Tuesday, 15 October 2019

In reply to  Mr QUILTY (Northern Victoria) (28 August 2019)

Mr MERLINO (Monbulk—Minister for Education):

The Andrews Labor Government is committed to increasing educational opportunities for all Victorians. We have invested more than $5.6 billion over the past five State Budgets to build new schools and modernise existing ones. We have committed to opening 100 new schools over eight years (2019–2026) to meet the increasing demand for student places arising from Victoria’s growing population.

The Shepparton Education Plan (the Plan) was developed in response to an identified need to improve educational outcomes for young people in Shepparton and Mooroopna, with $21.5 million invested by the Government to date. Extensive consultation was undertaken in 2017 and 2018 regarding the Plan, which included direct community consultation in Shepparton and Mooroopna, as well as social media feedback and a public website. Over 4,700 items of feedback were analysed during this phase and the consultation identified four options for secondary schooling in Greater Shepparton. Of these four options, the preferred option was the single school, single site model.

The Shepparton single school, single site model combines small school communities with big school facilities. Students will learn and socialise in house communities of 300 with students located in ‘houses’ that provide academic and pastoral care.

As part of the Education State vision, we want all students to be happy, healthy and resilient. We know that there is a direct link between the health and wellbeing of a student and their ability to learn. The new school will put in place an anti-bullying policy that sets clear expectations and support for students and staff in addressing these issues. Additionally, at Greater Shepparton College (interim name), specialist health and wellbeing staff will be in place to identify and support students requiring extra assistance.

The Greater Shepparton College (interim name) school leadership team is working closely with teaching staff to work through transition arrangements. I have asked the Department of Education and Training to continue supporting the school leadership team in relation to job certainty for staff throughout the transition process.

Significant changes in secondary education in Greater Shepparton will occur over the next few years and I appreciate that this will bring change for families, parents, carers and students. However, the Shepparton Education Plan has been designed to transform schooling in Greater Shepparton and improve educational outcomes for all young people in Shepparton.