The College officially opened its new building, The Bryson Building on Monday 22 June 2026, marking one of the most significant milestones in the College’s 38-year history and ushering in a new era of learning, connection and community. We welcomed invited guests, including Dr Michelle Byrne, Mayor of the Hills Shire Council, staff, students and members from the College community to the opening of this multi-million dollar investment, designed to support both academic growth and community life.
Located at the heart of the campus, the purpose-built facility has been designed to serve current and future generations of students, bringing together innovative and collaborative learning spaces, two new libraries, a new canteen and café, a large undercover gathering space and a multi-purpose rooftop venue.
Mr Alex Koch, Head of College, said the opening represented far more than the completion of a building project. “The opening of The Bryson Building represents a pivotal moment in the life of our College. “It represents the College reaching a state of maturity. Rather than building to expand the capacity of the College, this building has been designed with the long-term future learning and growth in mind.”
While The Bryson Building incorporates modern classrooms and flexible learning spaces, its design also recognises the importance of creating areas where students, staff and members of our community can gather, build relationships and engage in the life of the College. Its development reflects the College’s vision of developing extraordinary learners with a passion to serve others, offering contemporary learning environments, shared spaces and facilities that will serve the College for generations to come.
“As technology saturates our world, The Bryson Building not only allows students to engage learning technologies helpfully in a classroom setting, it importantly also provides ample inviting, attractive spaces for authentic, in-person human connection,” Mr Koch said. “We know people thrive in a context of rich, human relationships and so this is vitally important to help our students grow and develop relational skills that will serve them well for life.”
The building also reflects the College’s commitment to its Reconciliation Strategy, incorporating elements of Country throughout the design process in consultation with Dharug representatives and artists. The colour palette, materials and architectural features draw inspiration from the waterways, land, sandstone and tree canopy that reflect the significance of the land on which the College stands. The exterior façade is inspired by the eel, which holds significance in Dharug culture, and the interior spaces, particularly our featured murals, showcase key elements of local flora, fauna and culture.
Named in honour of the College’s inaugural Headmaster, Mr Philip Bryson, the building serves as the focal point of the campus and continues the legacy established when the College was founded in 1988. “The name alone connects the building to the College’s origin and the pioneering work of Mr Bryson who made central the importance of positive relationships among everyone in the College,” Mr Koch revealed. “We also want to acknowledge the connection the College campus has to the people and land which was a place cherished by Dharug people for many years prior to the foundation of the College.”
Designed as a central hub for learning and community life, The Bryson Building will support everything from daily classroom activities and library programs to large-scale events, examinations and community gatherings, helping foster collaboration, belonging and community engagement.
