Four Tweed schools to reopen for term 1 after flood rebuilds
Students in the Tweed Shire will have more than a fresh start at school this year when they return to refurbished classrooms, new facilities and play areas.
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Four Tweed Shire schools damaged in the 2022 flood disaster will re-open in style as hundreds of students are welcomed back to school following extensive rebuilding efforts under a record $8.9 billion government public education spend.
The cash splash includes $1.4 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.
Murwillumbah High School Principal Zoe Tiernan said the entire school community is “thrilled” to begin a “new chapter” as a “distinct school community” after the four schools nearly amalgamated under the previous government.
“The upgrades to our facilities have created a vibrant and modern environment where students and staff can thrive,” Ms Tiernan said.
“As we look forward to welcoming everyone back for the new school year, we are excited to foster a strong sense of identity, pride, and connection within our new school community.”
In a statement from the Department of Education, Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School will be operating again as two separate schools from day one of term one this year.
Upgrade works have completed more than 40 refurbished classrooms and specialist spaces including three science labs, two wood workshops, two metal workshops, and a food tech kitchen.
The school now also boasts a new darkroom, as well as a new Student Support Unit, refurbished school library and hall, upgraded front office, staff, and administration spaces, and outdoor areas with new landscaping and play areas.
New furniture, equipment and IT hardware was installed in January ready for staff and students returning on Thursday.
A new canteen and final landscaping works to the grounds should be complete by term two.
Despite combining with Wollumbin High in early 2023, a “key priority” for the now two separate high schools is a “broader choice of elective subjects and special learning programs”.
The school’s have adopted a “shared curriculum” model that allows teachers and students to move between campuses and incorporate in-person teaching and real-time online lessons.
Students at Wollumbin High School will return to a refurbished canteen, a re-fenced and repainted sports court, new football goalposts, refurbished student toilets, a new pottery kiln, and refreshed classrooms with new paint and carpet.
Planned relocation of the school’s existing music rooms to make way for a new specialist support unit will roll out in the coming months.
“This will be a fresh era for Wollumbin High School, enabling it to build on its own reputation in the community and on its ties to the other schools in Murwillumbah,” Wollumbin High School Principal Kelly Spilstead said.
“We have a feeling of renewal and are looking forward to re-engaging with our students for a productive and fulfilling year.”
Upgrade and maintenance works are set to continue at both Murwillumbah East Public School and Murwillumbah Public School.
Meanwhile, Murwillumbah East Public School is currently undergoing works to upgrade the school’s ventilation and lighting.
New classrooms, a new library, canteen, and facilities for specialist support classes are also planned.
School maintenance works at Murwillumbah Public School include installation of a new roof on the heritage-listed building in D Block, and covered walkway extensions.
Student toilets refurbishments are now complete and work is also underway to deliver new air conditioning in all classrooms.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said it was fantastic to see the four public schools returned to the Murwillumbah community.
“We have worked with the community to ensure our local schools were delivered the upgrades they needed, so all our students can thrive right here in the Northern Rivers,” Ms Saffin said.
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