Building works update

Progress - but more to come

We have made some progress on works relating to the South Building, but there is still more to come during Term 2. We will not have access to any part of the South Building before Term 2. So far in 2021, we have:

• Had 6 relocatable classrooms installed along Royal Parade. New furniture and data projectors have also gone in to these classrooms
• Opened our temporary Library in the Hall - it's looking wonderful! We are close to opening some additional study and reading spaces in there too
• Conducted significant repairs to the wiring in the West building (this was ancillary to, but precipitated by, the fire-related works)
• Almost completed make-safe works in the South Building, including stripping of any fire and water damaged contents and asbestos removal under strictly controlled conditions. These make-safe works will be concluded during the Term 1 holidays
• Almost completed the accessibility ramp at the front of the school. This was an existing project as part of the School Accessible Buildings project run by the DET
• Completed installation of a new laser cutter, CNC and 3D printer in Technology Room 803 (a school-funded project). This technology allows us to provide access to contemporary, industry-grade machinery for our Product Design classes
• Renovated a new Student Services room to bring our Careers, Student Support and Wellbeing teams together.

Still to come are:

• Installation of another 6 relocatable classrooms along the Story St side of the oval
• Revegetation and installation of paths and picnic benches around the relocatables
• Relocation of the bike racks behind the South Building which are temporarily out of action
• Commencement of the refurbishment of the Library and Level One classrooms in the South Building. This is scheduled to begin immediately following the completion of the holiday Makesafe works. Access to the VCE Centre on Level 3 may become possible at this time, although it is not yet guaranteed.

Our use of the current temporary locations for Year 8s and 9s will continue until we have sufficient spaces back at Story St to accommodate these classes. We will begin Term 2 with the current situation in place. Once the additional relocatable classrooms are installed and the refurbishment works have started, it will become possible to re-assess this. We will keep all students, parents and carers updated as we progress.

Ciar Foster - Principal