Campus gets $7m upgrade

By Callan Date
PAKENHAM Secondary College will continue to provide stateoftheart learning facilities for its students after $7 million was allocated to upgrade a number of buildings and equipment on campus.
A suite of new science labs, a digital arts studio and a flexible, open learning space will all be built as part of the State Government’s budget allocation to the school.
Student lockers and toilets will also be part of the extensive refurbishment and funds will be used to provide additional working space for staff members.
The school is currently undergoing major works as part of stage three of the redevelopment, which involves a new yearnine centre and the upgrade of the senior school building.
The recent allocation of funds is part of stagefour plans that are set to commence in the middle of 2007.
Assistant principal Bruce Churchward said the school community was very happy with the money and that it would enable the school to continue to provide the best facilities for the increasing Pakenham population.
“Enrolments at the school are increasing and we anticipate that this trend is only going to continue due to the school being located in a major growth corridor,” Mr Churchwood said.
Western Port Province MP Geoff Hilton said he was delighted that the students and staff of Pakenham Secondary College would benefit from the recent budget announcements.
“The extra funds will greatly enhance facilities at the school and ensure the students have access to a modern learning environment,” Mr Hilton said.