The extensions were officially opened and blessed on 10 June 2009.  From the newsletter:

Wednesday this week witnessed the Opening and Blessing of our new facilities (Stage 1 $2.4ml). Despite the bitterly cold conditions it was an afternoon of genuine celebration. Over one hundred invited guests joined our celebration including Bishop Michael Malone - Bishop of Maitland/Newcastle Diocese, Ms Sharon Grierson—Federal Member for Newcastle, Sisters Mary Clare Holland, June Peck and Maura McAvoy—members of the Dominican Congregational Leadership Team and Mr Ray Collins—Director of Catholic Schools Office.

San Clemente was established by the Dominican Sisters on this site 90 years ago. What a wonderful coincidence to be celebrating the opening and blessing of these superb new facilities in our 90th year. Thanks was extended to Bishop Michael for his support of Catholic Education and San Clemente. The Diocesan Family School Building Fund has contributed $900,000 to the completed Stage 1. A further $300,000 from this fund has already been allocated to the Stage 2 project (refurbishment of the existing school—starting later this term). Mrs Sharon Grierson, Federal Member for Newcastle and representing The Honourable Julia Gillard, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations, was thanked and acknowledged for the substantial financial support given to San Clemente from the Federal Government. The Federal Government, under the Investing In Our Schools Program, contributed $1,546,000 toward Stage 1. An additional $900,000 has been set aside for Stage 2.

As part of the Federal Government’s Building Education Revolution, San Clemente has recently received $200,000 for School Pride and Maintenance Programs. Under this program work orders have been placed for replacement guttering and downpipes, exterior painting, crim-safe for windows, security fencing and a new staff carpark. Such wonderful financial support from our Diocese and the Federal Government has enabled us to transform the learning environment at San Clemente.

To our parents, I would like to acknowledge your ongoing support for San Clemente in many ways. In particular, I would like to thank you for the sacrifices you have made in honouring your commitment to pay your school fees and the Diocesan Family School Building Levy. Such contributions have made stage 1 and 2 a reality. I am so proud of the wonderful students and staff at San Clemente. During the past 18 months they have endured much—half a playground, dust, noise, water and electrical disruption etc. etc. etc. Not once did I hear a complaint while at all times displaying a patient and flexible attitude. You are all to be congratulated. In addition, the student body covered themselves in distinction on Wednesday afternoon in terms of their presentation and behaviour. They handled the freezing and blustery conditions with great calm and maturity. A big thank you goes to all the staff who worked so hard as a team to organize our celebration.

Well done to all! 

Peace and best wishes,

Tony Kelly (Principal)

Program for the day

Opening and blessing