The topic of how to deal with the problem of a growing and maturing student body on a small school site dominated discussions at Jindabyne Central School this week when the Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, visited.
Mr Whan gathered all interested parties around the table on Monday to uncover future problems and areas of discussion surrounding the school.
Representatives from the school and the parent community, Snowy River Shire Council and the Department of Education got together to discuss the issues.
Jindabyne Central School (JCS) has seen rapid growth since it expanded into secondary education in 2006.
The school has just started its first HSC students this term and are welcoming another 64 kindergarten students in 2010. This will mean there will be approximately 600 students on the site that once catered for a rural primary school of 270 children.
There have been discussions within the community for some time about whether the current site is most appropriate.
Talks were first held over 10 years ago when other sites were mooted as possible better locations for a school. The influx of winter transient staff and guests has meant that broken glass, needles and vandalism have long impacted the school grounds.
Overcrowding and social problems is one aspect but the more practical issues of car parking for staff and - as of now - students, is set to take on a major focus.
There is inadequate parking on the site and time restrictions in parking areas in the “CBD” of Jindabyne.
A lack of playing fields and sporting facilities is also a problem.
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan advised the school would remain on its current site for now.
“The Department of Education has spent just under $8 million on this site in the last four years. The school will remain on the current site for now.”
Mr Whan also ruled out a proposal to separate the primary and secondary departments at the school.
“It is much better from an educational aspect to have all students on the same site,” said Mr Whan.
In the short term senior students will be housed in the demountable class rooms that are currently on site and any future classrooms will be those that can be moved if needed.
A working group will be formed from members of the school community and deal with the Department of Education directly. The Department has agreed to develop a concept plan for the site. No timeframes were agreed.
The Snowy River Shire Council will also be part of the working party that is being formed to look at the future needs for the school. Snowy River Shire Council general manager Joe Vescio said allocated parking at the site was inadequate for both staff and students.
“Council is unsure whether the Department of Education appreciates the impact on the community of issues - like car parking - at the current site,” Mr Vesico said.
“The student growth has been enormous and some long term focus is needed.”
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