NORTHCOTE HIGH REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WITH MAJOR UPGRADES

Students at Northcote High School now have access to a brand-new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Building, a project made possible through the support of the Allan Labor Government.

State Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP, and Northcote High School Principal, Christopher Jones, today congratulated the school community on the completion of their three-storey learning building. In a symbolic and moving moment, two students had the honour of cutting the ribbon, opening a new chapter in the school’s educational journey.

The impressive centrepiece at the school includes cutting-edge laboratories, flexible indoor and outdoor classrooms, student support spaces, and an expansive ground floor John Cain Library, named after former student and Victorian Premier John Cain Jnr.

Northcote High School, which caters to almost 2,000 local students each year, was elated to open the new facility where students will expand their education with hands-on learning, collaboration and tools to prepare them for future careers.

The completion of the STEM Building is a significant milestone for the school. It comes after strong advocacy from the School Council in partnership with Kat Theophanous, to secure $16.7 million in funding from the Victorian Government across 2021 and 2022.

Designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects and built by Building Engineering, the new STEM Building adds to the other upgrades achieved at Northcote High in recent years – including two new competition-grade netball courts and an award-winning Performing Arts Centre.

These projects are part of the school's ongoing masterplan to create a vibrant, future-focused learning environment and the Victorian Government's commitment to the Education State.

Since 2014, the Victorian Labor Government has invested $16.9 billion in building new schools and more than 2,200 school upgrades, creating around 26,000 jobs and ensuring that every student can access a great local school and a quality education no matter where they live.

For more information on Northcote High School’s modernisation, visit www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/northcote-high-school.

Quotes attributable to Kat Theophanous, State Member for Northcote:

“This STEM Building sets a new standard for education spaces in the inner north, ensuring that Northcote High School remains an exceptional place for students to learn, innovate, and expand their opportunities.”

“Every student deserves a great education at a great local school. I’m proud to have worked alongside Northcote High School to deliver this exciting project which will make such a difference to generations of Northcote students.”

Quotes attributable to Christopher Jones, Principal of Northcote High School:

“As Principal I’m incredibly proud to welcome our students and community into our new STEM Building and revitalised John Cain Library. Our vision has always been to create spaces that inspire learning and connection, and this facility brings that vision to life.”

Quotes attributable to Heidi A, 8F, Student/librarian of Northcote High School

“The Hub, the latest addition to Northcote high School has quickly become the centre for many students. This is, in no small part, because of the new library which has fast outshined the Hall that has held the library for the past two years. Due to the open space, seating arrangements and versatility as a classroom, students and teachers have been drawn to admire, work and make the most of this new area. Alongside the already developed buildings, Northcote High School can continue to grow, adapt and change with every coming year.”