Rebuilding the future

HEALESVILLE High School students are currently involved in an amazing array of experiences and events and these are set to continue in the coming weeks and months.
The school’s much anticipated rebuilding program is to become a reality within weeks.
A total of $11 million has been allocated to rebuild existing buildings, a further $2 million will provide a BER Language Centre and another $2.5 million will allow construction of a Trade Training Centre.
“Plans have been drawn and meetings between architects, parents, students and staff have been held and all building will be completed by the end of next year,” said assistant principal Allan Rennick.
“Let the construction begin.”
Mr Rennick said exciting programs have already been developed and will be delivered from the new buildings.
“Woiworung language will be taught in the new Language Centre and the Trade Training Centre will give unprecedented opportunity to local youth to enrol in certificate two and certificate three courses in building and construction, automotive, hospitality and panel beating,” he said.
“State-of-the-art science, mathematics, information technology, library, hospitality and art facilities will allow students to seek ever greater academic achievement and a 250 seat auditorium offers outstanding opportunities for students to excel in the dramatic, musical and performing arts.”
Mr Rennick said the school band is regularly achieving amazing results.
“The band has recently accepted an invitation to perform at a concert featuring the Navy band and are finalising their preparations for this event, to be held on Friday 7 May at the Plenty Ranges Art and Convention Centre in South Morang,” he said.
The concert starts at 7pm and there is an open invitation for community members to attend.
As well, more than 100 students and staff are feverishly rehearsing several times a week in preparation for the annual production.
This year the school is tackling a musical, called Back to the ‘80s.
“The idea of a musical production has been embraced by students and Back to the ‘80s is certain to be enjoyed by parents,” Mr Rennick said.
“It is a celebration of the music parents grew up listening to.”
The production is set for August with matinees on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26, and evening performances from the Wednesday through to Saturday 28 August.
Put those dates in your diary!
Art and technology students are also in the planning stages for the annual art exhibition which is to be held this year on 23 June.
Community members are invited to plan a visit to the school on that day to witness the outstanding artistic and creative talents of local youth.
Mr Rennick said student leadership is a major focus at the school, with four senior students leading the student representative council.
“The SRC has 31 members in total, representing all year levels,” he said.
“They meet regularly to discuss and have input into issues as diverse as academic progress, sporting events, programs providing support to third world schools and lunch time activities.
“The school is justifiably proud of the student leaders as they are a group of motivated, intelligent, environmentally aware and caring young people.
“The school is a vibrant place of achievement, academic expectations are high and the traditions of the past are being maintained whilst ‘rebirth’ is occurring,” Mr Rennick concluded.