On Monday, 11 November 2024, Beechboro Christian School (BCS) celebrated a historic occasion with the official opening of its permanent home on Bennett Springs Drive.
Federal Member for Hasluck, Ms Tania Lawrence MP, was present for the event along with City of Swan Mayor Ms Tanya Richardson, Councillor Mr Jagdip Singh and Executive Officer Capital Grants & Low-Interest Loans – AISWA, Ms Lisa Robertshaw.
Student leaders opened the ceremony, which featured energetic performances from student groups led by longtime BCS staffer Ms Di Durham.
Mr Michael Bolan (Principal – Beechboro Christian School) spoke to the 300-strong crowd about the long journey that BCS has taken to reach their permanent home, including a humorous reference to former Principal, Mr Murray Thomas, as the ‘Moses of Beechboro’ for his long-suffering attitude and complete patience over the decades.
Also on hand to celebrate were numerous members of the SCEA Finance team, including Mr Rowan Joubert (Chief Financial Officer – SCEA), Mr Ian Ludlow (Business Manager – Mundaring Christian College), Mr Johann van der Walt (Corporate Services Manager – BCS) and retired Ellenbrook Christian College Business Manager, Mr David White.
SCEA Board members Dr Thelma Perso and Dr Natalie Leitao were present for the celebration.
Dr Leitao, now a celebrated academic, was a staffer at BCS for many years in the school’s pioneering phase.
SCEA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Graeme Cross, who was keen to see the school secure a new home when appointed to his position in 2019, paid tribute to the many different professionals and supporters who had committed hours of prayer and dedication to this project since the school’s opening in 1988.
“The culmination of this project is due to many factors: the pioneering parents and staff who made the commitment to BCS in its early days, the operational team at SCEA and the consultants who have worked so hard to use their expertise over the last few years to make this a reality.
“I am also very grateful to Mr Mike Bolan and his team, who have gone above and beyond to make this transition from one site to another a reality. We should also recognise the generous contributions from the state and federal government and their representatives here today who have supplied a significant amount of the funding to make this a flourishing school where students can grow and learn together for a prosperous future.”
BCS school captains Lana N. and Sihan S. were energetic hosts for the morning’s festivities, and Mrs. Jennifer Thomas (Dean of Early Years – BCS) gave the Acknowledgment of Country.
Prayers and dedications were forthcoming, and a wonderful morning tea from the world-famous canteen lady, Mrs ‘Nana’ Lynn, provided an amazing feast for all attendees.
Here are some photos from the event:
