It was a day filled with joy, gratitude, and celebration at the St Louis Academy community in Newmarket on Friday, 21 March 2025. The occasion was the official blessing and opening of the newly completed Sisters of St Louis Wellbeing Hub, and the community was honored to welcome Bishop Emeritus Alan Hopes to lead the special Mass. The event was made even more special by the beautiful music led by Director of Music for the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, David Grealy, whose contribution greatly enhanced the singing during the liturgy. The atmosphere was one of heartfelt celebration, and it was clear that this was a momentous occasion for the entire community.
The Sisters of St Louis Wellbeing Hub is a state-of-the-art facility that has been made possible thanks to an extraordinary gift of £100,000 from the Sisters of St Louis. This generous donation has funded the creation of a multi-purpose space dedicated to supporting children with social and emotional needs, their families, and the pastoral and specialist teams who work with them. The Hub provides a confidential counselling space, a calming sensory room, a quiet retreat for support meetings, and a dedicated area for small group therapy sessions. The building has been thoughtfully designed to offer a sense of peace and refuge, a place where children can feel safe, supported, and nurtured. Sister Blathnaid travelled from Dublin to represent her Order and formally hand over the building to the school, a deeply meaningful moment for all involved.
The Co-Chairs of Governors, Bethan Byrne and Marc Walker, expressed their delight at being able to add this exceptional pastoral provision to the school’s already ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted-rated Personal Development offering. They, along with the whole school community, are deeply grateful for the Sisters’ enduring commitment to the wellbeing of children. The Sisters of St Louis have a long history of serving the Newmarket community, and their desire to continue supporting future generations has found its expression in this project. The building was designed and constructed by Eco Classrooms and Nurseries, a company chosen for their strong environmental credentials. With the support of the Diocese, particularly Helen Bates, planning and design were finalized, and work began in November 2024.
The Sisters of St Louis Wellbeing Hub is a tranquil space nestled in a quiet courtyard, flooded with natural light. A walkway wraps around the building, inviting moments of calm reflection, and wide glazed doors allow the room to open out to the surrounding environment, further enhancing the sense of openness and serenity. The Hub stands as a lasting testament to the love, vision, and generosity of the Sisters, and will continue their mission of care and compassion for generations to come. The school community is excited to start using the Hub, and they are confident that it will make a significant difference in the lives of the children and families they support. The Hub is a reminder that the Sisters of St Louis are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.
The official opening of the Sisters of St Louis Wellbeing Hub marks a new chapter in the history of the St Louis Academy community. It is a celebration of the power of generosity, compassion, and community. The Hub is a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Sisters of St Louis, who have dedicated their lives to serving others and making a positive impact on the world. The school community is grateful for the Sisters’ gift, and they are committed to using the Hub to make a real difference in the lives of the children and families they support. As the community looks to the future, they are excited to see the impact that the Hub will have, and they are confident that it will be a source of comfort, support, and inspiration for generations to come.
In the end, the Sisters of St Louis Wellbeing Hub is more than just a building – it is a beacon of hope, a symbol of compassion, and a reminder of the transformative power of generosity and kindness. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sisters of St Louis, and a celebration of the community that has come together to make it a reality. As the school community continues to grow and thrive, they will always be grateful for the Sisters’ gift, and they will continue to use the Hub to make a positive impact on the world. The Sisters of St Louis Wellbeing Hub is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision and a commitment to making a difference. It is a reminder that we all have the power to create positive change, and that together, we can achieve great things.
