SWAN HILL Specialist School held an open day on Saturday to showcase recent developments and renovations.
School principal Jodi Walters said it was a success.
“We opened our doors on Saturday morning with current students bringing their families on a grand tour through the school,” she said.
“We also saw about 100 people come through across the day as well as long-time supporter Peter Walsh.
“The transformation was a huge undertaking, costing about $6.8 million in total.
“With all the work that was done the open day was a great opportunity for the community to come through to see our facilities and understand we’re just like any other school, just with more support.”
State member for Murray Plains, Mr Walsh said the school has a well-deserved reputation.
“This is a credit to the determination and perseverance of Jodi as the principal,” he said.
“Her commitment to make sure that the children at the Swan Hill Specialist School have the facilities and the support they deserve.
“What has happened here at the school over her time as the principal has been transformational.”
Ms Walters said the transformation will benefit the students and wider community.
“The renovations were to provide a fit for purpose result,” she said.
“The rooms are designed for students to learn effectively in.
“The rooms are purpose built and there is a large practical open space for students where they can do more hands-on learning such as doing art and cooking together.
“The basketball court was stage one of the transformation being newly installed with the cafe following having also undergone renovations.
“While we don’t have a timeline at this stage there is still more work to be done.”
School Council president Joanna Hulland said the transformation works were worth the effort.
“Last year half our school was slowly torn down and rebuilt, creating total chaos,” she said.
“However, our amazing staff and students calmly went about their school day knowing one day it would be well worth it.
“Well now, we have this beautiful new administrative area and classrooms to show for it.
“Rooms that we can enjoy when, hopefully, the second half of the school can be rebuilt.”
Ms Walters said the open day was an overall success.
“We received a lot of positive feedback on the day,” she said.
“There was a lot of excitement around the transformation.
“These changes further support the idea that special schools aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
“People who wish to come through and check out our facilities are welcome to call reception to schedule a time to walk through.”
