Tuesday, 18 February 2020

Drouin Secondary College

Mr BLACKWOOD (Narracan) (19:17): (1871) I raise a matter for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is that he provide funding for the transition of outdoor courts to a covered outdoor learning area at Drouin Secondary College. Last week I met with representatives of the college, including school captains Freya Peck and Jack McConville. They explained the amazing growth in numbers the college is experiencing and the difficulties this is causing with learning space scheduling and catering for the demand on college facilities. Their plan is to provide an all-weather sheltered teaching and learning space that will cater for four to five classes at one time rather than the two classes the two courts currently provide for.

The covered area will also provide shelter during recess and lunch, and it will provide breakout spaces for other key learning domain subjects, a space that the whole school or large cohorts can use for activities and a space that can be used by community and sporting groups for training, youth games and community events. As weather during the majority of terms two and three is not conducive for regular use of outdoor grassed areas or the current outdoor courts, the safety of the students will be vastly enhanced with the provision of a sheltered area.

In terms of cost, the project is estimated to be around $550 000. The college does not expect the entire amount to come from government and is prepared to undertake a fundraising program targeting local business, the Bendigo Community Bank and parents and friends of the college. In the past the generosity of the Drouin community has supported projects at the college and supplemented government funding to ensure all students receive the best chance possible for an excellent education.

Enrolments at the college are increasing by about 10 per cent per year and at present stand at about 1100. The population of Drouin is increasing at about the same rate or higher. The current population of Drouin is around 20 000 and is expected to reach 50 000 in about 10 to 15 years. Drouin Secondary College is held in very high esteem by the community and has an excellent reputation for strong student endeavour and success, parent support and the hard work and commitment of teachers and staff. I ask the minister to consider this request from the college very seriously while being mindful of the pressure mounting from population growth and the needs and safety of current students.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: If there are no more adjournment matters this evening, I call on the Minister for Corrections to respond to the member for Lara.