Upgraded library at Gordonvale High officially opened

Gordonvale State High School’s refurbished library was officially opened by Parliamentary Secretary for Education Carolyn Male today.

Ms Male, who was joined by Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt, said the upgraded facilities cost $400,000 to complete and were part of the State Government’s $200 million State Schools of Tomorrow Round 2 classroom renewal program.

“This project involved redesigning the internal layout of the library to create a more flexible, open-plan learning space,” Ms Male said.

Mr Pitt said the upgraded facilities have created a fantastic environment for both students and teachers.

“Contemporary furniture and access to modern technologies gives students a great learning environment,” he said.

Ms Male said the Gordonvale State High School works were part of the planning process for the implementation of State Schools of Tomorrow Round 2.

“The Department of Education and Training carried out 25 trial projects at 17 schools across the state to develop design options and preliminary project budgets,” she said.

“The trial projects, including the project at Gordonvale, will help in shaping similar projects in other schools in the classroom renewal program.”

She said the State Government was investing in Queensland’s future.

“More than 1800 classrooms in 305 schools across Queensland will be rebuilt and refurbished under a $200 million building program, including 88 classrooms in 19 schools in Far North Queensland,” she said.

“This is not just an investment in modern teaching and learning environments, it’s also an investment in protecting Queensland jobs during tough economic times.

“We are transforming our schools with these projects because we know the importance of having 21st Century facilities and technology in helping us improve student achievement.”

Ms Male said Gordonvale State High School had also secured more than $2 million in funding through the Australian Government’s Building the Education Revolution infrastructure program.

“These funds will be used to create an outdoor learning area, upgrade some existing facilities and build an agricultural science and Japanese centre,” she said.