WONTHAGGI SECONDARY COLLEGE JUNIOR CAMPUS IN SAN REMO DESIGN Community Engagement Report

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The Victorian Government has invested a record $6.1 billion to expand and modernise ’s school network. They have delivered dozens of new schools, more than 1,400 school upgrades and 10 Tech Schools. They are continuing this commitment, promising to open 100 new schools by 2026 and upgrade or build almost 1000 kindergartens over the next decade. On 8 August 2019, the Victorian Government announced it would build a new junior secondary campus in San Remo. The new campus will be a Year 7-9 campus of Secondary College, adding to the school’s existing two campuses. Around 500 students are travelling every day to Wonthaggi Secondary College from across , San Remo, Corinella and Grantville, with more than 250 of these students in Years 7-9. The new campus in San Remo will mean students have a new junior secondary school closer to home.

ABOUT THE ENGAGEMENT

We engaged with students, teachers, parents and community members from San Remo, Phillip Island and the surrounding area, gathering their input to help design the new campus. We used an online survey and held a community drop-in consultation event in October 2019. This report provides a summary of what we heard.

ENGAGEMENT SNAPSHOT

54% of online 1 workshop with 8962 survey participants 52 community people reached were parents of a members through social prospective student media

59% of survey 92 online survey 853 respondents clicked responses individual comments through from Facebook received

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WHAT WE HEARD

Participants strongly value the local environment, particularly the coastline as well as parks and natural places. Participants suggested that the design of the campus should be contemporary and environmentally sustainable. The community also values facilities that can accommodate a diverse range of subjects and programs including sports, music, arts, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

WHAT YOUR COMMUNITY WANTS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL

CONTEMPORARY AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

You want the school to be built to a high “Building and grounds that fit in with the standard with a contemporary design green natural environment that makes this that fits into the surrounding natural area so unique.” environment. Flexible and collaborative Online survey spaces that can also provide quiet areas “Bright naturally lit classrooms with access and outdoor learning areas were a priority. to outdoor spaces. Outdoor areas for We heard that it is important that it is an students to meet and relax that maximise environmentally sustainable design that natural materials.” considers the use of sustainable water and Online survey power sources. It is also important that it is suitable for the local weather conditions “Very sustainable buildings & grounds, that and provides appropriate weather the layout doesn’t impact on a massive protection for classrooms and outdoor area. Look into zero-dollar utilities bills, shelter areas. zero waste school.” Online survey

DIVERSE SUBJECTS WITHIN THE CURRICULUM AND THE FACILITIES TO ACCOMMODATE THIS

Lots of people told us that the school “Lots of good elective opportunities and needs to provide diverse subjects within facilities for students” the curriculum. There was interest in Online survey providing sporting facilities, arts and music “Learning programs that connect to local programs, STEM programs and facilities, industries and offer authentic, contextual a well-resourced library and a vegetable learning opportunities.” garden. Good quality teachers to deliver Online survey this curriculum is seen as critical to the education of young people in this area.

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PLAN FOR GROWTH AND CONSIDER ACCESS

Your community told us that the school “Allow for growth of the school to support should be planned with the future in future senior levels as well as pre- mind. We heard that the school must be apprenticeship courses.” able to accommodate expected growth. Online survey Your community also wants the design to “Our area is growing rapidly, a secondary consider how students will get to and from public school is much needed to cater and school and ensure there is safe access and provide opportunities for our students.” appropriate drop-off and pick-up spots. Online survey

WELLBEING SUPPORT

Providing support for students’ wellbeing “Feeling safe from bullying.” was important to your community and Online survey you think the school should create an “There definitely needs to be a ‘specialty’ environment that prioritises this. area for children with different/special needs.” Online survey

WHAT YOUR COMMUNITY’S FAVOURITE PLACES ARE

BEACHES, COASTLINE AND NATURAL OUTDOOR SPACES People living in this part of Victoria share a common love for the coastline and local beaches. Most responses related to the unique features of the local coastline, and other natural outdoor places where people go to relax, enjoy local wildlife as well as a wide range of outdoor activities. The community provided San Remo, Philip Island, the Nobbies, the Penguin Parade and the as some of their specific favourite places.

“The beach is my favourite place. Just seeing the ocean is calming.” Online survey “The koala conservation centre, the penguins and the Nobbies, the OCEAN! and the history of the Boonwurrung people − the new building should pay tribute to the traditional landowners.” Online survey “In the vicinity of San Remo - all of the beaches, the bridge to Philip Island, farmland which allows views.” Online survey

WONTHAGGI SECONDARY COLLEGE JUNIOR CAMPUS IN SAN REMO DESIGN ENGAGEMENT REPORT Next steps You can contact us: An architect has been appointed and will Victorian School Building Authority soon begin developing plans for the new campus. We will provide your feedback to them for consideration. The VSBA will 1800 896 950 finalise the exact site of the new school campus over the coming months. [email protected] To stay up to date with the progress of the Wonthaggi Secondary College /victorianschoolbuild junior campus in San Remo, please visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au

For information in your language, please call the Victorian School Building Authority’s translation service on 03 9280 0712.