Capital Facilities

A major capital redevelopment of the College was completed at the end of 1996. Historically, John Paul College was formed from the merger of two separate and independent schools at opposite ends of the site. After the merger, the college continued to operate in the two sets of facilities. With the recently completed capital works, the college can now boast of a fully developed, integrated set of facilities, planned to enhance the academic and pastoral structures currently in place and allowing for the further development of curriculum, learning technologies and human groupings.

The facilities now include a Resource Centre, VCE Common Room, Technology Centre, Science Laboratories, Computer Rooms, General Purpose Classrooms, Visual Arts, Drama and Music all of which have been refurbished, upgraded or built as new facilities. These are in addition to the existing excellent facilities provided to our students.

The building program was financed by capital reserves built up by the College over a long period, supplemented by a loan from the Capital Development Fund of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. This loan is currently being serviced by existing family levies which will increase over the years only in line with any inflationary rises.

The computer facilities mentioned above are part of a comprehensive network of computers including three teaching computer laboratories, cd-rom services on the network, access to the Internet and stand-alone computers for student use. These facilities are widely recognised in the education community as being among the most advanced and comprehensive student computer services being provided anywhere in the metropolitan area.

In 1998, the college introduced additional technology in the form of a "radio local area network." Laptop (notebook) computers, linked to the college network by radio are being made available to students across the curriculum. These will enhance the provision of technology by giving full access to the college network and its services from any room in the school.

This initiative is in line with the college policy of equity of access and provision to all enrolled students and does not depend on student purchased or leased computers.

The college is in the final stages of planning for a major upgrade of the playing fields and sporting facilities. Future capital development will involve the provision of performing arts facilities (Drama, Music, etc) and additional improvements to Visual arts and Student Services.