During the first week of May Mother Teresa Primary School, Harrison and Good Shepherd Primary School, Amaroo unveiled new and refurbished buildings achieved through generous Federal Government funding.

Monsignor John Woods officially opened the blessed the new buildings at Mother Teresa with special guests Senator, the Hon. Zed Seselja, Catholic Education Director, Ross Fox, Block Grant Authority members David Holmesby and Penny Freestone, and representatives from Munns Sly Moore Architects.

Mother Teresa Principal, Peter Hughes, said that due to increased enrolments, the refurbished staffroom and administration facilities have been an important and much needed step in the development of the school.

 “We now have 28 primary classes in the school, which was built to accommodate 14, and we have five classes in the Early Learning Centre,” he said.

“The new facilities provide more room to accommodate all staff, offices for executive members, a larger sick bay and enhanced administration area.”

On Tuesday, 7 May Monsignor John Woods blessed the construction and redesign of new and existing classrooms at Good Shepherd Primary School with prayer and holy water.

The school community was joined by Senator the Hon. Zed Seselja, Catholic Education Director, Ross Fox, Alistair Coe MLA, James Milligan MLA, Father Mark Croker and Chairperson of the Community Council Erin Burrows. 

During the event the names of the two reenergised buildings were unveiled. The McGrath and Ryan buildings pay tribute to two people of great significance to the school - Good Shepherd’s first Principal, Patrick McGrath and Parish member, Sr Genny Ryan.

Along with the Parish team, Patrick (Paddy) McGrath was responsible for deciding on the name and colours of the school prior to opening on 31 October 2002. Patrick also initiated a special ‘good morning’ and ‘good afternoon’ school greeting that continues to be an ongoing tradition today.

During the initial development of the school, Sr Genny Ryan designed the school emblem to symbolise the Shepherd leaning towards the family to shape the heart of God in Amaroo. Sr Genny was also responsible for designing the stained glass in the Church and the banners that hang at the back of the altar.