New Fitzroy Valley District High School opens

Education Minister Liz Constable today officially opened the new $34million Fitzroy Valley District High School in Fitzroy Crossing.

The new school, built with State ($19million) and Federal ($15million) government funding, opened its doors in February to more than 300 students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Dr Constable said the outstanding facilities at the new school would greatly enhance its ability to provide a rich, inclusive and culturally-appropriate education for all students.

"The Fitzroy Valley District High School is special because its unique facilities have been designed to provide the best possible learning environment for Aboriginal children," she said.

"The facilities for music, drama, media, dance, visual arts, home economics and physical education are stunning and give teachers the flexibility to match their teaching styles with the individual learning needs of students.

"Local communities had a vision for a modern education facility with its own unique design and philosophy and this wonderful school is the culmination of this vision.

"With the continuing support of the communities, including the commitment of parents and teachers, this school will go from strength to strength."

Designed by Bateman Grundmann Architects and built by Cooper and Oxley Builders Pty Ltd, the new school features

·             an administration block connected to the staff room and conference rooms

·             early childhood classrooms incorporating a parents' room

·             primary and secondary general learning area blocks with associated toilets

·             an inclusive learning area

·             senior students' study block

·             computer laboratory

·             science laboratory

·             materials studio

·             food and textiles room

·             library resource centre

·             arts/craft centre

·             a covered assembly area with music and drama rooms attached

·             canteen kitchen

·             change rooms.

Classroom blocks have been designed specifically to cater for the harsh climate, with extensive outdoor activity areas between blocks to take advantage of more temperate dry season conditions.

Fitzroy Valley District High School principal Paul Jefferies said the new surroundings had given students and staff an enormous lift.

"Students have commented on how amazing the new school is and there is no doubt it has had a noticeable impact on their morale," Mr Jefferies said.

"The purpose-built facilities for design and technology have enabled a stronger vocational education and training program to run in the school, which in turn has led to a greater engagement in learning."

The Minister said the State Government was committed to ensuring that all Western Australian public schools had the best possible facilities.

"Our $300million Investment in Schools program; the $50million School Capital Improvement program; and the Federal Government's capital works commitment will help this become a reality," Dr Constable said.