Public Works Committee: Swallowcliffe School P-7 Learning Areas Upgrade

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton) (11:10): I move:

That the 555^th report of the committee, entitled Swallowcliffe School P-7 Learning Areas Upgrade, be noted:

Swallowcliffe School P-7 is the result of the 2011 amalgamation of the Swallowcliffe junior primary and primary schools. Many of the buildings date back to the commencement of the school in the 1960s, with the last major redevelopment occurring in 1994. The school, which is in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, provides much needed educational facilities to a low socio-economic demographic.

Updated school facilities will encourage student learning and attendance and assist staff to manage some of the behavioural issues that are being encountered. We heard from the very enthusiastic principal about the proposed changes to the school and the positive impacts they will have for students, teachers and the community in general. She was very excited and, in her foresight in preparing the proposed redevelopment, has included a STEM facility.

This will be the first stand-alone purpose-built STEM facility in a government primary school. I commend the principal, Ms Tonia Noble, for her foresight in this area and her commitment to that school and the surrounding community. I am very pleased that we have such a principal doing the work that she is doing in that area. Other works that are also included in the scope are:

the refurbishment of the general teaching areas—blocks 1, 3 and 4 with an internal fitout that will provide greater flexibility of the learning spaces and allow for more natural light;

in addition, upgrades to buildings 1 and 4 will also provide external re-engagement with direct access from the internal learning areas;

an extension to the administration building, providing a highly integrated and focused administrative, staff and leadership hub, as well as a more functional area that will separate staff and the public areas;

upgraded and rationalised toilet facilities, storage and teacher preparation areas;

upgraded information and communication technology, security and air conditioning systems; and

a kiss-and-drop zone.

The cost of the works is $6.5 million, GST exclusive. The principal, governing council, school staff and the education director have endorsed the scope of works and are eager to see the redevelopment occur. The principal herself has been a key driver behind the redevelopment plans, ensuring the needs of this school are being met.

The school will remain operational during the construction period. As such, the works will need to be staged to ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors to the site. Construction works are anticipated to start early next year, with completion by mid-2018. These works will provide much-needed updated teaching facilities for staff and a contemporary learning environment for students. It will allow students some autonomy in how they learn, which is an important part of engaging and empowering students.

It is hoped that this redevelopment, along with staff support, will make this school a school of choice in the area. I would like to thank the staff from the Department for Education and Child Development, especially the principal, Ms Tonia Noble, for presenting this project to the committee. I also thank the members of the committee for their time in considering this project. Given this, and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public works.

Mr PENGILLY (Finniss) (11:13): Once again, we support the project on this side of the house. This is a good example of a school that has had very little done to it for a long, long time. Again, the school has an extremely enthusiastic principal. As mentioned by the member for Colton, these works will go a long way towards improving things out there for everybody, staff and students, and they will make it a good place for learning. Hopefully, they will give the students the opportunity to achieve a lot more in a good environment and give the staff a good feeling as well. We have no hesitation whatsoever in supporting the project.

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton) (11:14): I will be extremely brief. I would like to say that I am very proud that the government is providing money to these areas that are most in need, and that is where a significant proportion of the education budget should go. Without reflecting on previous administrations, we have let some of these schools not be upgraded to the quality they deserve. I am very pleased that these areas, such as we have just reported on, will have access to educational facilities that are appropriate for the area and the students who attend those schools.

Motion carried.