One of the striking features currently coming to life during the construction of San Damiano College at Yarrabilba is the terracotta tiles.
The tiles might not be as old as those on the rooftops of houses and shops in Assisi, but they are a conscious attempt to mirror the architecture of the central Italian town which has a vast global historic significance.
With a naming connection to Assisi and St Francis, it made sense to architects to develop a layout and design which helped remind students of the values they live and learn by – a commitment to social justice, and a preparation for a “life of worth, not simply a life of work”.
“Learning excellence is expected, as are the attributes of love, compassion, community-mindedness and a strong sense of faith,” principal Peter Edwards said.
“San Damiano College will be a place that supports the wellbeing of all its students, encouraging them to develop and thrive during this critical maturing phase of their lives. Our students will flourish in an environment rich in connection to creation in all its forms.”
Along the pathways, and within quiet spots of the College, there are 20,000 plants – also, as much as the climate will allow, a reflection on the flora of Assisi.
There are quiet spots for lunch, and open spaces for sport.
One of the few remaining duties leading up to the new year is to name the pond which will sit beneath a bridge at the corner entrance of the school.
“As soon as students cross that bridge, they’ll know they’ve entered a space of learning. They’ll also know they’ve entered a space they can feel safe,” Mr Edwards said.
“This is the most amazing opportunity. How often do you get to send your child to a school with 75 students, where they get individualised learning programs and one-on-one attention from teachers.
“That doesn’t mean however, that they won’t be working together. Each of the classrooms is designed to be a collaborative environment, with spaces set aside for those who are doing a solo assignment.”
Each of the buildings, when they are rolled out over the next 12 months and beyond, will from overhead reflect the layout of the town of Assisi.
The college is named to reflect its connection to the Franciscan tradition; a tradition which thinks of the needs of others, framed on a history of giving, empathy and understanding.
San Damiano was the original name of a chapel, monastery and cross, all located in Assisi in Italy.
St Francis was praying in the chapel, in front of what is now known as the San Damiano Cross, when God called him to “repair the church” – he did so in his work to help us all live the Gospel.
While this story is important to the Catholic faith, it doesn’t mean San Damiano is only a school for Catholics.
Those connected with the foundations of the school are quick to point out that the first cohort at the school will be made up of children from many religious backgrounds.
“It is the values which faith provides us that are most important,” Mr Edwards said.
