On Friday 13th October, we had the Official School Opening of St Xavier's new contemporary learning spaces. I would like to share with you my speech:

Today is a very special occasion in the history of catholic education in the Gunnedah community. We gather here to celebrate the opening and blessing of our new contemporary learning spaces, a symbol of progress, innovation, and the unwavering commitment to providing the best possible education for our children to become literate, numerate students with a future filled with hope and faith.

I stand before you with immense pride and deep gratitude. I started my career in catholic education right here in this very school. Over the years, I have played a significant part in many changes, but none so notable and consequential as the last nine years under the leadership of our Director, Chris Smyth. The design of this building is a direct result of new learning, a relentless focus on improving student outcomes, and an urgent desire to build collaboration and systemness.

The commitment to improving student learning, wellbeing and faith outcomes over the last nine years has required deep, specific, evidence-based learning for all staff. The research of John Hattie, Lyn Sharrett, Micheal Fullan and Helen Timperly, to name a few, has strongly impacted our development of the Catholic Professional Learning Community at St Xavier’s.

To be part of such exciting evidence-based learning and a building project at the same time has been a gift to me as an educator. We started our co-teaching approach after much research and shared learning, and in old spaces on covered verandahs, we got the pedagogy right; we knew what we wanted and how it would work. The transition into this building was seamless. The staff already understood the concept of co-teaching and working flexibly in spaces. The students were immediately calm and respectful of the space.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the individuals who made this project possible.

The federal government for its contribution, and we have a message from Minister Jason Clare to share with you shortly.
Also, the very generous contribution from the CSO.
In his time in the Armidale Diocese, Bishop Michael Kennedy showed great interest in this building and enjoyed how engaged the students were each time he visited.
The Catholic Schools Office- Chris Smyth for believing in me and trusting us to design this type of building. Linda Page for her consistent support and guidance. My dear friend, the late Gary McSweeney, could read between the lines and went above and beyond to secure the very best outcomes for us.
Neil Manglesdorf, our project manager, for your dogged determination in all areas to bring about the best possible result for our entire community. Thanks for always having our back, Neil.
Lazslo Szoboslay, for your endless patience with us and me, as sometimes the lines blurred between functionality, good pedagogy, perfect design and my fantasies! You were always so generous and kind and in good humour. Your input, Mark Glendenning, was also very much appreciated.
The team from Shay Brennan Constructions were outstanding. Shay and Ben communicated regularly and met all our needs. Ben, you are a very reasonable man! Little did we know that when James McDonald walked into our lives, he would become a lifelong friend. James, you were unwavering in your support and professionalism, and your care for us and our students was evident daily. How lucky are we to have met you.
Sister Christine, thank you for keeping the spirit and memory of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, alive in our discussions and for being so excited about progress.
Leanne Herden for her thoughtful advice, valued opinion and practical approach throughout the project. Our office staff handled many deliveries and phone calls and supported the classrooms during the process. Greg Jaeger, thank you for all your practical help and your passion for the project.
The staff of our school during those years of building, who packed and moved numerous times and stayed the course! Our shared beliefs and understandings were the rocks on which we relied to continue quality teaching and learning throughout this time.
Our students who found calm in the chaos and still talk to me about how lucky they feel to be part of such an amazing school. You are at the heart of St Xavier’s. This is a place where you learn, make mistakes, and grow stronger. Remember that education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about the pursuit of wisdom, the development of character, and the cultivation of empathy.
Parents and carers, thank you for your support, encouragement, and involvement.

In this state-of-the-art facility, we have learning spaces equipped with the latest technology and resources, a library that is the centre of the whole school where quality literature can be accessed at any time. Beautiful spaces throughout that allow us to provide authentic differentiation to meet the needs of every student every day. Areas for staff to meet, access data and be involved in deep conversations around student learning and wellbeing.

But our school is not just about infrastructure; it's about the people who inhabit it. From the foundations set by the Sisters of Mercy to the powerful work by each of us over the last nine years, building and nurturing relationships with students, staff, families, and our parish remains our most important work.

As we continue to thrive in our new school, let us not forget the responsibility that comes with it. Let us continue to foster an environment where curiosity is celebrated, diversity is embraced, and kindness is paramount. May each of us strive to be the face of Jesus for those around us.

SXG is more than just a building; it is a symbol of hope and faith, progress, and the boundless potential of our young people. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with shared beliefs and understandings and shared accountability and responsibility.

Thank you all for being here today. I believe St Xavier’s school will be a beacon of faith, knowledge, and inspiration for future generations.

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