Construction is set to begin on three schools for students in Cannington and Maddington

12/8/99
Final architectural plans are in place and construction work is set to begin on the transformation of three schools into state-of-the-art education facilities for students in Cannington and Maddington.
Education Minister Colin Barnett last night unveiled the plans to the school communities of Cannington and Maddington senior high schools.
They show the final designs for the new Cannington senior campus, the kindergarten-to-year 10 campus at Cannington and the Maddington middle school.
The Government gave its commitment to develop the campuses in June last year following successful discussions as part of the Education Department's local area education planning framework.
The Minister confirmed to local students, parents and school staff that earthworks would begin in the next few months on all three projects - renovations to develop the Maddington middle school will be finished for the 2000 school year, while the two facilities on the Cannington site will open for the 2001 school year.
Mr Barnett said the development of the three schools would set the standard for secondary education with a strong focus on vocational studies in Western Australia.
In total, the State Government would invest an estimated $17 million to develop the new education facilities.
Mr Barnett said $8 million would be spent to establish the new Cannington senior campus; a further $8 million would be invested in the kindergarten-to-year 10 school on the Cannington site and to relocate the education support centre; and $1 million would be spent to redevelop Maddington SHS into a middle school.
"After all of the local area education planning consultation that went on prior to last year's decision, I am delighted that work is just about to begin on these exciting projects," Mr Barnett said.
"The three schools will provide students and staff with modern, up-to-date facilities that they deserve and will be something quite new, offering exceptional opportunities for young people.

"Under the changes, there will be two middle schools focusing specifically on the needs of students in years eight to 10 as they make the transition from primary school to the more mature environment of high school.
"The middle schools will be modern and innovative and will see teaching methods focused on the specific needs of students, first class pastoral care and an increasing involvement from parents.
"The senior campus will be the leading centre for school-based business, commerce and vocational education in the State, with flexibility in courses and the operation of the school being keys to its success.
"Strong links are already being developed with Perth's business community to provide vocational training experience for students as they progress through years 11 and 12."
The Minister also announced the names of the new schools.
The Cannington senior campus will be known as Sevenoaks Senior College; Maddington middle school will be called Yule Brook College; the Cannington kindergarten-to- year 10 school will be known as Cannington Community College and the education support centre relocated to this site will be known as the Cannington Community Education Support Centre.
Mr Barnett also confirmed the principals of the schools as being, Mr David Wood - Sevenoaks Senior College; Ms Dorathy Shadgett - Cannington Community College; Ms Steph O'Neill - Cannington Community Education Support Centre; and Mr Terry Boland - Yule Brook College.
"These people are all exceptional educators and leaders who I'm sure will do the Education Department proud in being foundation principals of the schools," Mr Barnett said.
Sevenoaks Senior College
The Minister said the $8 million Sevenoaks Senior College would be an innovative new facility that promoted an adult learning environment and ethos.
The campus would be one of the first in Australia to integrate studies at school, with experience in the workforce and additional studies at either TAFE or university.
Every student, whether they were studying TEE, non-TEE or vocational education subjects would be able to work in businesses and study at other institutions as part of their learning
"Learning areas have been planned that accommodate regular class numbers as well as conference and seminar rooms for smaller group work or private study and a lecture theatre for larger groups of students," Mr Barnett said.
"The library will have extended hours to allow students more flexibility in their study and the student services areas have been designed to allow better access for students."
Mr Barnett said he was very pleased to hear about the school's planned strong links with local industry and commerce.
He said the school would be able to draw on the expertise of WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Lyndon Rowe and Clough Limited chairman Harold Clough, both of whom were on the school's interim board, in establishing industry links.
"The Acting Director-General of the Education Department, Peter Browne, is hosting a series of lunchtime meetings with Mr Rowe and Mr Wood and representatives of the main local industries to talk about the kinds of industry projects we can form," Mr Barnett said.
"In addition, the school will have a technology focus and discussions have already begun between the school and multinational networking company 3COM to develop special information technology and telecommunications training programs for students.
"The school will also offer a full range of TEE programs and, where possible, these will be linked to future career opportunities for students."
Construction of the school, at the corner of Sevenoaks Street and Cecil Avenue, will start in November and be completed by the end of next year.
Renovations to the Cannington Senior High School hall/gym and design and technology areas will be carried out during the 2000/2001 summer holidays.
Mr Barnett said parent concerns about students travelling from Yule Brook College to Sevenoaks Senior College were being addressed.
"The school communities are now looking at whether it would be best for students to provide a dedicated school bus from Maddington or for them to catch public transport," he said.
"Whatever is decided, the transport will be provided free of charge consistent with my previous commitments, and it will be the best and safest option for senior students."
Cannington Community College
Mr Barnett said the $8 million program to create Cannington Community College would provide an education support centre for students with disabilities as well as a new middle school for years eight to 10 students.
"An innovative science, art and technology centre will be built along with new general learning areas for year groups including integrated facilities for students with disabilities," he said.
"A new library resource centre, canteen and administration centre will be constructed and the primary school will be refurbished to provide student services facilities.
"A therapy centre for students with disabilities will also be created, technology infrastructure will be put in place and landscaping will be provided to create a more attractive environment.
"All students at the Community College will be able to use these new facilities."
Mr Barnett said Cannington Community College, which will open on Wharf Street in 2001, would have a particular focus on enterprise education.
"It will provide comprehensive educational opportunities for students from kindergarten to year 10 in an environment that emphasises pastoral care and the core values of collaboration and co-operation," he said.
Yule Brook College
Yule Brook College, on Dellar Road, will undergo a $1 million refurbishment with existing blocks to be renovated to create learning communities for each year group.
"The latest computer, Internet and e-mail technology will also be incorporated into the plans so that students and staff in all areas have access to it," Mr Barnett said.
"More walkways will be covered and a new, more attractive entrance to the school will be built as well as landscaping undertaken.
"When completed, the redevelopment will result in students working in excellent facilities and an educational environment better suited to the needs of adolescents."
T&Z Architects have been appointed to oversee the development of Cannington Community College and Sevenoaks Senior College, while Taylor and Robinson architects will administer construction of Yule Brook College.

Media contacts: Justine Whittome, Minister's office, (08) 9222 9699
Inga Butefisch, Education Department, (08) 9264 5348