loreto college`s performing arts centre

LORETO COLLEGE'S PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
The long wait for Loreto College Ballarat's budding thespians and musicians
is over, the college's "dream" state-of-art performing arts centre is open. A
ceremony to mark the centenary anniversary of the death of the school's
founder, Mother Gonzaga Barry, saw the Mary's Mount Centre officially
opened on Thursday, March 5.
Construction on the $9 million project started in August 2013 and was
opened for use to students late February. Year eight student Georgia Doyle
said her piano practice would be enhanced in the centre. "The old rooms
were really small and could only fit in a piano and
two chairs."
Loreto principal Judith Potter said the performing
arts centre had initially been a dream. "We are
thrilled with the design and construction. The
design achieves the sense of a contemporary
building nestled next to the chapel," Ms Potter said.
"Their commitment has been to a quality of
building that is everything we asked for." Ms Potter
said the at stained glass feature taken from Loreto's
former Dawson Street premise honours the
school's past and present. The new facility includes
a state-of-the-art 500 seat theatre, six practice
rooms, three studios and a multimedia space.
Article courtesy of the Ballarat Courier, text by David Jeans and photos by Justin Whitelock and Brad Carr
Ms Judith Potter, Principal in the College newsletter says:.
It is indeed exciting to observe the Mary’s Mount Centre coming
alive as our wonderful students and staff settle in. For the last
couple of years in my mind’s eye I have been picturing our
students performing on the stage in The Loreto Abbey Theatre,
practising and performing in the Ensemble room, learning drama
and dance in the studios, taking voice, music and speech art
lessons in the purpose built rooms upstairs, making movies,
recording music and working back stage in a professional
environment. Itwill be such a pleasure to witness every facet in
use and to observe the diverse opportunities for learning and
performing that are now possible through this wonderful facility.
As I reflect on the years of planning and building, I am filled with gratitude and joy. Gratitude for the many who have
joined together to bring to a reality this glorious facility and joy at the opportunities every aspect will give our current and
future students. Gratitude for our teachers and support staff within the Performing Arts and gratitude for all staff across
the school who, within their own busyness, regularly ask ‘how can I help’?. Gratitude for the enthusiasm and spirit of our
students which inspires me. I express our appreciation to Gray Puksand Architects and SJ Weir Builders.
On behalf of all staff and students I thank current and former Council and Council Committee members whose generous
sharing of their expertise, insights, wisdom and precious time is a key ingredient to our bringing to fruition such an
amazing project as The Mary’s Mount Centre. I particularly thank Sr Marg Sculley ibvm, Sr Denise Desmarchellier ibvm, Sr
Yvonne Lamerand ibvm, Mr Shane Carey, Mr Neil Eastwood, Dr Anne Hunt OAM, Mrs Geraldine Frantz, Mrs Carmel Flynn,
Mrs Maria Myers AO, Mr Matt McCabe, Ms Naomi Eddy and all on whose shoulders they and we stand. I thank all the
Loreto Sisters for their unceasing prayers, support and encouragement. Our community is truly blessed.