Welcome back to another term at PCS! As I sit writing this article at the beginning of another term, I am filled with all sorts of emotions. Excitement, nerves and perhaps even relief are all very much present as we look to officially open our new car park and High School building on Day 1.
This enormous project has been one that all of us have seen play out before our very eyes. Not only has the development been physically hard to miss, but coupled with temporary parking and pick up procedures, the impact on our day to day school routines has been nothing short of significant. I’ll say again how grateful I am for all of your patience and support throughout the project. Finally, on time and on budget, this latest phase of development for PCS is complete!
Any of you involved in construction and development will know that all projects take time and effort. Some of you may not realise this, but this latest phase of development in accordance with our Masterplan began way back in 2018. We had just purchased an additional 10 acres of land and began working with an architect on how we would expand the school in conjunction with subject demand, student growth and of course, budget!
Whilst our industrial arts facility was the first phase of development, planning for the new car park and high school building began in 2018 also. From those early meetings to concept drawings, to site preparation and completion, this project has been an incredible success which will benefit our students and families for generations to come. What I am particularly struck by, is just how close the original project brief was to the actual facility. From its high ceilings and masses of natural light, to the beautiful courtyard and senior student facilities, I have been so amazed by how all the small elements of design have worked together within the big picture to develop exactly what we wanted and needed.
Many of you will know that of late I have been just as excited by the completion of the new car park as I have been for the building itself! And what a car park it is! Complete with separate drop off zone, a huge undercover walkway and beautiful hot mix surface, our car park is a site to behold! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I am.
I have been enormously privileged to work alongside a group of people who have all captured the vision of this project and helped make it a reality for the benefit of our students and families. I would like to acknowledge our architects, Paynter Dixon, for capturing the ideas and putting them into actual concept and design form which we now see brought to life. I would like to thank our very own Elsie Joubert, the project manager, who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the many components of the project have been completed, and completed on budget. What a blessing you are. This project would not have been possible without you. This multi-million dollar project has been delivered, on time, on budget and PCS still remains debt free. Elsie is continuing her role as project manager for our next phase of development which has already begun.
Finally, I would like to thank our builder Rodney Barnes. To put it simply, Rodney has become an integral part of our school community. This is the fourth major project that Rodney has delivered for the school, but more than that, Rodney has an insight and understanding of our facilities and services which has been an enormous blessing over the past 15 years or so. Significantly, this has been Rodney’s final build before entering retirement. What a way to finish! Whilst I’m sure Rodney will still be around and lending his wisdom and expertise as needed, I didn’t want to miss the chance to say congratulations and thank you for all you have done for PCS. Our students, staff and families are all richer for your partnership and you should be proud of all you have accomplished.
I look forward to having the chance for our parent community to tour this new facility in a few weeks time, once the new grass settles into place! In the meantime, enjoy the new car park, and have a great term.
I am incredibly grateful to be a part of such a wonderful school community, which includes all of you! As you head into Day 1, take a moment to thank God for his continued blessing and favour over our school. This facility is just another example of God’s enduring faithfulness to our school. What a privilege it is to be a part of all He is doing in the lives of our young people.
Have a great week PCS.
Glen
