Sports & Aquatic Centre Official Opening
On Wednesday 15 June, Ivanhoe Grammar Schools Sports & Aquatic Centre officially opened. The proceedings began with a Welcome to Country conducted by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Zeta. The School was delighted to have alumnus Sam Bramham OAM officially launch Ivanhoe Grammar School’s new multi-level Sports & Aquatic Centre at the Ivanhoe Campus.
‘The opening of the Sports & Aquatic Centre today marks a significant event in the history of the School. The largest capital works project this School has ever undertaken,’ said Principal Mr Gerard Foley.
Constructed by Building Engineering and designed by architects Mclldowie Partners this multi-level structure incorporates world-class facilities such as a 50 metre eight lane hydro floor swimming pool, four basketball/netball courts– first of their kind built in Australia with NBA standard floors, and two rooftop courts for netball and tennis to name just a few. The Centre is built over six levels within a structure that sits below ground.
An eco-friendly, sustainable complex that incorporates high-performance glass to minimise energy consumption and solar panels on the roof that add 95kw to the already 800kw generated by the School, making Ivanhoe Grammar School one of the leading schools in Australia for solar power use.
Mr Foley said that the Sports & Aquatic Centre will be a hub for sport and physical education learning across the School, highlighting the importance of physical activity to an individual’s wellbeing.
‘State-of-the-art facilities encourages students and staff to be active and undertake physical activity in a number of inviting spaces including the swimming pool, dance/aerobics studios, gymnasium and courts facilitating basketball, badminton, volleyball and netball,’ he said.
The history of the School has also been woven into the Sports & Aquatic centre melding the old and the new.
‘The facility has an Olympians Walk, acknowledging the eight past students who have represented their country at various Olympics Games, spanning back to 1924,’ said Mr Foley.
Director of Sport Anna Geoghegan has been completely wowed by the new Sports & Aquatic Centre describing the build as ‘epic.’
‘Ivanhoe’s interschool sport program has always given the opportunity for all students to be fully involved in a well-structured, team-focused competition, no matter their level of ability. Sport has always been important at Ivanhoe and encouraged at all levels, but the new Sports & Aquatic Centre has really emphasised the incredible opportunities open to our students. The facilities within the centre are first class, and truly helps to demonstrate the positive impact that participation in sport has on the overall Ivanhoe Learner,’ she said.
Curriculum Leader – Health & PE Christina Parodi is excited about all the possibilities the centre brings to students.
‘The Centre brings a new level of excitement to our subject area of Health & PE! It is an excellent learning space where we can easily move our classes from working in the classroom, straight to the basketball court or fitness centre where students are able to put key concepts learnt in our senior PE classes, into practical application. Health & PE staff and students are excited to see what the future holds for our programs,’ she said.
The School was also delighted to have Life Governor and long-standing former staff member, Nigel Kendall involved in the official proceedings, giving his perspective on the impact that the new Centre will have on students’ sports experience.
‘As a foundation member of the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria Ivanhoe’s sporting heritage is a very proud one. Last year, it became the first school in AGSV competition to reach the century for Boys’ premierships. Additionally, since the first female students were enrolled at Plenty Campus in 1992, our girls have won their full share of sporting titles, including a number in the joint AGSV/APS competitions. However, most importantly the Sports & Aquatic Centre will provide a further opportunity for all students, regardless of ability, to continue to be involved in the sporting program at Ivanhoe Grammar School, whether it be at inter or intra-school level. I congratulate the School on the successful completion of this outstanding project,’ said Life Governor Nigel Kendall.
