14/8/03
A new $17million middle school will be built in Secret Harbour, south of Rockingham, for the start of the 2006 school year, Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter announced today.
Mr Carpenter said due to the continuing growth in the area, building for the new school for Year 8-10 students would commence in November, 2004.
The Minister said the new school was part of a comprehensive schools capital works program, which would see more than $133million spent on Western Australian schools in 2003-04.
"The Gallop Government is committed to delivering quality education and training to equip our young people for the future," he said.
"The new school is exciting news for the rapidly growing local community.
"The area south of Rockingham is one of WA's fastest-growing areas, and the State Government is responding to the need for increased services."
Mr Carpenter said the new school was expected to begin with an enrolment of about 250, with students coming from the four feeder primary schools of Baldivis, Endeavour, Secret Harbour and Singleton.
"The school will be modern, innovative, designed for 21st century educational practices and will be the best way to ensure a quality education for local children," he said.
Peel MLA Norm Marlborough said the new school would bring much-needed educational opportunities to the area, also providing relief to Warnbro Community High School.
"Student enrolment at Warnbro Community High School has grown in successive years from 1246 students in1999 to 1620 students at the start of this year," Mr Marlborough said.
"Permanent additions at a cost of $4million are planned for Warnbro Community High School and will be completed by late 2004.
"However, the number of students generated by residential development in surrounding areas in the next five years is expected to exceed the student capacity of the school.
"Therefore, the new Secret Harbour middle school is the most viable and the best option for the community."
Mr Marlborough said he recently chaired a public meeting attended by more than 300 people in Secret Harbour. He said there was a great expectation and enthusiasm from parents regarding the educational opportunities the middle school would provide.
He said he had approached Mr Carpenter to set up a community planning process that would harness that enthusiasm and deliver quality educational outcomes for local students.
The site for the new school is in the south-eastern section of Secret Harbour on Warnbro Sound Avenue.
Minister's office: 9213 6800
