Official Opening of the Anglican Church Grammar School Preparatory School Arts and Year 3 Building

Your Grace Archbishop Aspinall, Chairman of the School Council, Mr Dan O’Connor OAM; our Principal, Dr Alan Campbell; Churchie Foundation Chairman, Mr Russell McCart; distinguished guests.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

I am again delighted to be back at my old school on such an important occasion.

It is always an honour to return to this place, not only as Governor of Queensland, but as an appreciative student of a grand establishment which gave me so much.

Indeed, our reason for being here this evening, the opening of the Preparatory School Arts and Year 3 Building, will play an important role in shaping the learning experience and enduring memories of our youngest students into the future.

This specialist building will provide a new creative arts precinct, with rooms specifically designed for visual art. It will include a space termed “The Hive”, to provide the opportunity for exploration and practical making activities.

I am reliably informed some of these activities will include gluing, drilling, robotics, physics and biology with microscopes and magnifying glasses. Precious childhood memories: I remember buying my first ‘chemistry set’ at Selby’s in Upper Roma Street – that would have been in the mid 1960’s! These modern Churchie boys would have made much more productive use of it than I did!

I am sure the students will find their exploration and these practical activities to be captivating. Furthermore, I am sure that their experiences in this place will create memories of their childhood and this school that will last long into their adult life. I know that I continue to cherish my memories to this day.

I see that the building features a bridge design, linking this new space to the heritage listed School House. What a great symbol of the connection between the old and the new that this school enjoys, with its proud history and our students’ bright future. Of course, the bridge also importantly provides accessibility for students with mobility requirements.

Remarkably, this development has been entirely financed by the School community. I also take this opportunity to thank the many donors here tonight. The gift of these community donations will be an enduring benefit to Churchie students for many years to come.

As Governor and a proud Old Boy, it now gives me great pleasure to unveil this plaque before you all, thereby declaring officially open, the Anglican Church Grammar School Preparatory School Arts and Year 3 Building.

Thank you.