By Mitchell Clarke
Pakenham’s newest secondary school is officially ready to welcome foundation students next year, with construction finally complete.
Education Minister James Merlino announced on Friday 4 December that the first stage of works on the Edenbrook Secondary College build were now finished.
He said the completed project was a “prime example” of the State Government’s school building boom across Victoria.
“This is an important step for families in Pakenham to have access to a great local school in 2021 to ensure students receive a world-class education close to home,” he said.
The school’s first year seven cohort will enjoy the use of a permanent visual arts building, a learning community, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) building and two outdoor play courts.
The school will also be fitted out with temporary administration facilities including reception, a combined principal and vice principal office, sick bay, a general staff office and a staff room.
Under stage one funding, the school can cater for 500 students. At the completion of additional stages, which will be funded in future budgets, the school will cater for a maximum 1200 students.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said she was looking forward to seeing students arrive on the first day of the new school year.
“It’s such great news, what a journey … Soon the bells will ring and we will welcome foundation students to Pakenham’s second state secondary school,” she said.
“Our community is growing and we want every student to have access to a great local education.”
Edenbrook principal Johanna Walker spoke to the Gazette in October and said she was “thrilled, delighted and very excited” to have been appointed to the top job.
“It is a great honour and a once in a career opportunity for any principal,” she said.
“I have been lucky enough to recruit a great team to work with and I am looking forward to that.”
Ms Walker said she had a vision to create a school that provided students with a wide range of “wonderful educational experiences”.
“The network of schools in the area have been amazing in terms of welcoming us all which has been lovely and very helpful,” she added.
“I am most keen to actually get to meet the students and their families … I have spoken to a lot of people on the phone and had quite a few virtual catch ups with people but I am really looking forward to be able to do that in person.”
Edenbrook Secondary College is part of the State Government’s promise to build 100 new schools in seven years.
