Blessing and Opening at Marist College, Emerald
20 October, 2022
The school community at Marist College, Emerald came together recently for a joint celebration marking the Official Blessing and Opening of new facilities, as well as the College’s Silver Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving.
Parish Priest Fr Truc Quoc Phan SVD conducted the blessing ceremony assisted by Fr Yon Wiryono SVD, and Director of Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR), Leesa Jeffcoat, officially opened the newly completed capital works.
This latest $7.5 million self-funded project included the provision of new teaching and learning spaces at the College which have been named Marcellin Pavilion.
In her address to the community, Miss Jeffcoat said the upgrades were made possible due to the continued support for the College from families and the parish and wider community. “Catholic Education is very grateful for the ongoing support of families in the Emerald community, support that has enabled Marist College to grow and flourish and become such an integral part of the wider community,” Miss Jeffcoat said. “There is certainly plenty of evidence of extraordinary growth and development in the past two and a half decades, which provides a great sense of achievement and accomplishment for the college community and all those who have been part of the journey.”
Founded in the Marist Education tradition, Marist College opened in 1996 and Miss Jeffcoat paid tribute to the great influence and support of the Marist Brothers in shaping the College ethos and culture from the beginning. “I acknowledge and thank the Marist Brothers who have made such a significant contribution to the establishment of the College and its formative years. The Brothers retain a keen interest in all things here at Marist and continue to play a key role in nurturing the Marist charism so central to college life,” Miss Jeffcoat said.
Miss Jeffcoat also thanked Principal Mark Green for his leadership during the project development and acknowledged the commitment and dedication of College staff.
Joining the celebrations were Marist Brothers representatives, past College Principals, Members of the Catholic Education Leadership team, Catholic school principals, students, staff, families and parish and community members.
Formal proceedings were followed by a ceremonial cake cutting and celebrations concluded with shared morning tea.
