In Term 4, our School reached an important milestone with the official opening of our Coleman Courts. This new sports facility has already made a meaningful difference to daily life on campus, supporting student wellbeing and participation in sport.
Opened in October with students, staff, Board members and project partners in attendance, the Coleman Courts include a full-size undercover outdoor court suitable for basketball, netball and volleyball. From the outset, students across the School have embraced the space, and it has quickly become a lively and welcoming part of campus.
Designed for movement and connection
The undercover design has had a noticeable impact on how students use the space. At Junior School lunchtimes, the courts are filled with shared active play and plenty of laughter. Nearby passive recreation areas are equally well used, giving students places to relax and spend time together. With shade available throughout the day, more students are choosing to be outdoors and stay active.
Senior School students have also made the most of the courts, including many Year 12 students who enjoyed the space during their final weeks on campus. It has been encouraging to see students of different ages using the courts side by side and enjoying the sense of shared community.
Beyond recreation, the Coleman Courts are already reducing the School’s reliance on off-site venues and strengthening opportunities for sport and training on campus. This aligns closely with our broader commitment to supporting both participation and excellence in sport.
A shared effort
At the opening, 2026 Co-Captains Molly Ireland (11H) and Xavier Colombies (11B) spoke about the collective effort behind the project and thanked the many people who helped bring it to life. The ribbon was cut by the Head of the School, Gerard Houlihan, alongside Andrew Eddy, Chair of the Board, and Tyren Montebruno, Director of Sport, marking a proud moment for our community.
The Coleman Courts were delivered through a collaborative partnership with Cerno, who led the project management, Kneeler Design Architects, who shaped the architectural vision, Peach Constructions, who brought the build to life, and Greenline, who delivered the shade structure that makes the space so usable year-round. Their expertise and care, alongside the support of donors and staff, has resulted in a facility that is designed to serve students now and into the future.
The Coleman Courts represent an early milestone in the delivery of our Master Plan, expanding opportunities for students to be active outdoors and shaping the future of Physical Education, Sport, Health and Wellbeing at St Michael’s.Mr Farai Mufuka, Chief Operating Officer
Looking ahead
The Court Sports Project forms part of St Michael’s long-term approach to Sport, Health and Wellbeing. Alongside work with international sporting consultants, elite coaches, partner schools and local partners such as Port Melbourne Football Club, the School continues to invest in programs and spaces that help students thrive.
Future planning is also underway for other areas of the campus. This includes exploring an enhanced aquatics facility to support students, elite swimmers and community users, as well as potential improvements to Senior School design and technology spaces to strengthen interdisciplinary S.T.E.A.M learning.
As these plans develop, the School will continue to work closely with architects, sustainability planners and donors, with careful consideration given to student learning, daily operations and our surrounding community.
Supporting what comes next
The Coleman Courts are a strong example of what can be achieved through generosity and a shared commitment to the School’s future. Through the St Michael’s Foundation, members of our community can continue to support projects and programs that place student wellbeing at the heart of school life.
We invite you to visit the Coleman Courts when you are next on campus and to consider how you might be involved in helping shape our next 130 years.
