St Aloysius College in Adelaide has announced a new $34 million home for its primary school in the heart of the city, complete with a rooftop play space and garden. Source: The Southern Cross.
The Catholic girls’ school is embarking on the most significant development in its 145-year history to create a purpose-built “vertical primary school” via redevelopment on the existing site.
Students have been involved in the design of the four-storey building, which will cater for contemporary approaches to learning and diversity in state-of-the-art facilities including 22 classrooms over four levels and a 25-metre swimming pool.
It will also include learning “neighbourhoods”, breakout spaces, a high-tech STEM classroom, dedicated specialist learning zones including a music room, technology “makerspace” and sensory rooms.
The rooftop play area will have views across St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and Victoria Square.
The new building will be named after Sr Teresa Dunlevie who was the school’s headmistress from 1918 to 1944 and grew the school from a relatively small community to become one of Adelaide’s leading girls’ colleges.
St Aloysius College principal, Paddy McEvoy, said students and teachers had collaborated in design workshops and educational briefings with the architects and builders to ensure the new school delivers best-in-class facilities.
“Our new primary school is a purpose-designed space for our youngest students and will support teachers to create an exceptional learning environment,” she said.
“Our students and teachers have been involved in every step of the design process.
“The result is a modern and flexible building which includes shared learning commons and quiet areas to promote student agency in how and where they learn best.
“The inclusion of sensory rooms will also support the diverse needs of students.”
Building works have begun, following the demolition of the existing building in late 2024. The new primary school is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.
FULL STORY
Girls’ education reaches new heights (By Jenny Brinkworth, The Southern Cross)
