WHAT'S NEW?

NORTH WING AT WANTIRNA SOUTH

You may have heard that we are undertaking a significant building program as part of the Master Plan Review for the Wantirna South Campus. The focus of that review has been on providing a staged upgrade to some of our facilities, in order to improve our community focus, classroom options, staffing services and senior studies support.

The first stage of this program is the construction of a new three storey Classroom and Administrative Wing that incorporates, at ground level, a new Reception and Admissions area and a new Food Studies / Café precinct, a second level containing eight new Primary Classrooms and associated breakout spaces and a third level consisting of an Administration and Staff services.

Gallery Image — Architects impression of the new Classroom and Administrative Wing from the north

Architects impression of the new Classroom and Administrative Wing from the north

Architects impression of the new Classroom and Administrative Wing from the Courtyard looking north

Architects impression of the new Classroom and Administrative Wing looking north from the Library

Demolition of the old Primary Wing began in early February. It was with much excitement that the roar of the excavator could be heard, as students, parents, some teachers and even our Principal were eagerly peering through the fence to see the amazing talent of the operator. One staff member described it to me thus: “It was like the bucket was really his hand”, so careful and exacting were his movements. By the end of day one, almost half the building was gone and the sorting process of the rubble began. Bricks here, iron there and other stuff elsewhere.

Last week, the temporary stairs for the upper level of the West Wing were also installed. These will provide the second access for staff and students to the classes on Level 1 of the West Wing. At the same time, the hoarding was put in place for the demolition of the existing stairs, which started over the weekend and continues through this week.

This building was constructed in 1989 during what was, at that time, according to our Principal, the wettest winter in 40 years. It was one of the original buildings constructed (along with the current Secondary Wing and toilet block) when the School relocated from Vermont. Many staff, parents and students voluntarily assisted with parts of its construction and many thousands of students have been educated in its classrooms. It has served us well. However, it must now make way to enable the continued progress of the College.

We thank God for His wonderful provision for the College, day by day, month by month, year by year.

Please pray for the builders to be able to complete the project on time, for safety for those involved in the construction, and for great patience for us all as we navigate a changed landscape for the next 12 months.

Mr Rod Ramsay (Head of Campus, Wantirna South)