Students enjoy new Rua Hub
It has taken a while but this week we opened up the Rua Hub, a social and recreational space for students to chill out, be with friends, have their lunch, or enjoy a game of table tennis.
It is open for all Year 7–10 students before school (8.15-8.35am) and during lunchtime (1.05-1.45pm) each school day.
The Rua Hub has a lot of history attached to it. Br Peter Dezani, well remembered by old scholars, literally dug out the space in the 1960s using a pick and shovel with a group of volunteers, mostly boarders of the time. Students would gravitate to this space and enjoy the company of Brother Peter who became their friend, confidante and mentor. For years this space was used for old scholar meetings and socialising with Br Peter, who was at the centre of all this activity.
The Rua Hub gets its name from Fr Michael Rua, the first successor of St John Bosco. He led the Salesians from 1888–1910. Michael Rua is a legend in Salesian circles. After the death of the charismatic Don Bosco many senior Church figures thought the Salesians would fold up and there was talk that they might amalgamate with an established Religious Order like the Jesuits. Influential Salesians at the time thought otherwise. Michael Rua proved himself a very capable administrator, an apostolic innovator, a sure hand and the Salesians forged ahead under his leadership.
The Rua Hub has four tabletennis tables, a TV, comfortable chairs and two microwaves. Over time we hope to add to this list of facilities. This new social and recreational space will complement the Savio Hub as a place to gather and mingle.
I am grateful to the College Leadership Team, administration and workshop staff who have supported this venture and ensured this little dream of mine has become a reality.
Fr Peter Rankin, SDB - ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ Rector
A Catholic School in the Salesian Tradition
