Almost 9,000 public school students across 41 schools in the South East will soon have faster internet access thanks to the Marshall Liberal Government's $80 million project to connect every government school in South Australia to a world class high-speed internet connection.
Upgrades to 10 schools in the region have already been completed, with another 10 to be completed during Term 3.
Approximately 10,000 metres of new fibre optic cable has been installed to date by Telstra within the South East, with that distance expected to more than double with the connection of the remaining schools.
"The Marshall Government is investing a record $1.3 billion in upgrading South Australian schools to deliver a world class education system for students and their teachers," said Minister for Education John Gardner.
"All public schools across South Australia will have a whole new world of learning resources and opportunities opened up through this high-speed internet connection.
"Fast, reliable internet improves teachers access to the tools they need to deliver high quality education and gives students the chance to connect, collaborate and create in ways like never before.
"All our students, regardless of where they live, deserve access to high speed, reliable internet at the speed they need, when they need it."
"Having access to technology and connectivity is essential in today's society, particularly in education," said Adam Oliver, Telstra State Manager SA and NT
"We believe Telstra's partnership with the Department for Education will benefit schools, teachers and students in both regional and metropolitan areas and will lead to great outcomes for South Australia in the future.
"The new high-speed internet solution to be provided to almost every public school across the state is a game-changer for our schools, teachers and students," said Adrian Maywald, Lucindale Area School principal.
"It will allow a traffic free internet highway via a world class connection ensuring South Australian schools are leading the way across the nation - ensuring every child has effective, fast and real-world conditions to engage in learning.
Access to enabling teaching and learning technologies will no longer be a barrier to our school which is a huge step forward, particularly for regional schools."
"The new fibre optic connection has strengthened the school's ICT infrastructure and will bring several benefits," said Stephen Jolley, Reidy Park Primary School principal.
"It will future proof our school in relation to supporting the increased number of devices being used and expand opportunities."
The schools in the South East connected to date are:
- Bordertown High School
- Bordertown Primary School
- Grant High School
- Reidy Park Primary School
- Melaleuca Park Primary School
- McDonald Park Primary School
- Mount Gambier High School
- Naracoorte High School
- Naracoorte Primary School
- Naracoorte South Primary School
Schools in the area to be completed during Term 3 include:
- Compton Primary School
- Francis Primary School
- Glenburnie Primary School
- Gordon Education Centre
- Lucindale Area School
- Mount Gambier North Primary School
- Mulga Street Primary School
- Suttontown Primary School
- Yahl Primary School
- Mil Lel Primary School
