What was once an early learning centre has now been transformed into a modern, purpose-built learning environment for grades 5-6 students at Cire Community School’s Yarra Junction campus.
This milestone was made possible through the 2022–23 Non-Government Schools Capital Fund – Independent Schools Round 4, administered by the Victorian Independent Schools Block Grant Authority (VISBGA). The grant enabled the redevelopment and upgrade of the existing building to create four general learning areas, breakout spaces, outdoor learning zones, and dedicated wellbeing facilities.
The opening of this new building reflects Cire’s Strategic Plan 2023–27. It strengthens our offering by creating more places for young people, drives impact through trauma-informed practice, and acts as a catalyst for change by establishing an education precinct alongside our Early Learning Centre and Community Hub in Yarra Junction.
Above: A sample of the new improvements.
The Vision Realised
Ten years ago, Cire was taking the first steps as an independent, specialist school. Today, it is a school of choice where students come because they want to belong, learn, and grow. This transformation is part of Cire’s vision to develop education spaces and a model that ensures every young person has the best chance of success.
The new junior school building is central to this vision. It provides a safe, flexible, and empowering environment that reflects our values and supports students to thrive. As Principal Tom Sword shared:
“We’re here for the students. This space goes a long way, gives us the opportunity to do things a different way. When the students are here, it’s because they want to be.”
Above: Works begin in the Early Learning building.
From Early Learning to Empowered Learning
The original building was constructed in the mid-1990s for young children. Its design and playground reflected that purpose, with small rooms, low fixtures, and toilets designed for toddlers with line-of-sight windows. For older students, this was far from ideal. Upgrading the space required major structural changes, including plumbing works, new air-conditioning, and improved thermal properties.
Today, the building has been completely reimagined for Years 5 and 6 students and beyond. High ceilings, natural textures, and soft lighting create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Extended verandas provide outdoor learning opportunities and spaces for students to regulate when anxious, all within line of sight of their classroom. Landscapes offer connection to the environment, with varied textures and diverse spaces to explore.
Above: Outdoor learning spaces designed with student input present a range of sensory experiences.
What’s New in the Space
The redevelopment has delivered:
- Four general learning areas designed for integrated and applied learning.
- A break-out space, kitchen, sick bay, staff office, and meeting room.
- Outdoor learning zones and extended verandas that support regulation and connection to nature.
- Dedicated spaces for our wellbeing team and visiting allied health professionals.
Students were actively involved in the design process, submitting ideas and making choices about furniture and layout. Teacher Steph Cummings reflected on the journey:
“Moving into the new building was both rewarding and challenging, but they made it theirs. They researched, budgeted, and arranged their classrooms to suit their learning styles.”
Above: Indoor areas featuring student-designed layouts.
Impact on Students and Culture
By introducing Years 5 and 6 to the curriculum in 2021, Cire expanded our program to offer an opportunity to engage earlier in the education journey. This building makes that possible, offering flexible seating, natural light, and thoughtful design creates spaces where every student can choose how they learn best.
New, varied spaces allow students to self-regulate or connect with wellbeing staff effectively, supporting a smoother return to the classroom. Teachers report that students who previously withdrew for long periods are now re-engaging sooner and with stronger motivation and confidence.
Throughout the school, students and the education team all agree on Cire’s RAISE principles. This new space provides the means and area to understand and embody the principles fully.
- Regard for people, property, places and the environment.
- Attune to the needs of others.
- Innovate by embracing change and new ideas.
- Safety for students and educators empowers the best learning.
- Empowering students to take ownership of their learning and growth, and listening to their choice and voice.
The Opening
The official opening was held outdoors, with laughter from Cire Early Learning’s Bush Kinder program in the background, a perfect reminder of the education precinct we have built. Guests toured the new building, admired the high ceilings, natural textures, and landscaped grounds that now reflect the needs of adolescent learners.
As Tom Sword invited guests to take a deep breath, everyone took the opportunity to truly experience what this project achieved: a welcoming environment to explore the self and connect with others.
LEFT: The ribbon is cut with Warren McLeod (Cire Executive Manager – Education), Gus Seremetis (Cire CEO), Tom Sword (Cire Principal), Steph Cummings (Cire Teacher), and Damien Long (BillingsLong). CENTRE: Tom and Steph describe the impact of the new building. RIGHT: Leanne Hurst (Yarra Ranges Council), Julie Christopoulos (Independent Schools Victoria) and Erin Weinberg (Cire Chief of Operations) enjoy the grounds.
Acknowledgment
This achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of the Victorian Independent Schools Block Grant Authority (VISBGA) through the 2022–23 Non-Government Schools Capital Fund. We also thank our project partners for their expertise and commitment to creating an environment that empowers young people:
- Cadox Building Design (Consultation)
- LRW Design (Building & interior architect)
- BillingsLong (Building construction)
- Justin Staggard (Landscape architect)
- Playspace Industries (Landscape construction)
This new building represents hope, belonging, and opportunity for every young person who walks through its doors. By creating spaces that feel safe and empowering, we are helping students reconnect with learning and discover their potential; a commitment that will continue for years to come.
