Vulnerable Greater Shepparton Secondary College students forced to sit classes at run-down site

Violent and vulnerable students at Greater Shepparton Secondary College have been forced into classes at a derelict site described as an “eyesore” since the new mega school was created.

Vulnerable and violent students at Greater Shepparton Secondary College have been forced off the school’s mega campus and are sitting classes at a dilapidated site, which was earmarked to be shut down.

The Herald Sun can reveal the former site of McGuire College, which parents say has become an “eyesore”, is being used as a learning hub for pupils with behavioural problems and other learning difficulties.

Other ex-schools, including Mooroopna Secondary College and Wanganui Park Secondary College, have been left boarded up since they merged to create the new super school more than a year ago.

According to a key source, a “big fight” broke out between two students at the McGuire campus earlier this month, with extensive damage to one of the buildings, including smashed windows.

“There is security guarding the site. These kids were attending the Invergordon campus but they are now being asked to attend McGuire,” the source said.

“I feel sorry for these kids because they deserve to attend a school with better facilities, especially if they have learning difficulties, they added.

Vulnerable and violent students at Greater Shepparton Secondary College have been forced off the school’s mega campus. Picture: David Caird

The small cohort of students attending McGuire are undertaking an Intensive Learning and Support Program, with the aim of them returning to the main GSSC campus.

A local resident and mother of an ex-student said the McGuire campus was an “eyesore”.

“The Education Department stated the four schools were not adequate for our kids, but yet it (McGuire) is currently accommodating students who need extra assistance,” she said.

In June, it was uncovered that the Department of Education had spent tens of thousands of dollars on one security officer to patrol each former school site 24/7 for the past 18 months.

Shepparton state Nationals MP Kim O’Keeffe said: “We have had three redundant school sites with boarded up windows and 24-hr security”.

“These schools are in residential areas and the residents want community pride returned to their neighbourhoods,” Ms O’Keefe said.

“We have a special needs school for children with disabilities at the Verney Road school located on the Wanganui site, however this will leave another redundant school site.

“I have called on the Education Minister asking about the future of the sites, including time frames and funding.

“There have been some suggestions as to what the sites could be but no details other than Verney Rd.”

College of Mooroopna Learning spokeswoman Lea Campbell says it is ‘negligent’ and ‘wasteful’ to have schools not being used.

Ms O’Keefe said the Mooroopna community had been lobbying for information about the school sites.

“The impact of having only one choice in secondary public education is having a significant impact as one size does not always fit all,” she said.

College of Mooroopna Learning spokeswoman Lea Campbell, who is calling for the school to be “urgently reopened”, said it was “negligent” and “wasteful” to have schools not being used.

“In our case with the criticisms of the super school, we want a reopening of the debate of what local communities need for public education,” Ms Campbell said.

“The campaign to reopen Mooroopna Secondary College has not been part of the negotiations and we are asking for a seat on the table because it’s our town.”

A Department of Education spokesman said the school had established a strong, inclusive and welcoming environment, and was offering students broader subject choices and more wraparound supports in world-class facilities.

“Any incidents of anti-social behaviour are treated seriously,” he said.

The buildings on the McGuire campus will continue to be used as an education extension facility by Greater Shepparton Secondary College, with the sporting ovals and gymnasium to be leased by the council for community use.