Christopher J Morey Building Re-opening
As Girton Grammar School re-opened for Term 3 on Wednesday 19 July 2023, so too did the refurbished Christopher J Morey Building with its magnificent new learning facilities.
Having faithfully served as a dedicated teaching space in the senior school for the past 20 years, the building has been fully revitalised to meet the needs of the next generation of students and teachers over the course of an ambitious 11-month renovation project.
The proud milestone was celebrated on the evening of its launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by members of the school community, the architects and tradespeople who made the refurbishment possible and, of course, the building’s namesake and guest of honour – founding Board member and former Board Chair Mr Christopher Morey.
Looking beyond the impressive new reception area, the improvements to the building include a new purpose-built Textiles room; a new Media Lab, complete with professional filming and editing facilities; and five additional full-sized classrooms to allow for more comfortable learning environments.
In recognition of the significance of student and staff wellbeing, the refurbishment includes a dedicated student wellbeing area, with better amenities for staff and a private waiting area for students and parents. Likewise, the creation of two Year 12 study rooms, a staff meeting area and a specialised Co-Lab are reflective of the collaboration Girton aims to foster in its students.
The jewel in the crown is the state’s first Lumination Learning Lab, a classroom truly in a class of its own, which uses virtual and augmented reality to fully immerse students in their subjects. Whether it’s conducting a science experiment or exploring ancient worlds, in this state-of-the-art lab, students are able to engage in interactive experiences that bring their learning to life and develop skills that will be highly valued in the workforce.
After 2023 School Vice-Captains Ronell Masiboy and Remus Brasier opened the ceremony with an Acknowledgement of Country, guests were addressed by then Board Chair Mr Dave Jemmett, Principal Dr Emma O’Rielly and Lumination’s Business Development Manager, Mr Campbell Rushton-Smith.
Special thanks were given to Mr Morey, for his lasting impact on the lives of Girton’s students and community, as well as to Head of Academic and Data Services Mr Rod Smith for his expert project management, which enabled the building to continue be used for classes throughout the major renovation.
Following the speeches, Dr O’Rielly invited Mr Morey to cut the ribbon declaring the new building officially open, and guests were invited to explore the facilities, including trying out the Lumination Learning Lab for themselves.
As Dr O’Rielly said in her address: “The refurbishment of the Christopher J Morey building represents a moment of transformation and progress for Girton Grammar School. By investing in the infrastructure that supports our students’ education, we are investing in their futures.”
“Together, let us celebrate the refurbished Christopher J Morey building as a symbol of our commitment to educational excellence and our dedication to nurturing the potential within each and every one of our students.”
