Official opening of Clarkson Community High School

23/10/99
One of Western Australia's newest schools, which is providing students with a range of quality education opportunities in first-class facilities, was officially opened today by Premier Richard Court.
At a ceremony at Clarkson Community High School today, Mr Court said the new school would equip its students with the academic and life skills required to make a positive contribution to the community.
Clarkson Community High School had its beginnings in 1996 in temporary buildings on the grounds of Craigie Senior High School. At a cost of $19.8 million, the permanent facilities are now a state-of-the-art educational institution.
Mr Court said technology was a major focus for the school and would give students every opportunity to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
"As a Government we are committed to providing schools with the most up to date facilities and this is reflected in each of the seven new secondary schools and 29 primary facilities the Coalition Government has established since 1993," the Premier said.

The school boasts a textile room, human development room, information technology room, food technology centre, mechatronics centre, science block, sports hall, health education block, covered assembly area, auditorium, performing and visual arts centre, library resource centre, and general learning areas.
"The school facilities, and the very high calibre of teachers who have all been selected on their merit with input from the community, ensure that Clarkson will be a tremendous launching pad for students," Mr Court said.
"The ethos of the school is to build strong interpersonal relationships between students and teachers, founded on trust, respect and responsibility."
Enrolments at the school have been growing steadily, with around 1,500 students expected in 2003.

Mr Court said that Clarkson Community High School placed a priority on integrating information technology into all parts of the learning program and all students had e-mail addresses.

The calibre of the school was recognised during its early days when, in 1996, it won the Norm Hyde award for pastoral care for its 'Care About People' student attitudes education program. The school has also established the Clarkson District Churches Council and has an honorary chaplain.
"Sport also plays a major role in students' lives in the school and there are 100 students in the school's State Emergency Services Cadet Unit," the Premier said.
Media contacts: Bronwyn Hillman, Premier's office, 9222 9475
Elle Tesarsch, Education Department, (08) 9264 5348