Alkimos school scales new heights in expansion

A CLIMBING wall, industrial kiln, IT labs and performing arts room are features of St James’ Anglican School’s latest expansion.

The Alkimos school held the official opening of its senior school building today, with assistant Bishop of Perth Kate Wilmott performing a dedication of the third stage of the school.

Guests included Pearce MHR Christian Porter, Butler MLA John Quigley, Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts, Anglican Schools Commission chief executive Peter Laurence and chairwoman Barbara Godwin as well as other members of the commission and school boards.

They joined DWA Architects, project managers Plate Consulting, builders Customised Projects, staff, students and families at the May 3 event, which included a tour of the facilities.

Construction finished in late 2018 and students started the school year in the two-storey building, which is the first of two large classroom blocks that will form the core of the senior school.

The modern space features classrooms, a staff room, two large collaborative spaces and specialist areas including a visual art room, industrial kiln, Windows and Mac IT labs, music rehearsal rooms, performing arts room, tutorial study rooms, gym area, library space, design and technology room and an two science laboratories.

The building is adorned with inspirational quotes and was designed to have a ‘university’ feel.

The exterior has an abseil tower and climbing wall, decorated with a hand painted Great Wave off Kanagawa by art teacher Tanisha Burtnyk.

The project was jointly funded by the Anglican Schools Commission and the state and federal governments.