Respected Liberal Party senator and soon to be Australian Ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinis will be the guest of honour at the official opening of the new senior school building at St Phillip's Christian College, Port Stephens.
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Completed this year and in operation since July 2019, the ribbon will be formally cut on the school's proud new facility at 11am on Tuesday, August 27.
The official opening by Mr Sinodinis, who will take up his posting in Washington later this year when current Ambassador Joe Hockey finishes his term, represents the culmination of an intense period of planning and construction at the school over the last three years.
"We are delighted that the Hon. Mr Arthour Sinodinis will be present to assist with the opening of the new facility," St Phillip's Principal, Dr Tim Petterson, said.
The biophilic learning space has been designed to enhance well-being, incorporating natural materials, natural light, fresh air and vistas.
Classrooms are flexible in layout, lending themselves to a range of subjects and work styles. Students can sit, stand, work independently or in groups according to their needs and learning styles.
State of the art technology ensures cutting edge access to the tools of today and tomorrow.
The communal room boasts a kitchen, dining area and resource centre and is both a sanctuary and a work zone.
Students can "chill" for a while between classes to interact with each other, prep for an exam collaboratively or on their own, or pursue study in a mixture of shared and private areas.
The new facility also encourages health with a state of the art gym on the ground floor, accessible before, during and after school, and a fully funcitonal student run cafe where you can grab a good coffee.
"A theme that has run though the comments from those who have visited the building is 'It was nothing like the school I went to,' " Dr Petterson said.
"We are enormously appreciative of the talents of those that have contributed to making this building come to life.
"From the creative vision of our architects at SHAC to the quality of workmanship by the team at North's Construction, we could not be happier.
"It has been fantastic interacting with so many of the local tradesmen who have applied their skills so masterfully.
"Our staff and students have responded beautifully to this new building.
"It is a space that is so conducive to learning."
Ultimately the new senior school aims to provide the educational platform that will equip students to develop independence and autonomy, and make a significant contribution to society.
