Extract from NSW Legislative Assembly Hansard. 2004-11-12
CHARLESTOWN ELECTORATE SCHOOLS
Mr MATTHEW MORRIS (Charlestown) [10.47 a.m.]: I want to inform the
House about issues affecting schools in the electorate of Charlestown. On a
positive note, last Thursday 4 November I had the privilege of representing
the Minister for Education and Training to officially declare open the
Kahibah Public School community hall. This facility has come to fruition by
the hard work and dedication of teaching staff, students and the broader
community. The cost of the project was $360,000, of which $110,000 came from
the community. Through their fundraising they have made a great contribution
to this important piece of infrastructure for the school and the community
of Kahibah.
In particular, I want to mention Ms Pam Richardson, who has served as
principal of the school but in recent times has acted as principal support
officer. During that time Ms Denise Rispen has been the relieving principal
at the school, and I congratulate her on her commitment to the school during
her time there. She will finish with Kahibah Public School at the end of
this year and Mrs Richardson will return early in the new year. These
projects come to fruition only after hard work and commitment. Time and
again parents and citizens association members play a significant role in
helping to achieve good outcomes and move schools forward.
I also acknowledge the efforts of Mr Col Curry, the president of the parents
and citizens association and the school council. He is a humble gentleman;
nonetheless he should be praised for the work he has done in co-ordinating
the project, organising tradespeople, supervising the job and spending hours
on the site to ensure that the final product is something of which we can
all be proud. He should be congratulated and I thank him very much on behalf
of the broader community for his commitment to the school. The hall, which I
have mentioned previously in this place, is rather grand. Importantly, it
will ensure that the students no longer have to leave the school to
participate in many sporting activities, particularly in wet weather. It is
another environment they can use to enhance their education. The students
also played a significant role in the project by helping to distribute
mulch, plant trees and so on. They are very proud, and so they should be.
I also take this opportunity to make some comments about Hunter Sports High
School, which was known as Gateshead High School. It has faced many
challenges over the years and in my view its facilities are below standard.
I have taken up that issue with the Minister for Education and Training,
will continue to do so. The school has one of the old dome-shaped halls that
were built some years ago and it is in very poor condition. I have requested
the Minister to have an inspection undertaken to establish its structural
soundness. It is run down and dirty and it often needs repair. I support the
school's aim to have the facility replaced and I will continue to pursue
that goal with the Minister. The school also has science laboratories that
need new floors, benches and so on. The school deserves support. The
teachers and students are committed to it and I am wholeheartedly behind
them.
©2003 This page updated: Saturday, 2004-12-18 