On Friday 1 September, we celebrated the Official Opening of the Atrium Building and The Chapel Gallery at our Hurstville Campus. We were honoured to welcome His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley to open the new facilities.
The Ceremony recognised the efforts of the many individuals and organisations who brought this project to fruition. The Hon. David Coleman MP, Member for Banks, and representatives from NBRS Architecture, Riestma Constructions, the Association of Independent Schools (AIS), Christian Schools Australia, Bradfield Accountants and NAB and members of the SGCS Board and staff both past and present were in attendance. We are thankful to the Australian Government who partly funded the Atrium Building and The Chapel Gallery under the Capital Grants Program.
This construction project, the largest in the School’s history, faced many challenges including COVID-19 restrictions, and subsequent labour and materials shortages due to the pandemic. The start of 2022 was the wettest year in Sydney on record.
Mr Paddy Benn, SGCS Chair, invited guests and the SGCS community to come together to give thanks to God, as he acknowledged the efforts, patience, and perseverance of many individuals who worked on the construction projects, “projects such as this requires significant planning, disciplined action, and prudent financial planning. The opening of the Atrium Building brings to close a season of significant redevelopment of both our campuses”.
The audience of our student leaders, parents, students and staff enjoyed the proceedings, featuring addresses by His Excellency, Mr James, Honor, Principal, and Mr Paddy Benn, SGCS Chair and music from the SGCS Band, String Reeds and Junior School Choir. The Australian National Anthem was beautifully performed by Melody Tambun (Year 10) and the Acknowledgement of Country by School Captain, Tom Ewels.
After the Ceremony and ribbon cutting, guests enjoyed tours of the building and refreshments in the warm sunshine on our Rooftop Terrace and Atrium Garden.
Later in the day, after a very moving address by Her Excellency, Mrs Hurley, The Chapel Gallery was officially opened. Joining her in the proceedings was Mr Paddy Benn, SGCS Chair, Ms Gaibrielle Germanos, 3:33 Art Projects, Euan Macleod, Artist, and Mr James Honor, Principal.
The inaugural exhibition, featuring Euan Macleod, Chasing Light, was curated by Year 11 students as part of the 3:33 Art Projects Young Curators Program.
It was a day of thankfulness, joy, and celebration. Thank you to all who attended the event and contributed to this memorable occasion.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:34
Ribbon Cutting Party for The Atrium Building
Mr Paddy Benn, SGCS Chair, Mrs Cathrein Douglas, SGCS Board Representative, Their Excellencies,
Mr James Honor, Principal.
Students: Annabel Liew and Tom Ewels School Captains and Vaughn Cassel and Arianna Skaros
The Chapel Gallery and the Atrium Building
The Terrace Building