St. Gabriel's Primary School

Genem Architects first came to my attention at an Education Expo organised by our North Central Principals' Network mid 2008. I first met Michaela and was immediately impressed with her recent projects and her experience in Primary School Building Design.

Just six months later we were informed of two impending Capital Works Grants coming our way; National Schools Pride $125,000 and Building the Education Revolution $2,000,000

Michaela carefully listened to the concerns I had with our existing roof structure to our 70 year old buildings and set to organising a builder to remedy the situation under the NSP grant.

Next we consulted stake holders on what our community needed to take St Gabriel's into the 21st Century. The beginning of the 2010 school year saw us accepting the key to our extended and refurbished school hall. The area includes Commercial Kitchen, spaces shared by Out of School Hours Care, Alcoholics Anonymous meeting place, Theatre Groups and other community gatherings. The extension includes toilets, showers and Multi-purpose area. The Hall can be opened up to enable seating for over 300 at our school concert with comfortable student area back of stage. By the end of 2010 we had moved into extended and refurbished areas including; Parents/Playgroup room, new Prep Teaching Area and Perceptual Motor Program Gymnasium in our Prep/One/Two Learning Area, new Meeting Rooms and dedicated Visual Arts Room.

Genem Architects were able to connect areas of our school so that they were all on the same level making General Learning Areas much more assessable and useful. The whole school varies in age from 2010 buildings to buildings erected in the 1930s. It is wonderful how Michaela has married in all structures so that they belong!

Meeting with Genem Architects and John Kendall, J.R. & B.L. Kendall Pty. Ltd. (Builders) each fortnight was always a productive and pleasant experience. Between John and Michaela the Capital Works were completed on time and within budget - quite an achievement as any person who has undertaken school construction will testify! The site was always safe both as a place of employ and education.

I thank Genem Architects for the excellent work completed at St Gabriel's Parish Primary School, Reservoir and have no hesitation in writing this testimonial.

Yours truthfully,
Brian Booley (Principal)

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St Gabriel's Parish Primary School was well served by Genem Architects. The professional and friendly approach was a great asset to the whole project, and the prompt attention to detail assisted in the successful outcome. The school plant is greatly enhanced and the new spaces work well. The new Prep classroom and Junior School facilities offer a much more contemporary and comfortable learning environment, and better egress to and from the classroom. The alterations to the Principal's office and the general office space provide for more efficient administration and a less cluttered working area. The many groups that use the hall and its kitchen are grateful for the new toilet facilities, the options and diversity of space, and the easier access for the disabled.

regards,
Fr. Shane Hoctor
Parish Priest