THE NEXT big musical act to come from the Sunshine Coast will surely comprise students from Coolum State High School with the school now boasting a state-of-the-art, new two-storey learning centre that features four music spaces – perfect for making sweet music.
A $20 million project delivered new learning centres and extra space at Coolum SHS and was recently officially opened by Minister for Education Grace Grace.
The capital works included the new learning centre with six learning spaces, and four music spaces and the project also included infill work to ‘Block E’, creating two more science spaces and three new learning spaces.
The school’s existing administration building has also been extended to accommodate future growth and there’s new basketball courts.
Named ‘Gagal-Gira’, the name is taken from the local Indigenous word for ‘shining light’.
“The new Gagal Gira learning centre is an important addition to the school’s facilities and will be a fantastic new asset for the school community,” Minister Grace said.
Principal Troy Ascott said that the entire school community were delighted with the outcome of the renovation project.
“Since it was completed, our school has enjoyed these new spaces and enhanced facilities.
“As well as the new learning spaces, the new learning centre includes a breakout space for collaboration, staffrooms, a lift, student and staff amenities, a large outdoor covered area, and an undercroft with capacity for future infill.
“Our most overriding feeling is one of gratitude for this project – we know we have something special in Gagal-Gira.”
Ninderry MP Dan Purdie was also in attendance for the opening and was pleased the Minister had taken up his invitation to visit the school.
“It was an honour to be part of the official opening of the new building at Coolum State High School and I thank the Minister for attending after I flagged it with her during a speech in Parliament last month.
“This new $ 20 million learning centre is a wonderful new resource and will further enhance the school’s musical excellence program.
“We are very fortunate to have such a high-quality school offering world-class facilities right here in Coolum.”
Construction also proved beneficial for the wider community with employment benefits.
“This project supported an average of 13 full-time jobs over four years and also gave around 30 apprentices important construction experience,” Minister Grace stated.
“We’ve invested more than $12 billion in new and improved state schools and school facilities since 2015, with more on the way.”