SIX local schools left the state Minister for Education “impressed” last week after his visit to the region.
Waikerie, Glossop and Renmark High Schools, Renmark and Loxton Primary Schools and the Renmark Children’s Centre were visited by Minister for Education John Gardner last Wednesday.
Mr Gardner said each school left a “great impression” on him.
“Our day started with a trip to Waikerie High School, where I was lucky enough to open the school’s beautiful new STEM area,” he said.
“From there we went to Glossop High School’s senior campus, which will soon be a year 7 to 12 campus with the merge.
“Work has begun with a $17m investment and I’m so excited to see what it will look like.
“Locals will see improved outcomes for students when they’re all on the campus because sometimes there’s a loss in translation when students hop from one campus to the next.
“From there I visited Renmark High School and I saw some fantastic things.
“I’m excited to see how their $5m redevelopment will look because their recent $2.5m STEM facility is absolutely fantastic.”
Mr Gardner said one thing that struck him from each school was the staff.
“The staff in the region are so proud to be teaching in the Riverland and they have a huge amount of passion for sharing high-quality learning experiences with students,” he said.
“The staff are well-respected by all the students and the relationship between them is amazing.”
Mr Gardner said he saw “great potential” in the students he spoke to.
“The students have been the most impressive because they were all excited about their future,” he said.
“Many have good ideas about what they want to do in the future and many have been excited about the jobs they’re going to do here in the local area where they’ve grown up, which is fantastic to see.
“There’s no problem with kids wanting to go away to do further study after school but to have them excited knowing they’re going to come back to the Riverland to work when they have finished their education is even better.”