Doors have opened on the Palaszczuk Government's new $25 million junior learning precinct at Pacific Pines State High School on the rapidly-growing Gold Coast.
Palaszczuk Government Minister and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon made a commitment to deliver the state-of-the-art facility at the last election and today joined students and staff from the school to officially open the new multi-storey teaching block.
"More than 2,000 of Queensland's best and brightest are already enrolled at Pac Pines, with many more students expected to join them in coming years – and this facility meets that demand," Minister Scanlon said.
"It features eight new general learning areas, six science labs, two robotics labs, two maker spaces, two kitchens, eight specialist learning spaces, support spaces plus student and staff amenities.
"It's a dedicated space for the junior cohort that gives them the best possible learning environment no matter what subjects they want to pursue.
Minister Scanlon acknowledged construction crews for their efforts, and said as an added benefit the project had supported 75 jobs.
"That includes 38 apprentices who have gotten to hone their skills and ply their trade on a multi-million dollar build."
Education Minister Grace Grace said the junior school precinct was part of the Palaszczuk Government's $1.9 billion education infrastructure spend, driving better outcomes for students and creating thousands of jobs.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to making sure Queensland state school students get a world-class education, and building new facilities is important in delivering that for each and every child – no matter where in the state they live," Minister Grace said.
Pacific Pines State High School Principal Mark Peggrem said staff and students were thrilled with the new junior learning precinct.
"These new facilities have given us some fantastic facilities to support our teaching and learning program here at Pacific Pines," Principal Peggrem said.
"They have also given us the extra enrolment capacity we need for our growing school community.
"The whole school has been enjoying the new development, which has given us a real boost."
