NSW Governor Dame Marie Bashir was humbled to be invited to open the new buildings at St Mary Star of the Sea College in her role as patron of house Bashir at the school.
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At an opening ceremony on Thursday morning, Dame Marie told the crowd of students and special guests how touched she was to take part in the celebrations.
She later told the Mercury she felt "humble" that many of the young women, including Bashir house captain Alexia Mihalopoulos, considered her a role model.
"I feel very humble about that," she said.
"It's an absolutely indescribable honour because it's about young people, which are the joy of my life, and it's about education, which as Nelson Mandela said is the most powerful weapon of all.
"Of course educated young women in Australia, for centuries virtually, have helped build the nation.
"They've gone into every field and we see them now going into things like aeronautical engineering, extraordinary things because of their courage and the encouragement of a good society."
Dame Marie said she was pleased to see the continued work of The Sisters of the Good Samaritan, who founded the college.
Bishop Peter Ingham was on hand to bless the $11 million facilities, which include a new gymnasium, sports science area, cafeteria and learning spaces.