"Today is my privilege to thank the many people who work together like an orchestra to create a perfect piece of harmony for our students," said Summer Hill's St Patrick's Primary School Principal, Colleen Adams today.

Colleen was addressing hundreds of students, parents, parishioners, local politicians and clergy at the official opening and blessing of a major building and refurbishment program to upgrade the learning environment at the school.

Once land owned by Mrs Jane Drynan from Canterbury Estate, this heritage-zoned school now houses a new hall, canteen, technology laboratory, Reading Recovery Centre, extra classrooms and a restored parish Cottage.

The Cottage - acquired as a church in 1947 -became the parish of St Patrick's Summer Hill in October 1948.

The following year, the school was established with 26 students starting Kindergarten and First Class.

"The Sisters of St Joseph opened the school in pioneering conditions," Mrs Adams said.

"But in a spirit of contemplation their religious life compelled them to teach the children to know, love and serve God.

"It was the beginning of a forty-year commitment," she added.

"Today, the teaching staff continue this same sense of compassion for the children.

"These new and refurbished buildings will become the tools and spaces for the exercising of the children's and teachers' creativity. The demountable buildings have gone, making way for a safe and stimulating learning environment for our students."

During the ceremony, Mrs Adams acknowledged special thanks to the parent community and Sydney's Catholic Education Office (CEO), who helped fund most of the building project.

The NSW State Government also provided part of the funds through the interest subsidy program, which could amount to $1.4 million over the life of the loan.