Secondary college running to schedule

THE WALLS ARE GOING UP... Standing in front of what will eventually be a three storey ‘House’, ‘Neighbourhood leads’, science and biology teacher, Kylie Hoskin and (far right) physical education teacher, Cate Eddy stand behind executive principal, Genevieve Simson. Photo: Steve Hutcheson
THE WALLS ARE GOING UP… Standing in front of what will eventually be a three storey ‘House’, ‘Neighbourhood leads’, science and biology teacher, Kylie Hoskin and (far right) physical education teacher, Cate Eddy stand behind executive principal, Genevieve Simson. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

With the $133 million funding sorted, the work on the Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC)  is progressing in earnest.

Local builder, Hansen Yuncken  has formally been appointed to complete the major works contract.

The design of the school is to have three neighbourhoods , each with three houses that are all linked to an Enterprise and Innovation Centre . Each house will cater to around 300 students from years seven to year 12.

The previous building has now been demolished and work is progressing on the next stages. The original 1909 schoolhouse has been retained and will be included in the design of the new school.

Businesses throughout the Greater Shepparton region will benefit from the build already. Outside of a few specialist trades not available locally, more than 90 percent  of sub-contract work has gone to local suppliers.

Scheduled for completion at the end of 2021, the project is running on schedule with minor lost time due to weather. Strict enforcement of COVID-19 requirements is routine on the site and has not contributed to any downtime.

Executive principal, Genevieve Simson said, “This has been a great experience in having input into where our staff will be teaching. The learning spaces, particularly technology, are state-of-the-art  and far superior to anything we have in our existing campuses.

“The construction of GSSC ensures important educational opportunities. The college careers  team will have both VCAL and VCE students taking part in site visits and work experience opportunities during the build.”

Notwithstanding some local issues the school is having on the separated campuses, the transition towards a unified school has settled down other than the disruption being caused by the pandemic. Work goes on.