Mater Dei Catholic College staff and students were able to finally set foot in a new reflection and learning space that had been a vision for a number of years.
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After almost 12 months of construction, the school community was able to enjoy the Marian Centre at the beginning of the new school year.
The multi-purposed space provides a contemporary learning and meeting venue that can sit 160 guest as well as a shared space for prayer and liturgy with Mater Dei Primary School.
College principal Val Thomas said the Marian Centre is a local product of Wagga.
"The centre provides a modern, adaptable environment for liturgies, learning and meetings and will be a retreat space for prayer and reflection," Mrs Thomas said.
"Its location at the front of the school is a clear statement that Mater Dei is a Catholic College.
"It invites staff and students arriving at the college to take time for prayer and reflection in a beautiful, sacred space as they commence their day."
The centre features a connected office and meeting room that overlooks Lake Albert.
A bespoke coloured glass cross is central to the space and is back-lit for effect.
It comprises of the college house colours and also reflects the traditional blues of Mary.
A rose coloured glass centre links the cross to Sacred Heart Parish, the location of the college and Indigenous colours have been incorporated to symbolise the location of the Wiradjuri lands.
The idea for the Marian Centre was created several years ago by then principal Greg Miller, staff and parents in response to a number of tragedies within the college community.
Through support from the college council and local designers and builders, the Marian Centre began construction in 2018 and was completed in January.
