We were thrilled last Friday to officially launch the Sports Centre at Mt Ridley. After nearly a year of construction, and an equal time in planning and design, students and staff had their first visit. If you didn’t get a chance to join in on the live stream launch, you can view the recording at https://www.facebook.com/humeanglicangrammar/videos/1132983557452510

There are also a number of images available to view on the School’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/humeanglicangrammar/

Whilst these will provide an insight into this wonderful building offering students state-of-the-art facilities, you do not get a full appreciation of its scale until you walk into the gymnasium area, something I hope you soon will be able to do. I am sure your children have shared their first experience in the Centre and the impression it has made.

In summary, it contains:

• A double indoor court lined for basketball, netball and volleyball, but easily adaptable for other court games (e.g. badminton)
• Conditioning (weights) room with a collection of free and fixed weights along with exercise machines
• Active space area for gymnastics, aerobics and similar activities
• The conditioning and active spaces can be also used as a stage for the performing arts, which has a lighting rig for performances
• Staff office
• Reception area and desk
• Large storage rooms
• Changing rooms and bathrooms
• Canteen

Many would note mention of the canteen, and shortly this will be open for Mt Ridley Primary students to pre-order their lunch, and Secondary students for walk-up purchases at recess and lunchtime. Information will be sent home soon.

This was a $6,150,000 project, so one of the largest undertakings the School has completed in its 15-year history. We were very fortunate to have received a Commonwealth grant through the Block Grant Authority which contributed $1,000,000. Interestingly, prior to receiving this grant, the plans were to build the Centre in two stages, with the second court to be added later. But the grant allowed the complete project to be built immediately. We are greatly appreciative of the support provided to the School by both the Federal and State governments for this and other building projects.

This is a whole school facility, and all year levels will have scheduled Physical Education classes in the Centre as part of their programs. Whilst this is located at the Mt Ridley campus, programming is underway to organise for students located at Donnybrook to have access during the year. Further, both the Donnybrook and Kalkallo campuses will in the future have their own Sports Centres constructed on their sites.

You can find out more about our school's expansive masterplan at www.humegrammar.vic.edu.au/buildingbrighterfutures

Bill Sweeney - Principal