Big changes on the horizon for college

Walking through the grounds of Cape Naturaliste College, principal Mark Gillett is excited for the changes on the horizon.

TheTimes reported last week as part of the State Budget the school would get $32.1 million over the next four years to build new facilities.

Mr Gillett has been principal of the college since it opened in 2008, and said he was looking forward to seeing how the school continued to grow.

“Having started here when the school opened, this is our next step,” he said.

“It’s been a really lovely and wonderful journey to watch the school grow.”

With the funding, the second stage of the school will begin and several facilities, including science laboratories, design and technology workshops, visual arts and media studios, and a food technology studio, are planned.

“It’s so nice to be able to look and plan for the future,” Mr Gillett said.

“As principal, I’m very excited by the opportunity we’ve got to provide for our students.”

Until the funding was announced in the Budget last week, Mr Gillett had no idea the school would be receiving it.

“I didn’t know about it until I read the Budget and there is now great excitement amongst our community,” he said.

Mr Gillett said his first priority was to provide facilities for students and ensure they got the best opportunities.

“The provision of any new facility brings about a great interest, excitement and anticipation for staff and students,” he said.

“Any additional facilities that are new and expansive means we can plan and tailor to suit the needs of all our students and their aspirations.”

The school opened with 87 students in 2008 and enrolments now total more than 700.

Mr Gillett said he expected growth in the region to influence the number of students attending the school.

Looking forward, the principal said his main aim was to continue providing for his students.

“It’s been a quite humbling experience to watch the students and parents have confidence in the school,” he said.

“I would like to see the school continue to be a safe place where all children can come to learn and where we can provide the best facilities to support our teachers.”