A shortlist of potential names for the new secondary school in Goolwa have been released.
The shortlisted names are:
- Goolwa Secondary College
- Goolwa Yarluwar College
- Goolwa Secondary School
- Goolwa High School
*Yarluwar is a Ngarrindjeri word that means 'sea' or 'ocean'. The Education Department sought approval for use of the word from members of the Ngarrindjeri community and Ngarrinderi elders.
The consultation comes as concepts for the site upgrade have been revealed to the public for the first time. $10 million is being invested into the former Investigator College campus in Goolwa to improve the school's facilities in readiness to welcome its first students at the beginning of 2022.
The upgrades include refurbishment of the whole site to provide modern teaching and learning environments, demolition of an existing aged facility, improvement to access and security infrastructure, and works to secure existing structures.
The school is one of four new schools opening in 2022, as part of the Marshall Liberal Government record $1.3 billion education build.
Education Minister John Gardner said progress is ramping up on the new school.
"Goolwa is by far the largest town in South Australia without a public high school, and that is set to change in 2022," said Education Minister John Gardner.
"This is a fantastic investment into the Goolwa community and local families will be excited to finally have access to high quality public education for secondary aged students in the area.
"The $10 million upgrade will also create local jobs, as we re-invigorate the old Investigator College campus and turn it into an education hub offering modern facilities for modern secondary learners.
"Deciding on a new name is a significant step in forming the identity for the school and seeking contribution from the community will provide a sense of ownership between the new school and the community.
"I encourage local families to vote for their favourite name, or suggest a name of their own, as part of this exciting step towards opening the new school."
The shortlisted names have been developed by a naming committee including local community members, as well as representatives from local schools and preschools.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Member for Finniss, David Basham said it was an exciting time for the Goolwa community.
"The opening of this new school in 2022 will be huge for Goolwa, allowing local children to grow up and receive their education without leaving the town," said Minister Basham.
"This school will be a generational community asset that will support the area as it grows in the coming years, and many families in Goolwa will be eagerly following progress next year as we get ready to welcome students in 2022.
"I encourage as many local families as possible to get involved in the consultation regarding the school's new name. It will be exciting to see the name that is chosen early next year."
The consultation on the school's name is open until 30 December and you can take part here.
More information about the Marshall Government $1.3 billion education build can be found at education.sa.gov.au.
