Daniela Paradiso
On 17 February, I had the pleasure of joining St Aloysius College for the Topping Out Ceremony of their new six‑storey building, currently under construction at the Boundary Road campus.
A Topping Out Ceremony marks a major milestone in any building project. It signifies that the structure has reached its full height and that the primary structural works are now complete. It is also a moment that celebrates the collective pride of everyone involved – when the design moves from vision to reality.
Dressed in high‑vis vests and hard hats, guests were guided to the rooftop to take in the spectacular views that students will soon come to enjoy. The formalities began with an address from the project architect, who spoke about the building’s design features including its ability to draw beautiful natural light into the learning spaces while also providing protection from the heat, and its expansive outlook across the tall green trees and the stunning city skyline.
Principal Mary Farrah expressed her gratitude to the architects, project managers and builders for delivering such an impressive building, on time and on budget. The builders then presented Mary with a mature magnolia tree, which will take pride of place on the sixth‑floor terrace.
I learned that the tradition of placing a tree atop a completed structure has its origins in Scandinavian and Norse cultures. Historically, builders would raise a tree to the highest point of the structure as a symbol of life, growth and continuity – a fitting emblem for a building that will soon nurture so many young minds. The building is on track for completion in June 2026, with Year 11 and 12 students ready to make the new learning spaces their home from Semester 2.
