24/10/03
Students at Australind Senior High School are working with the latest technology, with the official opening of the school's new media laboratory by Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter today.
Mr Carpenter, making a special Education Week visit to the school, said the Media Technology Laboratory was providing students with a great opportunity to learn digital photography, video editing, traditional photography and web design.
"The new facilities include the conversion of the old photography laboratory into a media-technology laboratory, refurbishment of the school's student services area and new fencing around the school," he said.
The $47,000 capital works project was funded from the school's minor works funding. The Parents and Citizens' Association also made a significant contribution to the purchase of electronic equipment for the media lab.
"This is an outstanding example of local community involvement in the local school, and they are to be congratulated for their commitment to the education of their children," the Minister said.
Mr Carpenter said the Media Laboratory had new video equipment and a projection unit and was being used for innovative and student-centred programs in all year groups, including the production of promotional media products for both the school and the community.
The Minister said the additions would further add to the school's existing state-of-the art technology.
"The school already has more than 300 student and teacher computers and a computer network that allows students and teachers remote access to each other and to fully explore the information superhighway for educational purposes," he said.
Mr Carpenter praised students and staff for achievements in the school's Aeronautics program and the recent Queen's Cup music competition in which three of the school's bands won their divisions. The Senior Concert Band also came second in the A Grade competition of the Queen's Cup.
"The school's success fits in well with this week's Education Week theme of Government Schools are Great Schools," the Minister said.
"Education Week is all about schools taking themselves out into the community and providing a focus for the Government school system to demonstrate the excellent work taking place behind the school gates."
Mr Carpenter also congratulated the school for the Emergency Services Cadets, an elite unit involving Years 9-12 students, which provides a constant stream of volunteers to local emergency services organisations.
"The school certainly deserves to be congratulated for these achievements, which give the school such a good reputation," he said.
Minister's office: 9213 6800
