Box Hill High School to get $5 million for performing arts centre and upgrades if Coalition Government re-elected

BOX Hill High School is set to receive $5 million for a new performing arts centre and other upgrades if the Coalition Government is re-elected in November.

Sumudu Aranayaka a year 12 student from Box Hill High School created some artwork which has been placed in the new childrenÕs ward at Box Hill Hospital. She is coming in to see it for the first time with the principal and her art teacher. Sumudu is really excited that the work is displayed permanently in the new building. Bryan Handson arts co-ordinator, Sumudu with Principal, Kate Mitchell. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

BOX Hill High School is set to receive $5 million for a new performing arts centre and to refurbish and extend existing buildings if the Coalition Government is re-elected in November.

Box Hill MP Robert Clark visited the school yesterday to make the announcement.

Mr Clark said the money would allow the school to accept more students and give them the opportunity to perform and rehearse in a state-of-the-art centre.

“Box Hill High School has always had a strong performing arts program, but much of it is currently tucked away in old portables at the very back of the school,” Mr Clark said.

“This $5 million funding commitment from a re-elected Coalition Government will give students first-class facilities that will allow them to develop their passions and skills even further.”

The Coalition Government has previously provided Box Hill High School with two new double-storey relocatable buildings, which will be ready for students in 2015.

Box Hill High School principal Kate Mitchell said the school was thrilled and excited about the announcement and they looked forward to finding out what impact it would have on the school.

Labor candidate for Box Hill Stefanie Perri said it was a “shame local schools had to wait until the eve of an election to finally get some attention”.

“After 26 years of sitting on his hands, the local member is finally noticing that local schools need investment,” Ms Perri said.

“When the Liberals came to government they scrapped Labor’s school program to rebuild and modernise every school in Victoria including Box Hill High School which would’ve likely already had a project underway.

“If Labor is elected in November, Box Hill High School will share in a massive investment of $510 million to rebuild and upgrade Government schools,” she said.