Mandurah school named for John Tonkin

• Mrs Joan Tonkin to attend ceremony in honour of her late husband

• New school to provide outstanding education options for Mandurah

A new era in Mandurah education will be ushered in today, when an official naming ceremony takes place for the new John Tonkin College.

Education Minister Liz Constable said the new school merged Mandurah High School and Mandurah Senior College to provide greater learning options for students.

"It is fitting that the school will honour a West Australian leader in education, former Premier and Education Minister, John Tonkin," Dr Constable said.

"It is also very appropriate that Mrs Joan Tonkin and members of the Tonkin family are guests of honour at today's naming ceremony."

From 2012, John Tonkin College will cater for nearly 900 students across two campuses, offering students a broad range of study options.

"The school will be based on the cornerstone values of respect, care, commitment and partnership," the Minister said.

Dr Constable also used the occasion to congratulate Catherine Shepherd on her appointment as the foundation principal for the college.

Ms Shepherd said she was excited about the challenge and opportunities in leading the new entity, John Tonkin College, to achieve its education vision.

"I am working closely with the school board, as an Independent Public School, to ensure we provide an outstanding education institution," Ms Shepherd said.

      Fact File

• Emeritus Professor Jo Barker chairs John Tonkin College School Board

Minister's office - 9222 9699