Shaping history, the Stuartholme Board, Leadership team and students have ‘turned the sod’ on the dedicated Junior School precinct.
Construction of the contemporary sustainable project, set to be built within the schools’ 21 hectares on the foothills of Mount Coot-tha, marks an exciting moment in Stuartholme’s 103-year history.
Stuartholme Principal Daniel Crump said it marked a milestone for the school.
“As a leader in girls’ education, Stuartholme understands that the early years of education provide the foundation to successful and life-long learners who will make a global impact beyond the gates of the school,” he said.
“With the introduction of Year 5 in 2024 and Year 6 in 2025, our students will have a seamless progression into the secondary school in a safe, caring, and warm environment, to understand who they are, how they belong and learn, and achieve educational excellence.”
Educational specialists have designed the Junior School precinct with the goal of optimising educational achievements and fostering active learning to cultivate essential skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The classroom layouts have been intentionally crafted to facilitate collaborative learning.
“By adopting this approach, students are more inclined to enhance their self-reliance and independence, which are valuable qualities as they progress into secondary school,” Mr Crump said.
The Junior School students will have access to the secondary school’s expansive range of facilities including the swimming pool, netball and tennis courts, library, technologies precinct, art studios and design technology rooms.
As a component of Stuartholme’s strategic vision, the Junior School will maintain its small size, accommodating 100 students across the two-year level cohorts whilst still providing extensive opportunities to learn and grow.
The modern building will complement the natural environment with sustainability a major consideration in its design including an expansion of the schools existing solar program, improved landscaping, as well as the installation of water tanks.
Chaplain Sr Rita Carroll, who entered the school in 1957, attending as a Boarder from the age of 14, also celebrated the milestone.
“This innovation will enrich our sense of history as our youngest students are embraced into our culture of belonging – sentiments that are underpinned by our school’s Sacred Heart charism of which we are very proud.”
