Accessible Building Works Update

Project Timeline & Next Steps

Last week, I hosted our official launch meeting with the architect, builder, and representatives from the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA). It was exciting to see the detailed plans come together and discuss the practical aspects of bringing these improvements to life.

While I don't have a confirmed start date yet, the builder expects work to commence within the next 3-4 weeks. Even better news is that both the architect and builder are confident that all works will be completed in time for Day 1 of Term 1 next year -- fingers crossed! This timeline means minimal disruption to our current school year while ensuring our students return to significantly improved facilities.

What's Included in the Works

The scope of these accessibility improvements is truly impressive. We'll be transforming how students, staff, and families move through and interact with our school spaces. In upcoming newsletters I will be including architectural drawings of the spaces, so that you an build a mental picture of where and what works will be undertaken. Generally speaking, the scope of works includes:

Enhanced Access Throughout the School: Over 25 doors across our school will be automated, making it effortless for everyone to move between classrooms, facilities, and outdoor areas. This will be particularly beneficial for students using mobility aids, staff carrying equipment, and anyone who finds heavy doors challenging.

Accessible Toilet Facilities: Three new accessible toilets will be installed in key locations: near the Prep area, Year 1 classrooms, and the gymnasium. The adaptions to these facilities will provide privacy, dignity, and independence for students who need them, while also serving as convenient options for the broader school community.

New External Access: We're creating direct external access to both the art room and Japanese classroom, opening up new possibilities for movement between spaces as well as making these specialist spaces more accessible to all students.

Ramp Access Solutions: New ramps will provide smooth, safe access to the Prep S and Prep external toilet areas, as well as the 1P and Year 1 external toilet facilities. These thoughtfully designed ramps will blend seamlessly with our existing landscape while removing current barriers.

Connected Learning Spaces: Perhaps most exciting is the raised decking area that will connect our Year 2 classrooms to each other, and link the 3J and 3K classrooms. Complete with ramp access at both the 3J and 2F ends, these new spaces will create wonderful opportunities for collaborative learning and easier movement between classrooms.

Minimising Disruption to Learning

We understand that construction work can be disruptive, which is why careful planning has gone into staging these works to protect our students' learning environment. The builder will coordinate all activities with the intention that classes can remain in their current locations throughout the project. 

There may be occasional very short-term moves required. For example, if a new automated door is being installed directly into a classroom space, that particular class might need to relocate to an alternative room for a few hours while the work is completed. We'll work closely with teachers to ensure minimal impact on learning programs.

Keeping You Informed

I'll provide more specific details about each aspect of the works in upcoming newsletters. My priority is keeping disruption to a minimum while ensuring everyone stays informed about progress.

We're genuinely excited about the positive impact these improvements will have on our school community and look forward to celebrating the completion of our enhanced, more accessible facilities together.