DUAL unveilings that took place at Loreto College last Friday left all who assembled feeling fairly elevated.
Member for Ballarat Catherine King unveiled a plaque and cut a ribbon marking the formal launch of the college’s new all-abilities lift.
The multimillion-dollar project delivered the lift in Loreto’s three-storey 1950s St Anne’s Wing building, along with a new stairwell, walkways and raised courtyard area, improving student movement between classes.
Immediately following the lift’s launch, during which principal Christine Shaw worked in some choice references to Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator and the breaking of glass barriers – the assembly trooped around to a leafy space beside the Mary Ward building where a new sensory garden was officially launched.
Designed as a tranquil place for students and staff to take a moment for mindfulness, it includes mosaic work by Ballarat artist Camilla Watson and college students, a soothing water feature, shade trees and plenty of foliage and florals alongside inviting outdoor furniture.
The lift and acccessibilty project aims to sensitively marry the college’s original heritage stone structure with a contemporary glass space in which the new lift now glides between levels making life a lot easier for many including anyone with mobility issues.
Student leaders address the assembly as the Loreto College community came together with special guests to celebrate the opening of the new all-abilities lift in St Anne’s Wing.
Launched with fanfare including performances by college music students and speeches by Ms Shaw, Ms King, student leaders, and Alan Morton of designing architects Morton and Co, and a blessing by priest Father Justin Driscoll, the build took 18 months, but much longer in the planning.
It was assisted by a $1 million grant through the Federal Government’s Capital Grants Program.
“This project has seen three principals,” Ms Shaw said.
“It has not been a small project.”
Student Sienna Farrell said the sensory garden was beautiful.
“We’re very lucky to have this space,” she said.
Student Paige Euvrard apppreciated its “zen” feel.
The sensory garden was funded by the college along with donations from the Loreto community and took a year to create.
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