29/1/02
More than 250 students in Years 6 and 7 are expected to start at the new Kinross College when school goes back on February 4.
Education Minister Alan Carpenter said the college was one of the three largest projects carried out in as part of the $20million school holiday capital works and maintenance program. It was one of six projects carried out in the Joondalup District.
"The $4million first stage of Kinross College comprises a 'learning community' block for Years 6 and 7 and an administration block," Mr Carpenter said.
"Work on Stage 2 is expected to start in April and will include a further two learning communities, due for completion by the end of the year. The total project cost is $15million.
"The learning community includes two large open learning areas together with a range of specialist facilities. A grassed soccer pitch and hard courts for tennis have also been provided.
"The school will also have access to the existing football oval on the adjacent public open space."
The new college will provide relief to Kinross Primary School.
"The college will cater for Year 8 students from 2003, and will have students from years six to 10 by 2005," Mr Carpenter said.
"Kinross College will complement Kinross Primary School and Clarkson Community College and the soon-to-be-constructed Mindarie Senior College.
"The Department of Education has worked closely with the Department of Housing and Works to ensure that this 'federation of schools' meets the educational needs of the northern Joondalup region.
"This clustering approach provides significant economies of scale and the specially designed schools will provide a positive environment for learning."
Other schools in the Joondalup Education District to have work carried out over the summer holidays were:
- Belridge Senior High School - replace skylight sheeting to reduce roof leaks, $20,000;
- Bindoon Primary School - air-cooling, $35,000;
- Gingin District High School - air-cooling, $40,000;
- Heathridge Primary School - asbestos cement roof replacement, $200,000; and
- Wanneroo Senior High School - asbestos cement roof replacement, $600,000.
Mr Carpenter said the works carried out or finalised over the summer holidays were a major part of the department's annual construction and maintenance program.
"As a result of the works program, thousands of students and staff will be working in great new surroundings this year," he said.
"The success of this year's program is due in large part to the effective working relationship of project teams from the Departments of Education and Housing and Works, their consultants and contractors."
Minister's office: 9213 6800
