St Cuthbert’s College celebrated a significant milestone today with the official opening of the Future Pathways Centre – a dedicated space that will serve as the heart of career exploration, guidance, and opportunity for students.
A Multi-Generational Legacy
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by David Ellis CNZM alongside his granddaughter Lucia-Rose Hayes, currently in Year 3, symbolising the deep and enduring connection between the Ellis-Wells family and St Cuthbert’s College.
This connection spans an extraordinary 107 years. David’s mother, Joan Ellis (Wells, 1954), was a former Head Girl who married David Ellis Senior. David Ellis Senior served as Trust Board Chair for eight years, and the College honoured his service by naming the David Ellis Building after him.
The family’s ties to the College reach back even further. Joan’s sister, Judy Laity (1954), who was present at the opening, and Joan’s mother, Gladys Wells (1921), was one of St Cuthbert’s early students, starting in 1918. The Wells Building is named in honour of the many Wells family Trust Board members.
From Gladys Wells walking through the College doors in 1918, through to the naming of the Wells and David Ellis Buildings, to young Lucia-Rose in Year 3 today – this multi-generational connection represents the enduring values and community spirit at the heart of St Cuthbert’s.
A Commitment to Student Futures
Principal Charlotte Avery described the Future Pathways Centre as “more than just a physical space – it is a commitment to every student who walks through our doors.”
The Centre will provide:
- A central hub for career counselling and individual pathway planning
- Access to industry connections, tertiary education resources, and alumni networks
- Workshops, guest speakers, and career exploration programmes
“In a rapidly changing world, career guidance is no longer about choosing a single path,” Ms Avery explained. “It’s about equipping our young women with the skills, resilience, and self-knowledge to navigate multiple pathways throughout their lives.”
Head Girl Justina Cocker-Maka spoke at the opening about the significance of the Centre for current students, sharing her perspective as someone soon to embark on her own future pathway.
The Centre will provide the College’s exceptional Careers Team, headed by Charlotte Osorio, with a dedicated space to continue their tireless work opening doors and creating opportunities for students. As Ms Avery noted, the Centre sends a clear message to students: “Your future matters, and we are here to help you shape it.”
Following the ribbon cutting, guests enjoyed afternoon tea and had the opportunity to explore the new facility, which marks another important chapter in St Cuthbert’s ongoing commitment to preparing young women for success beyond the College gates.
