Grounds Renewal 

Project 

Student & Staff Feedback

Karen Harris

Principal

As reported in Issue 6 of the Brunswick Star, last term we shared a survey with BSC staff and students to help inform plans for the development of school grounds. 

The Grants & Fundraising Activities Working Party (GFA) has assessed this data and now has a clearer idea on how we can move forward to create outdoor spaces that better meet the needs of our community.   

All actions undertaken by the GFA will be overseen by the School Council in consultation with the Principal Team and Business Manager, and governed in accordance with School Council guidelines. 

Step 1:    Consultation. 

Engaging professional opinions, ideas and suggestions on the type of projects that will suit our vision as well as meet out budget. These projects must address student needs (as identified via survey), better designate areas for active and passive recreation, provide for multi-use of areas as well as elevate the school's overall aesthetic.  Ultimately, the School Council aims to deliver a plan that provides for multi-use spaces that are interconnected and complimentary, and an environment in which our community can take great pride.

Step 2:   Planning

Engaging a contractor to generate a Master Plan of the school's grounds, as guided by the school, ideally a contractor who can both design and execute such a plan.

The Master Plan will include current facilities, as well as proposed grounds projects identified through the consultation process. 

Step 3: Adopt the Master Plan

Final approval of the Master Plan lies with the School Council, and once the Master Plan is endorsed it will become the basis and first reference point for grounds improvement going forward.

As School Council evolves from year to year, the Master Plan will remain a reference point for subsequent council members so that the process of continuous improvement remains focused and streamlined. 

Step 4:    Delivery

Having committed these projects to a Master Plan, the School Council can make progressive steps toward achieving our ideal environs. 

The Master Plan will be broken down into a number of projects, and as funds become available, a specific project can be undertaken. During this phase, the school will also identify which projects (or aspects of projects)  should be tackled concurrently, with reference to priority, cost, potential cost-savings and feasibility. 

While specific areas of the Master Plan will be prioritised in accordance with the community's feedback, projects are also be dependant on the availability of funds and/or resources. Projects may rely on the emergence of specific grant funding opportunities (and therefore subject to application, consideration and outcome timelines) and so delivery of a project will be guided by these factors.

The School Council looks forward to continuing this important work - and the community can look forward to seeing the pieces of the puzzle coming together!