Bright, modern and full of life

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December 2006

Bright, modern and full of life

As we Tasmanians know all too well, our weather is very fickle. But the weather on the day of the opening of St Michael's Collegiate School's new Years 3 and 4 classrooms was perfect.

The new building 'Alkira' at Anglesea St was opened by the Governor of Tasmania, His Excellency, the Hon. William Cox, AC on Sunday 1 October. The Vicar General, the Venerable Dr Chris Jones, represented the Bishop and officially blessed the facilities. Collegiate Chaplain the Revd Eleanor O'Donnell led the prayers assisted by Chaplaincy team member, Leonie Omond. Prominent in the audience were Sr Fiona, CSC, representing the Sisters of the Church from Kempsey NSW, Bishop Phillip and Mrs Merle Newell, and the Very Revd Dr Lindsay Stoddart and Mrs Jan Stoddart.

The opening was not merely a celebration of the building itself, it denotes a milestone in the school's strategic plan to create first class facilities for the years Kindergarten to Year 4. After a decade of continual development including land acquisition and new buildings, the addition of 'Alkira' has completed the project to make the Anglesea area the jewel in the crown of Collegiate properties.

The new classrooms abut Yatalunga, the original Anglesea House. This building has been renovated and houses the new Anglesea library, the EDGE room, a new staff area and the administrative centre. The new building is linked by a walkway. The children particularly love the stepped, sunken area that provides an intimate, enclosed space for worship and reflection.

The building is light and airy with lots of windows giving lovely views towards Mt Wellington, the rivulet, the new playground and the newly landscaped gardens which are flourishing in the spring weather.

Bright colours provide a dynamic backdrop to the exciting learning which is taking place. And the name, 'Alkira'? It is an Aboriginal name meaning 'bright sunshine'. And how apt it was that this new facility was opened in such perfect conditions, in full bright sunshine.

Listen, for the Lord is speaking once again within our midst. Pay attention! God's wisdom is again shining forth like bright sunshine on a shadowed land

Eleanor O'Donnell leading the prayers at the opening of the new classrooms at Collegiate.

Bishop Phillip and Mrs Merle Newell with their grandaughter Christine, with the new Alkira building in the background.

	The Anglican Church in Tasmania Search
	a healthy church...transformingLIFE
	Home About Contact us News Issues Parishes Prayer Calendar Youth Resources

				December 2006

		Bright, modern and full of life As we Tasmanians know all too well, our weather is very fickle. But the weather on the day of the opening of St Michael's Collegiate School's new Years 3 and 4 classrooms was perfect. The new building 'Alkira' at Anglesea St was opened by the Governor of Tasmania, His Excellency, the Hon. William Cox, AC on Sunday 1 October. The Vicar General, the Venerable Dr Chris Jones, represented the Bishop and officially blessed the facilities. Collegiate Chaplain the Revd Eleanor O'Donnell led the prayers assisted by Chaplaincy team member, Leonie Omond. Prominent in the audience were Sr Fiona, CSC, representing the Sisters of the Church from Kempsey NSW, Bishop Phillip and Mrs Merle Newell, and the Very Revd Dr Lindsay Stoddart and Mrs Jan Stoddart. The opening was not merely a celebration of the building itself, it denotes a milestone in the school's strategic plan to create first class facilities for the years Kindergarten to Year 4. After a decade of continual development including land acquisition and new buildings, the addition of 'Alkira' has completed the project to make the Anglesea area the jewel in the crown of Collegiate properties. The new classrooms abut Yatalunga, the original Anglesea House. This building has been renovated and houses the new Anglesea library, the EDGE room, a new staff area and the administrative centre. The new building is linked by a walkway. The children particularly love the stepped, sunken area that provides an intimate, enclosed space for worship and reflection. The building is light and airy with lots of windows giving lovely views towards Mt Wellington, the rivulet, the new playground and the newly landscaped gardens which are flourishing in the spring weather. Bright colours provide a dynamic backdrop to the exciting learning which is taking place. And the name, 'Alkira'? It is an Aboriginal name meaning 'bright sunshine'. And how apt it was that this new facility was opened in such perfect conditions, in full bright sunshine. Listen, for the Lord is speaking once again within our midst. Pay attention! God's wisdom is again shining forth like bright sunshine on a shadowed land		Eleanor O'Donnell leading the prayers at the opening of the new classrooms at Collegiate. Bishop Phillip and Mrs Merle Newell with their grandaughter Christine, with the new Alkira building in the background.