Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): My adjournment is for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is that the minister join me in visiting the incredible students, teachers and staff at Northcote High School. Minister, I know that like me you understand the valued place Northcote High occupies in our community. It is one of the largest public schools in Victoria, and it has been shaping young minds for almost 100 years, with some pretty notable alumni, mind you, including the late John Cain, Jnr. I know you understand their pressures because of the work that we have done together to support Northcote High over the past two years. Indeed one of my most cherished moments so far as the member for Northcote was the official opening of Northcote High’s new performing arts hub last year—a truly modern and indeed award-winning facility, a testament to how much new, modern buildings can add to the learning experience of students.
That is what this is all about, Minister—giving our young people every chance, every opportunity to explore their talents and grow into curious and confident young adults. I do not have to tell you that as our community grows, Northcote High is experiencing serious enrolment pressures, and with current facilities it is just hitting capacity. I know Chris Keating and the team at the Victorian School Building Authority are well aware of those pressures and the needs of the school.
Principal Sue Harrap and the school council have been working alongside me to raise some of the more pressing points, like the state of the heritage hall and the limited open space. Last month the school community reached out to share some of the impacts and challenges they are experiencing in the face of these pressures through a petition tabled by my good friend and our Labor colleague in the other place Sheena Watt. Their petition received almost 2000 signatures from a school community who are passionate about seeing Northcote High be everything we know that it can be. With some innovative design, I believe we can create something truly special at Northcote High. Minister, I know the Northcote High School community would love to have you visit and to share with you the incredible opportunities that new facilities would provide. I hope to see you there.
