Part 4: 1900-1945

Curepipe's architecture

A former student, Max Boullé, architect drew up the plans for the construction of a new building which was supposed to make the town more beautiful and at the same time making for College efficient use of the infrastructure for classes and rooms for the religious community. The building would consist of a modern hall, common rooms and a magnificent Chapel.

Until his death in 1965 Max Boullé remained a permanent and devoted friend to the College. His two sons , both studied at secondary level and both performed brilliantly and were attributed scholarships to study in England. One of the sons became priest and therefore was the Chaplain of the College from April 1959 to 1964

The College comes out from the earth

That 6th April 1929, the Canon Alfred Martin, proceeded to the benediction of the foundations. Only the College community, the constructor and his workers were present.

In May the Brothers left the old buildings and went to live at the Clarenc residence, making way for the new construction. The new Chapel was blessed by Bishop Leen, on 17 November 1933, at a ceremony attended by almost all Priests of the Diocese and such a large crowd that there were more outside than inside. It proved to be a real religious jewel with an imposing inside rose window behind the altar.

Since 1926, the Brothers prayed for the reconstruction of the College. They even promised to adopt as soon as possible a free schooling policy. They kept their promises, so at the beginning of the 1929 school year , the Brother Justinien took charge of Ste. Thérèse. Then on 1 June 1936 , they opened Don Bosco school at Ste Hélène.

The exterior walls of the new college were in reinforced concrete so strong a texture that many cold chisels have been blunted when water pipes were installed later in some areas. They are up to 70 cm thick at basement level. The doors, window frames, partitions, stairs and floors of the classrooms are in teak, specially imported from Singapore.

The rhythm did not slow down. As the works progressed the old buildings were all brought down.

The Science block, Physics and chemistry, was added as a separate building in 1939.