St James College celebrates modern new facilities

Major new school buildings officially opened at St James College today will create a modern learning environment for students, Education Minister Kate Jones said today.

St James College today celebrated the blessing and official opening of the $5.4 million development.

Ms Jones said the Queensland Government contributed more than $3.3 million to the building program which funded a state-of-the-art multi-storey library and science facility and a total refurbishment of the school’s main classroom block.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to creating world-class education facilities that inspire students and empower them to reach their full potential,” she said.

“I’m confident these new facilities at St James College will do just that.

“The new library has modern eLearning capabilities as well as traditional reading areas and workspaces to form a creative learning space.

“The science labs include interactive touchscreen eBoards to further engage students as well as demonstration and experiment areas to spark their curiosity and add a practical element to their studies.”

St James College principal Gerry Crooks said the new science laboratories had helped to raise the profile of science across the school.

“The new science facilities provide outstanding teaching and learning environments for students to achieve to their very best,” Mr Crooks said.

“These projects have breathed a new energy into the school and will ensure we stay at the forefront of quality education.”

Mr Crooks said the refurbishment of the school’s main classroom block created several new classrooms to accommodate the incoming Year 7s as they joined high school this year.

“The opening of the refurbished classroom block was a wonderful way to welcome new and returning students to the 2015 school year,” he said.

Minister Jones was represented at the official opening by Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace. 

Media contact: Matt Jutsum (Education Minister’s Office) 3719 7530