|
Villa Maria College is set in 4.8 hectares of grounds in the suburb
of Ilam in the North West of Christchurch. It is situated close to the
University of Canterbury Ilam campus.
The College has four fully
equipped and recently upgraded computer suites, a modern Library
Information Resource Centre (opened in 2000) and modern technology
equipment. The Arts Block, which includes a White Room for exhibitions
and photographic work, was completed in early 2005 at a cost of $1.46
million. In 2011 the upgrade of the science and technology areas was complete.

Right: The Prime Minister, Helen Clark, and immediate Past Principal, Sr Mary Hanrahan, opening the new Arts block in 2004
2011 - New Science Block Opens
 
The blessing was presided over by Bishop Barry.
Photo Left: Bishop Barry, Father Simon Eccleton and Principal Mary Lynch.
The
auditorium and gymnasium were opened in 1998. The gymnasium is marked
with numerous courts and has a well-equipped weights room. Outdoors
there are sports fields and a swimming pool. The hockey, tennis and
netball courts were opened 2007 and the resulting new Astro turf courts
provide the College and the local community with an all-weather facility
to assist the development of these sporting codes.
The music area
was developed, along with the building of the new auditorium, in 1998
and allows for performance and teaching spaces as well as sound-proofed
practice rooms for students.
A stylish administration block,
built in 2001, greets visitors to the College from the Peer Street
entrance and provides pleasing surroundings for the College's Senior
Leadership team and comfortable staffroom and workroom facilities.
Staff
car parks have been created from both the Brodie and Peer Street
entrances. The canteen facilities were expanded in 2004 and there is a
Year 13 common room for student use. The boundary fence was replaced in
early 2009 ensuring a safe, secure and aesthetically pleasing
environment.
Development Plan
The
next phase of the development plan, the proposed redevelopment of the
Science and Technology areas, is now complete - 2011. Subsequent phases
will see, possibly by the College Centenary in 2018, a new Chapel and a
central courtyard.
|