Benalla P-12 college students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths have a brand-new building to help them fulfil their potential.
The newly completed $12 million structure has an open-plan common area flooded with natural light, which includes a library, spaces for group projects and computer terminals.
Several purpose-built classrooms adjoin the common area, where students will fine-tune their skills in STEAM subjects.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, who attended the school when it was Benalla College, officially opened the new facility on Thursday, September 14.
“As a past student, I am genuinely so proud to officially open the new STEAM building at Benalla P-12, Ms Symes said.
“Refurbished and modern buildings give students and families even more reasons to be proud of their school and provides our young people in Benalla with the best educational opportunities.
“Upgrading and expanding Benalla P-12 is another wonderful example of our commitment to giving Victorian children the first-rate education they deserve.”
The new STEAM building follows the $9.1 million Year 10-12 Hub and Trade Centre, which opened in 2019.
Acting Benalla P-12 College Principal Kylie Cotter said it was a beautiful space.
“It has been a real process to get to this stage,” Ms Cotter said.
“It’s amazing to have so many learning opportunities, things that can happen from this.
“So it’d be great to have the next generation coming through here, learning science, technology, art and maths.
“The students love the space. It’s really open and airy, whereas the old buildings were quite small and dark.”
Ms Cotter said she was looking forward to the next stage of the school’s building works.
“That will include a food technology area, junior school buildings, a canteen and some staff spaces.
“So it’ll be really stunning because it will tie it all together.”
A $14.2 million investment from the Victorian Government will fund that next stage.
At the opening of the new building, invited guests, school council members and students were joined by Benalla Rural City Councillors.
Mayor Bernie Hearn, another former student, said she also remembers the school buildings being small and dark.
“This is a wonderful building that’ll excite students to get into their STEAM courses,” Cr Hearn said.
“I think we had the one Bunsen burner and not much else in science.
“But this is fantastic. We’ve got the open areas and places where students can sit outside.
“It’s open, it’s airy. It’s a really good learning environment.”