings in the upper campus involved up to six painters abseiling down the vertical faces to paint all aspects of the building’s bulk. The Champagnat Centre has been transformed from faded yellow to deep ocean blue and woodland grey. In addition to the external re-paint, the College crest and lettering above the entrance was lovingly restored to their former glory. This work was made possible by the P&F through their organisation of the 2021 Walkathon and the generosity of the College community on that day. Well done all!

Fencing of Flats and College Drives

This project involved erecting approximately one kilometre of white picket fencing around the Flats, up Glenlyon entrance drive and out through the Moola entrance drive. The design of the white picket fence palings was inspired by the stonework which encircles the Tower forecourt and of course the Tower itself. This fencing now plays an important part in signifying more clearly that the Flats is College property. Special thanks to old boy Michael O’Connor whose company, Fence Co. won the tender to construct this beautiful fence.

New College Signage

Following feedback from visitors that it can be confusing to find your way around the College, we have undertaken a refresh of College signage. From new signs at the Glenlyon Drive entrance to new maps, directional signage within the College and signage around the Flats, hopefully, it is somewhat easier for visitors to navigate. The signage at the Flats will make it clear that businesses intending to use the pristine ovals, must contact the College for permission and pay rental, acknowledging that the primary purpose of these ovals is for the students of the College.

Administration Building

The College has recently partnered with Amalgamated Group to undertake a five-year painting and maintenance program of all College buildings. The external repaint of the Administration building introduces the new colour scheme of natural white and woodland grey which will become thematic around the College in years to come. This colour scheme brings a fresh and modern look to some of our older College buildings.

Pool Car Park Redesign

Following the identification of potential safety concerns at the pool car park, the decision was made to introduce a new drop-off zone for swimming students and reorientate traffic flow in and around the pool car park. This area now provides ample spaces for parents of swimmers to drop swimmers off safely. Due to capacity constraints of the Glenlyon Dr I've bridge, the College is not able to designate this area as a general school drop off zone and is to be used by staff and swim club patrons only.

Boarder’s Dining Rooms

Refurbishment of the main boarder’s dining room, senior boarder’s dining room and supervisor’s dining room has been undertaken over the break. As well as new paint, new tiles, ceiling tiles, furniture and food storage equipment, the rooms have been air-conditioned for the boys comfort. We hope these rooms will provide a very comfortable dining experience into the future.

Classroom Refurbishment

The Languages classrooms 501, 502 and Technologies classroom 503 have been internally refurbished. New paint, carpets and desks have given these rooms a real and much-needed facelift. Refurbishment of teaching facilities will be a significant College focus over the next 3-5 years.

Draney Theatre Floor Replacement

The stage floor in the Theatre has undergone a complete rebuild. This involved the removal of all subfloor layers, build-up of the new flooring and painting of the new surface. This new stage floor will provide a solid base for many future performances to take place in the Draney Theatre.

‘Viriliter Age’ Sign Restoration

The period Viriliter Age sign outside the Administration building has been carefully restored. The sign and letters were removed and restored offsite, whilst the marble backing has had a full makeover including fine machine buffing and resealing of all surfaces.

Rush and Slattery Lockers

The worn-out lockers for Slattery and Rush on the southern side of the Champagnat Centre have been replaced with new lockers, similar to those in place for other houses in the College. In addition to these new lockers, all lockers at the College have been fitted with an additional shelf to accommodate the new formal hat introduced in 2022.

Grounds and Gardens

New gardens have been planted at the Moola Road and Frasers Road entrances. The Flats playing surfaces have been renovated to ensure quality playing surfaces for cricket, rugby and football.

New Music Rooms

Construction has commenced on the new music rooms and recording studio being added on the lower floor of the Music and Drama Centre. These rooms, once completed, will provide expanded capacity for music lessons, practise and recordings. Completion of this project is expected by the end of Term 1.