Jennifer Reilly Aquatic Centre

The official opening and blessing of the College’s newly built aquatic centre took place on Friday 12 March 2021, with the event welcoming members of the College community in celebration of this key milestone.

Completed in time for the commencement of the school year and named after Class of 2000 alumnus Jennifer Reilly, the Centre features a covered and heated 25 metre, eight-lane indoor lap and water polo pool, a separate 12 metre learn-to-swim pool and terrace seating for 180 people.

Special guests in attendance included: two-time Olympian Jennifer Reilly; Rev Fr Phong Nguyen and other members of the clergy; Project Manager Patricia Rodrigues; representatives from Catholic Education WA, the ACC and Aquatics Australia; representatives from EIW Architects and construction company Pindan; College Advisory Council Chair Darren Cutri, past principals of the College; and principals of local Catholic primary schools and secondary colleges, amongst others. The guests joined the College Leadership team, Aquatic Centre Programs and Operations Manager Luke Gavin, and a select group of students.

Principal Frank Italiano spoke of the years of effort to bring the project to fruition and highlighted the extensive benefits our students will now enjoy as part of an aquatics program that will cater for all students. From those aiming to improve their fitness or confidence in the water, right through to those interested in competing in Swimming and Water Polo at a higher level, the Jennifer Reilly Aquatic Centre will give all learners the opportunity to Ignite the Spirit.

The event was a fitting opportunity to honour Jennifer’s career, which included Australian records and numerous gold medals at international championships, such as the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs. Best known for her signature event – the 400m Individual Medley – she made the final of the 2000 Olympics while she was a Year 12 student at AvÐÔ°®. Jennifer gave an inspiring speech, which was followed by a demonstration race where the AvÐÔ°® students showed the pool in use.

Fr Phong then performed the solemn blessing. After the blessing, Darren Cutri and Jennifer unveiled the official plaque, and at the conclusion of the event, guests were welcomed into the David Heath Community Centre for morning tea.

We thank all those involved in the completion of this important capital development project and also those who assisted in the organising of this special event. We look forward to enjoying the opportunities (and successes) the pool will give the College community now and into the future.

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To learn more about Jennifer Reilly’s career, visit:

www.corpus.wa.edu.au/jennifer-reilly

For more information about the Aquatic Centre, visit: www.corpus.wa.edu.au/aquatic-centre