Principal's Message 

Capital Works renders - finally!!

As many of you would be aware, in late 2020 the school received a Capital Works grant of just over $8 million dollars.  Since then the school and key stakeholders have been working tirelessly on developing flexible learning spaces that meet the needs of our community.  We have finally been given permission to release (November 15) the following renders to our community.  Please enjoy!

Internal render - Senior School, Science and Technology building 

(yet to be officially named)

The above renders focal point is a lab space.  You will notice the use of glass to provide natural light to the space.  Adjoining the lab is a theory room.  Students can complete their theory in the regular classroom and have easy access to the lab via the joining door. 

The building will include:

• Three lab spaces with adjoining theory classrooms
• Three flexible classroom spaces that can be transformed into a large lecture space
• A digital fabrication classroom
• Robotics classroom
• Adaptable project space
• Student and staff self-contained toilet spaces
• Three meeting rooms
• Three staff offices
• Preparation space and two additional storage spaces

External render -Senior School, Science and Technology building 

(yet to be officially named)

The above render shows an outside view of the building. The landscaping will incorporate natural habitat rather than asphalt.  Students will be provided with seating that exposes them to the natural textures and materials of the Knox area.

Music hub situated in the Performing Arts Centre

The above render is an artist’s impression of the main music classroom.  From right to left there is a music store room, practice room, entry to the hallway/collaboration space and foyer, a practice room and an entry and exit (behind the teacher) that opens onto an outside learning space.

The Performing Arts Centre upgrades include:

• A music hub with:
  • A large music classroom
  • Three practice spaces (of differing sizes)
  • A large collaboration space
  • Outdoor learning space adjoining the music classroom
  • Three storage spaces 
  • Excellent acoustics
• A foyer/multi-purpose space with a servery
• Extensive landscaping

Construction will begin in April 2022 with buildings to be ready in 2023.  Exciting times for our school!

COVID-19

We are now a few weeks into onsite learning and so far, there have been no positive cases at the school (touch wood…). I would like to thank students and staff for being responsible in the wearing of masks and socially distancing. However, we need to be pragmatic, understanding that a positive case might be just around the corner.  Rest assured if this happens we will communicate the relevant information to our community to keep us all safe.

Y9/10 Electives

We know students do best when they are passionate about what they are learning. From next year students will get to choose the vast majority of their subjects.  The only core subjects will be English, Maths and PE.  2022 Year 9 & 10 students have now entered in their elective choices.  I’m very excited about this as the final electives have been determined by our students. 

School Review

We are currently undergoing a school review.  School reviews are held every four years by government schools. They are an extensive evaluation of the school’s current programs and practices and help determine future priorities and targets. The school review panel consists of an external reviewer, two challenge partners, school council president, principal and senior internal senior leaders.  So far, the panel have interviewed students, parents and staff as well as observing multiple classrooms.  November 18 is the final review day.  The aim of the day is to triangulate all the information gathered from the data analysis and fieldwork to create the key directions for the 2022-2025 School Strategic Plan.

Regards

Ian Van Schie

Principal