Holy Family welcomes new staff facilities
On Friday 5 June, a new administration block was officially opened and blessed at Holy Family Primary, Emerton. The new facilities included a staffroom, providing a vital space for teachers and staff to gather and share experiences and ideas.
The facilities, completed at a cost of just over $2 million were officially opened by executive director of schools, Greg Whitby and Federal Member for Chifley, the Hon. Roger Price MP. The building project received a little over $487, 000 in Commonwealth Capital Grants funding and assistance with loan servicing through the NSW Government’s Interest Subsidy Scheme, with the balance of around $1.5 million coming from the Parramatta Diocesan Building Levy Scheme.
Greg took the opportunity to thank the federal government for their support and to highlight what it is that makes Holy Family Primary, Emerton unique among the nine other schools named Holy Family Primary across New South Wales.
‘The thing that I think makes the difference for us is the dreams that you have here in the local community, and I know our staff here are committed to making your dreams a reality,’ said Greg.
The Hon. Roger Price praised the Holy Family parish and school for playing such a vital role in the local community.
‘Children are our most precious resource and it is a very tall order to say to Sr Brenda and her teaching staff that we want every talent and every potential fully realised, and that’s the responsibility we lay on the school and I’m sure and I’m confident, that they will do it,’ Mr Price said.
Mr Price also spoke of the new hall that will be constructed at the school as part of the government’s Building the Education Revolution. Other distinguished guests at the opening included Mayor of Blacktown, Cr. Charlie Lowles and former executive director of schools, Adjunct Prof Anne Benjamin, representing the Australian Catholic University.
The new building was blessed by Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Kevin Manning, who also spoke at the opening, recognising the strength and welcoming spirit of the school’s community.
‘You are a wonderful example for the diocese in the way you are able to integrate others into your community,’ said Bishop Manning.
Principal Sr Brenda Kennedy said the latest physical addition to the school would make a huge difference to staff.
‘The new facilities are a welcome addition for the administration staff as they have been patiently working in demountables for the past five years. We decided as a community that we would build the classrooms first to highlight the importance of the students, meaning the administration block was the last part to be constructed,’ said Brenda.
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