Facilities News 

 

Dr Denise Clarke 

Facilities Manager 

State Budget Announcement

Jacana has been named as one of the Specialist Schools to receive money for upgrading the facilities. It is very early days and we have no details yet but $10 million has been promised to the school. We will be getting a briefing shortly to explain the expectations.  

DET have developed a structured approach for Capital Works programs. The four parts of the approach which we will discuss in detail at the briefing will include an Asset Management Planning Overview; developing Teaching and Learning - Vision & Direction; assessing school's current buildings with a Facility Analysis and finally developing the Asset Management Plan.

$10m seems a big amount, however the budget for the new middle school building was $0.98m and we have added an extra $55,000 so far. Developing the schools Asset Management Plan will ensure that the new facilities maximise the infrastructure support for School Strategic Plans.  We will keep you posted as more information is made available. 

Middle School Building

The Building inspector has approved the steps in the new school building.  The temporary fencing has gone, so the new steps are open and operational. Students and staff equally are delighted with the outcome. The steps were not part of the original design and were an addition that was contributed by the school. There is ramp access to the playground, however the steps provide more direct access. 

Looking ahead, we are aware that the new Capital Works Budget may need to be supplemented by school raised funds to ensure that the new works and surrounds are finished beyond a basic level e.g. supplying blinds to classrooms. 

Cyclical Works

We  have a cyclical plan for re-painting all the classrooms. This time the Primary classrooms and corridor will be refreshed with new paint. New blinds are are also on a cyclical schedule so this time will be most of the secondary classrooms. The other secondary blinds were replaced in January this year.

Inspections:

An Arborist will be walking around the school in the next couple of weeks assessing the health and status of our trees. The report will recommend any works required and these will be completed as soon as possible.

Air conditioners are cleaned and inspected twice per year on January and July Holidays.