Governor opens learning centre

26th November 2009

QUEENSLAND Governor Penelope Wensley made her first official visit to Central Queensland yesterday at the opening of the Islay Lee Learning Centre.

Rockhampton Grammar School Headmaster Islay Lee points out Rockhampton landmarks to Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley from the top floor of the new learning centre at the school.

MEGAN LEWIS

QUEENSLAND Governor Penelope Wensley made her first official visit to Central Queensland yesterday at the opening of the Islay Lee Learning Centre at Rockhampton Grammar School.

Ms Wensley said the school’s vision and the new learning centre reflected the “shared determination to adapt, to grow and to change to suit the times”.

The impressive building took three years to complete and was the vision of retiring headmaster Islay Lee, after which it was named.

Chairman of the board of trustees Michael Duggin introduced Ms Wensley and commended Mr Lee’s vision and drive to make the building a reality.

During her speech Ms Wensley acknowledged the school’s rich history and innovative approach to education.

“I was delighted to receive the invitation from the board of trustees to open the building,” she said addressing the 1300-strong audience.

“To see first hand the Rockhampton Grammar School, whose long history is an especially interesting and impressive one.

“And now we have a new learning centre, another great step forward for the school and the community with its state of the art facilities, new classrooms, new theatre and other space for the music and drama departments, workshops, the design and technology department and the research floor for the sole use of the senior students.”

The board believed naming the centre after Mr Lee in his final year as headmaster was a fitting tribute to thank him for taking the learning centre concept to fruition.

The $9 million centre has won regional and state design and architecture awards since its completion.