Education Minister Grace Grace has today officially opened Coolum State High School’s new $5.1 million two-storey learning centre, part of an overall investment of $12 million at the school.
Ms Grace, on the Sunshine Coast ahead of the Palaszczuk Government’s Governing from the Regions program, toured the impressive Smart Futures Centre.
“It’s wonderful to see students and teachers already using the centre, which includes eight classrooms with smartboard technology, modern fittings and an undercover area with capacity for eight learning areas,” Ms Grace said.
“This centre created 14 full-time jobs during construction which is a fantastic boost to the local economy.
“Further, it was great to talk to staff and students about an additional $6.3 million learning centre which will be built on the campus.
“This centre will be finished in mid-2020, featuring science labs, design studios and flexible learning areas.”
Ms Grace also took the opportunity to check-in on a $400,000 project at the school canteen.
“The school canteen is undergoing a refurbishment and will be ready to again serve students in May.
“These various projects being undertaken at Coolum State High demonstrate the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to providing education infrastructure which ensures all Queensland school students receive a world-class education.”
Principal Troy Ascott said the new centre has strengthened the school’s reputation for success.
“In 2018, our school also achieved its best ever reading results in the NAPLAN test, and our best ever senior results,” Mr Ascott said.
“With 100 per cent of our Year 12 students achieving their QCE in 2018, and a school record for the number of students achieving an OP 1-5, 1-10 and 1-15, our school community has a lot to be proud of.”
Ms Grace said the projects at Coolum State High formed part of a wider investment in schools on the Sunshine Coast.
“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to be investing in schools across the Sunshine Coast, with more than $236 million spent on infrastructure over the past five years across local schools,” Ms Grace said.
“Other Sunshine Coast projects include Stage 2 of Baringa State Primary School and new multi-storey learning centres at Chancellor State College, Currimundi Special School, Kawana Waters State College, Maroochydore State High School, Meridan State College and Mountain Creek State High School.”
