Star of the Sea School invests in hope for the future
By Heather Excell
Star of the Sea Catholic School in George Town marked an important milestone on 6 August as Archbishop Tony Ireland blessed its newly refurbished learning spaces and landscaped grounds, celebrating an investment in both the school’s future and the wider community.
The redevelopment includes refurbished staff areas, sick bay, and enhanced outdoor learning and landscaped spaces on the secondary campus.
In his newsletter prior to the reopening, Principal Richard Chapman said the project reflected the school’s commitment to serving the George Town community.
“At Star of the Sea we continue to ask ourselves, ‘What does the George Town community need from us?’” he said.
“The blessing and opening of our redevelopment is a symbol to the community that we have been attentive to the needs of the community and the needs of the school. We wouldn’t be spending money on the school if we felt we were not needed.”
In his homily, Archbishop Tony said the occasion was about more than renewed buildings.
“Today we celebrate more than buildings and landscaping. We celebrate a school community,” he said.
“The true measure of these works will not be found in the quality of the buildings or the beauty of the landscaping. It will be found in the young people discovering their abilities, teachers encouraging students, faith deepened and possibilities discovered.”
The Archbishop noted that the blessing came at a significant time for George Town following the recent closure of Liberty Bell Bay, which has brought uncertainty for many local families.
“To refurbish a school, to improve its grounds, to invest in its students and to create beautiful places for staff preparation is itself an act of hope,” he said. “It says something to every young person here: we believe in you. We believe in your future.”
The blessing concluded with prayers that the renewed facilities would continue to foster faith and knowledge while serving the community of George Town for generations to come.