Art and sport take centre stage at Willetton Senior High upgrade

4/12/07
Students at Willetton Senior High School have been the beneficiaries of a $5.3million upgrade, including a new gymnasium, commercial kitchen and full-sized, competition level basketball court.
Officially opening the upgrades today, Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said the changes to the school were impressive and showed what could be achieved with flair and imagination.
"The new music facilities in the school are now second to none and the home economics facilities will allow for a full Certificate II in Hospitality to be run," Mr McGowan said.
"For those in the school's specialist basketball program, the full-sized competition level court in the gymnasium will take the students from strength to strength.
"Dance classes, which previously had to be scheduled off-site, can now be held in the school's new dance studio."
The project, which began in 2005, provides new, as well as refurbished, buildings for the school's 1,800 students and 200 staff.
The full list of improvements includes:

• upgrades to science facilities including a technician's area, preparation area, staff studies, stores plus a new seminar room;
• new food technology facilities including a new kitchen to commercial standards, two new food technology areas, preparation area and stores;
• enhancements to performing arts building, including a new music/green room and store room;
• new music room (funded by the school);
• improvements to textiles area and staff resource area;
• new gymnasium building including sports hall, staff room, office, stores, first aid room and umpires' room, changerooms and toilets including universal access toilet; and
• improvements to grounds including new courts in front of gymnasium, new paving and new fencing.

Attending the opening ceremony, Riverton MLA Tony McRae said Willetton Senior High School had forged a significant place in its community and consistently achieved outstanding academic results.
"The school's strong pastoral care program creates an environment which helps students to excel in whatever path they choose," Mr McRae said.
"I know the upgrades and extensions that were opened today will enhance the already wonderful teaching and learning taking place at the school.
"The school community has also been active in contributing financially to the project."
Mr McGowan said the new facilities were part of the State Government's commitment to provide better education facilities for all young Western Australians.
"We are in the process of building a world-class education system and that means giving students the best schools with the best facilities and resources to enhance learning," he said.
The Minister said the Carpenter Government was spending more than $1billion on school infrastructure projects across the State.
"We are spending $300million on upgrades, a further $300million on school maintenance, and have built, planned or announced 43 new schools, worth more than $400million," he said.
Minister's office: 9222 9111