EDUCATION MATTERS: Improving Student Learning Environments
By Dr Terry McCarthy, Interim Executive Director of Catholic Education Tasmania
I have now visited 23 of our 39 Catholic schools in Tasmania. These visits give me life. Whenever I am asked “How is Catholic education is going?” I have a simple response: “You’ve got to visit one of our schools. They are an inspiration!”
I have previously talked about the dedication and commitment of our principals, school staff and the TCEO staff who support them. Another highlight of my school visits is the impressive state of our school buildings, grounds and facilities. When I reflect on this observation, Archbishop Tony’s words to the Mount Carmel College community in September, 2025 for the Blessing of the Louisa Building come to mind:
“This new building proclaims three things to our community: that Mount Carmel College continues to provide quality Catholic education, grounded in wisdom that comes from God; that families can be confident their children are learning in an environment that nurtures not just the mind, but also the heart and the spirit; and that this achievement is the fruit of shared vision and collaboration—leadership, staff, parents, architects, builders, and supporters all working together to give our students the very best.”
“But we are not simply dedicating a building. As Catholics, we know that our own efforts can only go so far. We seek God’s blessing because we want His Spirit to fill this place. We ask God to guide the teachers who will work here, to bless the students who will learn here, and to make this building a place where wisdom, kindness, and faith take root.”
Many other significant projects have been completed across the state as part of Catholic Education Tasmania’s Capital Works Program. The $4.3 million redevelopment at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School in Lenah Valley has transformed existing facilities to deliver three modern learning areas, upgraded outdoor playgrounds, a centrally located school library, community hub and early years precinct.
A $3 million redevelopment at St Patrick’s Catholic School in Latrobe included the provision of three new classrooms with retractable curtains for use as breakout spaces, the redevelopment of two existing classrooms into a new Prep area, office spaces and landscaping.
At Corpus Christi Catholic School in Bellerive the $2 million redevelopment of the outdoor spaces included multi-level water-play, bike tracks, swings, climbing walls, sand pits, climbing structures and slides. While a fresh revamp of St Finn Barr’s Catholic School in Invermay has included new Prep classrooms, new allied health spaces, new toilet facilities and landscaping, in this $2.4 million project.
The $2.9 million project at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Geeveston included extensive glazing to allow for natural light and views of the bushland, the creation of flexible learning environments, shared spaces and integrated storage.
These remarkable achievements would not have been possible without the collaboration of our school principals and staff, TCEO Finance and Facilities personnel, external expertise accessed, the Catholic Education Commission of Tasmania and its committees. Thanks to all for your contributions to the creation of attractive, modern, learning environments that our young people enjoy today.