DEPUTY Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, has responded to a letter from the Willyama High School P&C regarding the new school re-build plans.
In her reply, Ms Car assured P&C president Kirby Allen that the new Willyama High School will be among the most impressive educational facilities in the state.
“Many features that have been incorporated in the design of the new high school go well beyond the standard design for NSW schools,” Ms Car wrote.
Ms Car also addressed concerns the P&C had expressed regarding ongoing consultation between the P&C and the State Government as they plan the build.
“The community engagement and consultation process began almost immediately after the government announced it would rebuild Willyama High School in early 2024,” she wrote.
“While I acknowledge this was before the P&C was reformed, this extensive consultation has been critical in informing the design process.
“It has included more than 128 face to face sessions and a four-and-a-half-hour community drop-in session earlier this year.”
Ms Car said the planning was now with the Project Reference Group, which includes a representative from the P&C.
“The purpose of the parent representative is to provide a conduit between parents and the PRG, share information and give feedback,” she said.
“I understand the first meeting of the PRG was held earlier this month. I can confirm however that the Department plans on holding a briefing for the P&C in the coming weeks, with the date to be confirmed.”
Ms Car said that concerns for the school build had been factored into the plans.
“Technical documents such as the site map, building design, orientation, room layout, facilities and amenities are continuing to be developed and refined,” she wrote.
“I am pleased however, that through the consultation to date, we have been able to address many of the concerns that have been raised.
“For example, the new school will include two fully equipped science labs despite the standard provision being one. There will be another four science classrooms, with some being equipped with benches and sinks around the perimeter, while at the same time retaining the flexibility for the classrooms to be used for other theory-focused, timetabled lessons.”
Ms Car said the design is expected to be finalised later in the year.
“In the interim, PRG will continue to meet and the P&C’s parent representative will be able to update you on the outcomes of those meetings,” she said.
“Furthermore, another community information session is being planned, with the date to be confirmed.”
