The town’s solitary secondary school was awarded $500,000 from the Department of Education to completely fund the master planning stage. 

College principal Nick Lynch said the school would be demolished, except for the main administration building, the Year 7 building and the trade training centre.

He said current plans showed buildings positioned around a courtyard behind the administration building.

The entrance driveway would be re-designed, allowing for more car park space, and more sheltered areas for students.  

“The school needs to be freshened up and this would create a really positive learning environment,” Mr Lynch said. 

“Students can feel much better coming to school if they have a modern environment designed for learning.”

Mr Lynch met with architects on Friday and said the plans were not final- that they were keen to get feedback and take on board ideas from students. 

Year 11 students Brittany Inglis and Elissa Jess called for more outside areas where students of all year levels could interact.

“It’s a great idea,” Brittany said. 

“Our old school will be changed and the idea of having a better learning environment is great.”

Elissa, also one of the school’s house captains, said she was impressed students could have their say. 

“The senior students have lots of points to put forward because we know what works and what doesn’t,” she said. 

“It is also our responsibility to help make the school a better place so the younger students can benefit in their later years.”

The master planning started last week and will finish in six weeks. No date has been set for construction.