Space for art

A PERFORMING Arts Centre which will benefit numerous students and community groups was officially opened at Hampton Park Secondary College.
The centre is a shared facility between Hampton Park Secondary College and River Gum Primary School, which received $3.2 million under the National School Pride program and Primary Schools for the 21st Century programs.
River Gum principal Roma McKinnon said it was fantastic to see the culmination of years of work by dedicated stakeholders, school staff, parents and tradespeople working together to deliver important projects.
He credited Holt MP Anthony Byrne for advocating for the centre. There was extensive negotiation between Mr Byrne, the principals at the two schools and the Education Department before the project was accepted.
“Without these people this project would not have been possible; we did it and what an achievement,” Ms McKinnon said.
“Our students deserve the best, and we have provided them with this magnificent facility.”
Ms McKinnon said since it’s completion, the school has used the Performing Arts Centre to host graduation ceremonies in 2010, a Christmas performance in 2010 and a Movie with Mum event for Mother’s Day this year.
Recently, the school had an assembly in the facility to launch Education Week and Southern Metropolitan Region will use the facility for teacher professional development.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne opened the centre and congratulated River Gum Primary School on their new facilities.
“It’s tremendous to be here today to celebrate the opening of the performing arts centre and to witness first hand the impact this has had on River Gum Primary School and the local community.”