New facilities opened at Norseman District High School

30/11/01
The new facilities at Norseman District High School will help expand the school's successful vocational education training program, Education Minister Alan Carpenter said at the official opening today.
The $2.2million facilities, which include new computing, science, administration and workshop areas, replace part of the school that was destroyed in an arson attack last year.
"The fire devastated the town and wiped out more than 100 years of historical records at the school," Mr Carpenter said.
"However, a wonderful new facility has resulted from that disaster that will strengthen existing programs.
"Norseman District High School has made a big effort to provide hands-on programs to encourage students to stay at school for the post-compulsory years."
Mr Carpenter said these included:

• a very popular restaurant run last term as part of the hospitality program that was well patronised by people in the town;

• the Bushranger program - that will be revitalised next year - under which CALM rangers take students out in the bush for outdoor activities; and

• a workshop-based course for non-academic students to give hands-on skills which will help them gain employment. The workshop is one of the best in the district.

"In addition, students have every opportunity to gain computer skills through the new computer facilities that will also allow the same access to the information on the Internet as that enjoyed by city students," the Minister said.
"Congratulations go to everyone involved in building the new facilities, particularly the former principal, Ms Lee Whisson, who put in a huge amount of time to make sure everything from the design of the facilities to the gardens were the best available."
Media contact: Owen Cole 9213 6806