NORTH LAKES STATE COLLEGE OFFICIALLY OPENED

Teachers, parents and students have today celebrated the official opening of the innovative $44 million North Lakes State College on Brisbane’s northside.

Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said the P-12 school featured modern design ideas and facilities which would set the standard for new Queensland schools.

“The design of North Lakes State College is the way of the future,” Mr Welford said.

“The school has been built around a circular ‘spine’ with the design of the facilities taking into account the various stages of school life.

“The learning environments start with cottages for the Prep and Year 1 children, progressing to traditional classroom styles and finally into university style senior schooling facilities.

“The cottages provide a transitional environment from home to school for the young children and have student size kitchens and outdoor learning areas.

“The College facilities include innovative specialist centres in hospitality, technology, enterprise, science and maths and design arts.

“Together these centres offer students opportunities for learning music, performing arts, digital video skills, staging plays and concerts and developing valuable skills in information technology, and hospitality - industries which are in dire need of skilled workers.

“It means students have the opportunity to develop skills in areas where they are most needed – giving them the best possible start in life.

“The senior school also includes an Urban Learning Centre, located in the nearby shopping centre and developed in partnership with the Pine Rivers Shire Council.

“As well as a classroom block for mathematics, science and IT lessons, this centre features a library, gymnasium and swimming pool, which are shared with the community.

“Another innovation has been the playing fields, developed with a common boundary as a resource for both the school and the local community.”

The State Government contributed $24 million towards construction of the College with the Commonwealth contributing $19.4 million. The Urban learning Centre was developed in partnership with the Pine Rivers Shire Council.

Since the NorthLakesCollege first opened its doors five years ago with 175 students, the student population had grown to 2000 at the start of this year.

Tenders have been called for Stage 6 of the College’s construction.

Media contact: Greg Milne or Marnie Stitz on 32371000