A message from the Associate Vice-Chancellor (Victoria) Dr John Ballard.
It has been a refreshingly quiet start to 2019 on the St. Patrick’s Campus with a few summer schools underway and people trickling back from much deserved leave.
We finished last year with our Chapel filled to capacity and enjoyed carols by the ACU Choir under the leadership of Ms Faye Dumont followed by mass celebrated by our new Archbishop Peter Comensoli, Fr Anthony Casamento and Campus Minister Fr Michael Kong. Archbishop Peter joined 375 ACU staff for our annual Christmas luncheon in Cathedral Hall, beautifully decorated by the Concierge and facilities teams. We are now gearing up for what looks to be an exciting year.
The builders appointed to construct the new St. Teresa of Kolkata Building adjacent to our primary teaching space, the Mary Glowrey Building, took possession of the site in December and we are expecting site sheds and preliminary works to commence next week. This building is substantial and includes a seven story basement carpark and a further 11 stories above ground with a rooftop sports court. It is primarily a teaching/student facing building with the School of Education and the St. Thomas More Law School relocating from East Melbourne (across the road) to the upper levels. This is a significant development for the campus that will dramatically improve the quantity, quality and access to teaching and break-out spaces.
The down side of all development is having to endure the prolonged period of construction that will result in both noise and a degree of disruption to the activities of those within the Mary Glowrey Building. Our development team is working on contingencies and minimisation strategies and will keep the campus abreast of initiatives in this area. Join the Mother Theresa Building group on Workplace to receive updates.
Our early enrolments are positive and next week VTAC issues first round offers to prospective students. We are expecting to maintain last year’s student load and look forward to orientation, the return of students and a busy year.