First look inside new Coomera high school Foxwell State Secondary College, construction continues

The Gold Coast has been given a sneak preview inside the gates of the new high school under construction in one of the city’s biggest suburbs, set to open next year.

DECADES after Graham Foxwell left his Coomera school of 40 students, a new 2000-student school bearing his family’s name is set to open in the district.

The school has been named Foxwell State Secondary College in honour of George Foxwell, the uncle of Graham’s grandfather, who was a pioneer of the region.

The name was selected after more than 500 locals voted to decide what the school would be called.

Classrooms are being built. Picture: Jerad Williams

A naming committee whittled the choices down to two possible options for the new education facility – either Foxwell State Secondary College or Marina View State Secondary College.

It is an exciting moment for Graham Foxwell, 67, who grew up on the same land the school is being built on.

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“My grandfather (William) came out in 1882. He and all his children lived on the farm until they married and moved off,” he said.

“My father dairied there until about 1970. When I was growing up there were only three families and I think there’s about 30,000 now.”

The school is set to open next year. Picture: Jerad Williams

Education Minister Grace Grace said the $64 million school would welcome its first students for day one of the 2020 school year.

Circa 1915: The original Foxwell residence located on the school site.

The view from the original Foxwell residence.

“Construction is on track, on budget and progressing well with all of the stage one buildings well out of the ground. Roof sheeting and internal works are underway on the new classroom block and the multipurpose hall is really starting to take shape,” she said.

Officials say it’s well underway to open on time. Picture: Jerad Williams

“The school has 120 confirmed student enrolments, with applications continuing to be processed. The school will cater for up to 250 Year 7 students in its first year.’’

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Foundation principal Kym Amor has appointed a number of key staff including deputy principals Kate Shepherd and Zana Schroeder and a number of department heads.

Ms Amor, previously principal of Mansfield State School, said she jumped at the chance to take on the role.

The buildings will cater to 250 students in its first year. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I‘ve been a principal for many years and worked in the department for nearly 30 years,” she said.

“I wanted to open a new school, wanted to create a culture, wanted to be part of the community and lead that community.”