Liberals promise two new schools

By Callan Date
NARRE Warren students could be the big winners if a Liberal government gets the chance to deliver on a policy to build a new technical school and secondary school in the area.
The growing youth population in the area and strong industry base are two reasons why Narre Warren was chosen as a potential site, a Liberal spokesman said.
The local announcement last week came in conjunction with the $678 million Liberal Party education policy.
An actual site for both campuses is yet to be determined with one option being to convert an existing school into a technical school.
If the Liberals win the upcoming state election, the schools will be established by 2008.
State Opposition spokesman for education Martin Dixon said the idea was to give parents a greater choice for their children within the government school system.
The high number of primary schools in the area also proved to be a deciding factor in Narre Warren being earmarked for the two new schools.
The proposed technical school would be modern and purpose-built to provide a strong and valid pathway for students with skills and interests in the trade areas.
The aim of the selective entry school, which will cater for year nine to 12 students, will be to promote excellence, foster talent and provide a genuine community of advanced learning, Mr Dixon said.
“We will be working closely with local schools and council to establish the best location for the new schools.
He said skills taught in the technical school would be based upon what is most needed to fill the skills shortage in the local area.