Colin Barnett, Minister Constable and I with Principal Chris Booth and students who were thrilled with the news
$80m Rebuild of Willetton SHS
The Premier Colin Barnett's announcement of an $80 million commitment to rebuild Willetton Senior High School into a state-of-the-art facility is a credit to the leadership team at the school. In particular, I personally congratulate Principal Chris Booth and School Chairman Steven Marshall and the school's Board for their significant contribution to the project. I have seen how hard they have worked to realize their goal to have the school rebuilt and I applaud their achievement.
This is an outstanding school, achieving outstanding results. Last year, it was voted State Public High School of the Year and its students took out 5 of the 11 Curriculum Council General Exhibition awards. However, with 1,736 students crammed into its ageing infrastructure, it has also become one of the biggest high schools in WA.
The 2012/13 State Budget that will be handed down on May 17 will include $32.5 million for the Stage One works of this project, which are expected to be completed in 2015. This financial year alone, the State Government has spent $3.978 billion on educating our WA students.
Willetton gained Independent Public School status two years ago and that innovative State Government initiative gave them the autonomy to develop and refine a Master Plan for their school. I have no doubt that the State Government's decision to rebuild Willetton Senior High School will ensure that it continues to be a top public school for decades to come.
Wonderful paintings by local artist Jana Vodesil-Baruffi celebrating WA women and their achievements
A Salute to Contemporary Heroines
I was very pleased to attend the launch of local artist Jana Vodesil-Baruffi's Permanent Impressions project at her Metamorphosis Gallery in Yampi Way, Willetton.
The project, to paint portraits of 50 prominent women within an 18-month timeframe, initially coincided with the 100-year celebrations of the international women's movement from 1911 to 2011, and should be completed in 2013.
Jana is a particularly talented artist and for this project, she has utilised the palette knife technique for her portraits, giving the high quality artworks a unique depth and texture, and allowing her to capture the essence of her subjects.
Jana is hoping to take the collection, when it is finished, throughout regional WA to help promote recognition for these extraordinary women and their role in WA's history. The exhibition is also a fundraiser for The Leukemia Foundation, which provides support for thousands of people and their families affected by this disease.
The project is an outstanding contribution to our community and I congratulate Jana on her foresight in coming up with the concept and for her determination and drive to see the project through.
Willetton Senior High School $80 Million Rebuild
Congratulations to Principal Chris Booth and the leadership team at WSHS on their success regarding the rebuilding of the school. It has been a pleasure to work side by side with the school every step of the way on this important local project.
Mike Nahan
Premier Colin Barnett with head boy and girl from Willetton SHS.
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