In 2022 a new classroom block was required to meet pressure due to student roll growth (55% growth from 2017-2022). The project’s financing was completed via a Catholic Development Fund (CDF) loan, with design and management undertaken in partnership between WSP and the Catholic Education Office.
St Anne’s Principal, Dallas Wichman, is grateful for this work: “We are excited to embrace a modern learning environment here at St Anne’s and are delighted with the modular construction design. The building provides two interlinked teaching spaces with separate quiet and breakout rooms, a modern kitchenette, and toilet facilities. A covered deck along the front steps gives shade and protection. It also makes for quick access to our school’s playing field.
The local contractors were very familiar with the sustainable building techniques used and were great to have on site. The new buildings have a localised theme to them, with images of the Port Hills portrayed throughout and the original Ngāti Wheke name used boldly on the inside – ‘Kā Kōhatu Whakarakaraka o Tamatea Pōkai Whenua’, also celebrating St Anne’s bilingual education offering.
Feedback from teachers and pupils is that these classrooms will provide a wonderful learning environment. We were delighted to move fifty senior students into their new space in May 2023.”