Secondary college 'success', says MP

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews has described the "collegiate model of schooling" on the Peninsula as a "resounding success".

She has delivered a speech in Parliament reflecting on the five-year history of Brisbane Water Secondary College.

The speech was delivered on May 9 in Parliament's first sitting week for the year.

Ms Andrews told the house that the College's enhancements totalling close to $10 million were inspected by Ms Andrews and the then NSW Minister for Education and Training, Ms Carmel Tebbutt, as part of the official opening on March 7.

The opening marked the completion of the stage two upgrade with the Woy Woy campus work comprising refurbishment of the existing tiered learning space with a movement studio, refurbishment of existing kitchen to include a commercial bay, refurbishment of the existing cafeteria, major landscape and stormwater works throughout the school and external works and services.

At the Umina campus, stage two saw the establishment of a new administration building, refurbishment of block AM for staff facilities, conversion of existing staff facilities to seminar rooms, stores and general learning classrooms, a car park and external works and services.

Stage one of the college upgrade, which was completed some time ago, provided the Woy Woy campus with a new administration area, a car park and refurbishment of the special education unit.

The Umina campus received a new movement studio and performance workshop, new outdoor learning spaces, a new covered outdoor learning area and games courts.

Ms Andrews singled out the then college principal Mr Pat Lewis, for special mention because of the key role he played in the formation of the collegiate model of schooling for the Woy Woy Peninsula.

Brisbane Water Secondary College comprises the Woy Woy senior campus for years 10-12 students and the Umina junior campus for years 7-9 middle school.

Ms Andrews said it had proved to be a "resounding success" and is one of only three such schools within the State.

Ms Andrews stated in her speech that "the students' outstanding academic, sporting and performance achievements such as the students' recent exhibits at the Royal Agricultural Show at Homebush Bay are proof of that".

She also stated "that all those at the official opening had a taste of their success as the delicious refreshments provided at the morning tea had been prepared by the college's hospitality students".

In conclusion, Ms Andrews acknowledged the ongoing support for the college by Department of Education and Training representatives: regional director Mr John Mather and school education director for the Hunter-Central Coast region, Mr Frank Potter.

The "hard work" of the then Woy Woy campus principal Mr David Beattie; and former principal of Umina campus Mr Frank Gasper and Mrs Pam McAlister, relieving college principal at the time of the opening were also mentioned.

Press release, 25 May 2007 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford