Pride and excitement at modular opening

A sense of pride and excitement was expressed from Neerim District Secondary College students and staff at the official opening of a $4 million upgrade on Tuesday.

The new modular building includes a food technology classroom, general-purpose classrooms, student toilets, resource storage and work areas.

After a disrupted 2020, principal Jacqui Vella said the building was “a really positive step forward” as students started the school year utilising the new classrooms.

She added the “beautiful space” and its open and flexible learning spaces had already provided both learning and teaching benefits.

Ms Vella praised the leadership team and school council who worked to secure the long-awaited upgrade. She also stated community members visiting on Anzac Day had loved the improvements.

“(Visitors) were so proud to see this facility and see our school, and what our school has done in the last 12 to 18 months.”

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing addressed all students before officially opening the $4.09 million building funded by the State Government.

“It was a real pleasure to advocate for this funding, which has created a bright, modern and fit-for-purpose learning environment that is accessible to everyone,” Ms Shing said.

“Today is really about celebrating how far the school has come and how important you are as a hub for the community.”

Ms Shing emphasised the importance of ensuring all students have the right environment to learn in to meet their potential.

“This is really important because we want to spread a message that you as students, as staff, as teachers, deserve these facilities,” she said.

Ms Shing said the upgrade was announced about 18 months ago and the decision for a modular building was “a great way to go” as it was built and developed off-site. She said this resulted in a lower cost, shorter build time and minimal disruption to the school community.

School vice captain Shae Maxwell said students were excited about the new facility, with the improved learning environment helping their education.

She noted the move from a charming but old food technology classroom to “something modern and new; it’s a very good step up”.

School captain Mariam Wahid said the new classrooms offered greater collaboration opportunities for students. She also noted greater respect and care amongst students upon using the new facility..