WAIKERIE High School’s $2.5 million STEM building redevelopments were officially opened by SA Education Minister John Gardner during a visit to the Riverland last week.
The STEM facilities overhaul began at Waikerie High School (WHS) in 2017 and were completed late last year, with the school’s science, technology, engineering and maths areas renovated, modernised and fitted out with the latest learning equipment.
WHS principal Craig Griffiths welcomed Mr Gardner to the school and thanked all involved in the project, including Michael Kregar Building’s Michael Kregar and Toni Simons, David Neindorf of Hansen Electric, WHS education director Stan Hagias, and WHS governing council chairperson Danny McGurgan.
At a special assembly during his visit, Mr Gardner said he was “honoured” to be officially opening the redeveloped school areas.
“We would have been here for an official open back in February or March, but for obvious reasons, that was not possible,” he said.
“Jobs in careers in STEM-related fields are growing exponentially, and it’s fantastic that Waikerie High School now has updated, modernised buildings and equipment to give (its students) the skills and capabilities to excel in the future.
“Not only do these facilities give students the means to learn, they now give them the decisions to choose how they will learn – in the classroom, small study areas, and with a variety of tools at their disposal.
“I also want to say well done (to WHS) for its efforts through COVID-19. It’s been a very tough year but it’s been great to hear that the students and staff have supported each other through these strange times.”
Mr Gardner and Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone presented Mr McGurgan with an official plaque for the new school buildings, dating the official opening.