SCHOOL HISTORY
The 1990's — A New Hall and onto the New Millennium
In the 1990's, the direction of education changed to keep up with technology. All schools were given computers and internet access so that students could develop the skills needed for the "computer age". The P&C contributed over $10,000 for computer cabling so that the school could have a network of 15 computers in the Craft Room. This enabled every class from K-6 to have computer lessons every fortnight.
The school numbers had stabilised during the 1990's, but there was an obvious need for a school hall. The FSU could no longer hold the entire school. The P&C thought we might be able to build and fund a school hall. In 1994 John Dreha, an architect and parent, drew up plans, and the P&C set about raising$150,000 as our contribution to the project. School fairs returned to the fund raising calendar, as well as the new "School Ball". In 1995 we made our first submission to the state government requesting 1 for 1 funding to help build a school hall.
After a successful campaign for a school hall at Chertsey Primary, the arrival of John Blair as principal in 1996, brought new direction to the process. The combination of John Blair and P&C President Kim Masters was formidable, but despite ongoing pressure, progress was frustrating. An August 1998 visit to the school by the Properties Department deemed the Hall proposal "unworkable", and also pointed out that the school violated most building codes.
Parent Shaen McDonald was outraged at the deteriorating situation in the school. She used her considerable experience in public relations to bring Avoca's need for rebuilding into the public arena. Upon becoming P&C President in 1999, Shaen took the campaign to politicians and the media. A surprise grant for $160 000 for a new canteen and car park, was appreciated but brought the school no closer to a much needed Hall and refurbishment. Campaigning saw the Minister for Education, John Aquilina visit the school and look into the situation.
With her aim of maximising public attention achieved, Shaen McDonald handed the Presidency to Ian Charlton in 2000. In April, he was finally able to introduce plans to the School Council that included his much sought after school hall. Things were beginning to take shape but there was still no guarantee of funding to turn plans into buildings. A public relations campaign was begun to alert the community, the politicians and Department of Education to the school's needs. Possibly most effective were letters sent by parents of the school to the Minister of Education in August (2000). These letters were timed to arrive on the Ministers desk just when the decisions about funding were being made. The support of Regional Director Bill Low's representation to the Minister was also a great help.
The arrival of Peter Whelan as Principal in January 2001 provided further momentum. News stories were run highlighting the school's expectations regarding the plans for the school's future. A petition was presented to Parliament prior to the 2001/2 State Budget, and finally, it seems apparent that in April 2002 building will commence on a new hall, new class rooms, new library, new staffroom and refurbishment of the administration block. Well done to everyone who contributed over the last 9 years to this great effort.
At last, the Avoca Beach community will have a school capable of nurturing our students of the new millennium. A new generation will have the opportunity to learn to be "Ever to the Best".
Before the new hall was built
New school hall - 2003
Removal of the last of our demountables
Back to Top