Five years ago, Sally Cefai and Eva Fattore started campaigning for a secondary school in the Caroline Springs area.
Now Ms Cefai’s daughter, Maddison, who’ll start year 7 next year, has somewhere to go – the new Taylors Hill West Secondary College.
Education Minister James Merlino joined Springside College students, local MP Natalie Hutchins and Melton councillors Sophie Ramsey and Michelle Mendes on Thursday to mark the first stage of the new school build.
It will be ready for about 300 year 7 and 10 students by term one next year, with school principal John Goodman already appointed.
Ms Cefai, who forewent many weekends and spent long hours in her campaign, is now assured of a local school for her emerging teen.
“I’m ready to cry. Finally.”
Mr Merlino said the new school had been a “long time coming” for a growing community.
“And for the parents, what you will see is a state-of-the-art teaching and learning space … It will just blow your mind.”
The project’s $12 million first stage includes a purpose-built Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) building, with several classrooms.
Mr Goodman said the school would “hit the ground running” from day one, with staff committed to making an impact on young lives. Enrolments are due to open in July this year. Details: schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au.
