For principal Jen Honner, the St Xavier's build site has become a place of imagining.
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The primary school is undergoing a major overhaul and a new steel structure will soon be raised on the fresh concrete slab on the north-west side of the school entry as part of stage one.
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Mrs Honner took NVI for a tour of the site on Wednesday and her anticipation of the finished product was clear.
She is particularly keen to see how the classrooms and atrium will work together to create flexible learning spaces.
"When I stand up here and look at this mid-shaped space, I got so excited," Mrs Honner said.
The classrooms on either side will have wide, glass doors that can open out onto the atrium, which will house furniture and books. It will become an extension of the classrooms and can be used for many activities.
"That's the idea - 'This space is yours'," Mrs Honner said.
"It's a real change from owning classrooms."
One of the biggest features of the new build is a large multi-purpose space that will house library resources and technology.
The two levels, one of which is a mezzanine, will be used for learning, workshops and hands-on activities.
Running along the outside of the classrooms, parallel to Henry Street, there will be a large deck, which has plenty of potential.
The deck will have outdoor furniture, allowing students to take their learning outside the classrooms. There are also plans for vegetable plots.
"I think it will be really popular and students will want to be out there," Mrs Honner said.
Contractor Shay Brennan Constructions should complete stage one by March 2021. Stage two is a new administration area and school entrance, school leadership spaces, work spaces for teachers, and a staff kitchen and eating area. It is expected to be completed by November 2021.
The building overhaul is funded by the Catholic Schools Office and the NSW government's Capital Grants Program.
