Breaking ground on our groundbreaking Science Centre

POSTED October 14 2025 , News, Parents & Community

We recently gathered to mark a momentous occasion: the ceremonial breaking of ground for our new Science, Enterprise, Technology and Innovation (SETI) Centre. This event represents the culmination of years of vision, planning and unwavering dedication from many in our School community.

Year 9 student Alexis Pastor, Principal Mrs Judith Tudball, Board member and Chair of the Capital Development Advisory Committee, Mr Craig Muir, and President of the St Mary’s Old Girls’ Association, Mrs Amy Dawson (Fraser '94) turning the sod with ceremonial shovels. — L-R: Year 9 student Alexis Pastor, Principal Mrs Judith Tudball, Board member and Chair of the Capital Development Advisory Committee, Mr Craig Muir, and President of the St Mary’s Old Girls’ Association, Mrs Amy Dawson (Fraser ’94)

Science has long held a special place at St Mary’s. From our earliest days in the 1920s to the present, our dedication to STEM education has continued to flourish. The SETI Centre will honour this legacy while boldly propelling us into the future.

The ceremonial assembly was a celebration of this spirit. Students, staff, parents and community members came together to witness the symbolic first step in a journey that will shape generations of learners. You can watch a video of the occasion below.

Shared memories, new milestones

We were delighted to hear from our Principal, Mrs Judith Tudball, Board member and Chair of the Capital Development Advisory Committee, Mr Craig Muir and President of the Old Girls’ Association, Mrs Amy Dawson, along with Year 9 student Alexis Pastor, who helped mark this exciting occasion.

Simone, a St Mary’s Old Girl, was immensely proud to witness her daughter Alexis play a role in ushering the School into its next chapter.

“St Mary’s holds many fond memories for me, and I’m incredibly grateful that Alexis has been part of this wonderful community since Year 1. I graduated in 1993 as Riley House Sports Prefect, and my sister Bianca followed in 1994. Years later, I even had my wedding in the Chapel. I’ve shared stories with Alexis about the old Maths building and the Junior School library, which used to sit on this site, and that is where we learnt to type. It’s been special sharing those memories with her.”

St Mary's Old Girl Simone Pastor (Turner '93) with her daughter Alexis (Year 9), posing in front of the ceremonial shovels following the sod turning event. — St Mary’s Old Girl Simone Pastor (Turner ’93) with her daughter Alexis (Year 9)

A vision realised

The journey to this point has been one of collaboration and commitment. Following a two-year design phase led by our Board of Governors and supported by the St Mary’s Foundation, the SETI Centre has moved from concept to reality. Construction is officially underway, with completion expected in 2027.

In a world driven by rapid technological change and a future workforce that values innovation and flexibility, this new building will ensure our students are equipped to embrace their chosen careers with confidence, and it reflects our commitment to education in a changing world.

With a design focus on sustainability, the Centre will feature:

Specialist science laboratories
Flexible technology rooms
Marine Science Tank Room
Collaborative spaces for industry engagement
An extensive sustainable garden

As we watch the SETI Centre rise from the ground, we are reminded that this is more than a building – it is a beacon of possibility. It will empower our students to explore, experiment and lead in a changing world.

We look forward to sharing every step of this exciting journey with you.

A concept image of the new building's externals.