Wilsonton campus to be separate high school from 2017

Published Tuesday, 09 August, 2016 at 01:29 PM

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism and Major Events
The Honourable Kate Jones

Toowoomba State High School’s Wilsonton campus is set to become a separate high school in its own right from Term 1, 2017.

Education Minister Kate Jones visited the school today to announce the separation of the Wilsonton and Mt Lofty campuses of Toowoomba State High School.

Ms Jones said a new school hall would also be built at the high school in Wilsonton

“This decision follows extensive community consultation,” she said.

“The school community, including teachers, parents and the wider community, have all supported the separation of the campuses and the creation of two distinct schools.

“Establishing the Wilsonton campus as a high school in its own right will bring greater efficiency and build on its existing distinct identity, enabling the school to grow its future enrolments and further develop its own culture.

“This will also enable the Mt Lofty campus to maintain its own heritage, especially in the lead up to the school centenary in 2019.”

Ms Jones said the Department of Education would also begin the design and planning for a new multipurpose hall for the Wilsonton high school.

“I know the Wilsonton Campus community has been advocating for a new school hall so I’m very pleased to make this announcement today,” she said.

“Construction will get underway on Wilsonton’s multipurpose hall during the 2017-18 financial year.”

Ms Jones said both schools – Wilsonton and Mt Lofty – would have their own principals and leadership teams and heads of special education services.

“The Wilsonton campus leadership will work with community to transition to new uniforms and minimise the cost to families,” she said.

“The new Wilsonton high school will open on the first school day in 2017 with its formal name to be decided through the usual community consultation processes.”

Ms Jones said the decision to split the schools was made now to give both campus communities enough lead-in time to make adjustments and begin planning for the future.

Toowoomba State High School Principal Chris Zilm said the community supported the decision to make Wilsonton a separate school in its own right.

“After nearly twenty years and many successes, the community has supported a new future for both campuses,” Mr Zilm said.

“We are all very excited about the opportunity to develop the two schools and look forward to each of them having innovative programs that will meet the needs of the community.

“I am very proud of the achievements of our staff, students and parents and the common history both schools share, and look forward to a great future for both schools.”

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