Head Boy Jeremiah Ayalde, founding principal Paul Rafter and Head Girl Lauren Axiak.
Camera IconHead Boy Jeremiah Ayalde, founding principal Paul Rafter and Head Girl Lauren Axiak. Credit: Supplied/Supplied, Martin Kennealey d456212

Paul Rafter Centre to open at Irene McCormack Catholic College

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

FOUNDATION principal Paul Rafter returned to Irene McCormack Catholic College last month for the official opening of his namesake.

The Butler school held a ceremony on June 30 with Auxiliary Bishop of Perth Donald Sproxton opening the $8 million Paul Rafter Centre.

Tyra Hayward gave the Welcome to Country before Mr Rafter reflected on the joys and challenges of establishing the college in 2000.

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The first 30 students started in 2001 and the former principal shared memories of student achievements during almost 14 years at the helm.

The ceremony included a blessing of a glass artwork Resurrected Irene II, created by Rose Reilly, to represent Irene McCormack, plus performances by musicians and the school choir.

Under teacher Trevor Bastow’s guidance, design and technology students created crosses for the building and gifts for the bishop and Mr Rafter.

The centre will be available for use from next term and has physical and outdoor education, music and dance facilities, a gymnasium, classrooms for music and dance, indoor rock-climbing wall, and an external abseiling facility.

The school currently has 985 students.