La Grange Remote Community School to get new covered area

30/10/01
Students at the La Grange Remote Community School south of Broome will get a new covered assembly area to replace the previous one destroyed in a cyclone Education Minister Alan Carpenter has announced today.
During a visit to the Bidyadanga community, Mr Carpenter said La Grange was one of six Government schools to receive funding to construct covered assembly areas.
La Grange's facility will replace a makeshift structure levelled in a cyclone last year.
"The school lost its previous facility - a timber, Colorbond and shadecloth structure stretched between two classrooms - in Cyclone Sam last Christmas," Mr Carpenter said.
"In a place like La Grange, with its hot sun and heavy rains, it's essential to have something like this for student activities.
"Outdoor learning is a very important part of the education program for Aboriginal students and a covered assembly area becomes a focal point for educational and sporting activities.
"The assembly area at La Grange will be very large and built over the school's basketball court so that students are also sheltered during their play time."
During his visit to the 170-student school, Mr Carpenter paid tribute to retiring principal Ron Pearson who has dedicated much of his 40-year teaching career to working in remote schools.
Mr Pearson retires in December after two years at La Grange and many years in other Kimberley schools including One Arm Point, Kalumburu, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Wangkatjungka and Cockatoo Island.
Other schools to receive covered assembly areas under the $2million program this year are Dampier, Kambalda, Redcliffe and White Gum Valley primary schools; and Mt Magnet District High School.
This year's construction schedule is part of an $8million program over four years.
The schools were chosen in order of need with the assistance of District offices, using categories including school size, design, existing covered space and climatic conditions.
"The design and construction date of the facilities will be worked out in the near future, in consultation with the school communities," Mr Carpenter said.
Media contact: Owen Cole, 9213 6806