Penola High School recently unveiled its new Middle School area with an official opening night.
The special evening was attended by parents, friends, community members and distinguished guests.
Penola High School Principal Steve Carli-Seebohm said the middle school hub could be utilised in several ways, allowing students to work collaboratively and in partnership with their teachers and peers.
“This inclusive classroom learning environment will offer multi-functionality for delivery of learning experience and will continue to focus on contemporary and best practice pedagogy and teaching methodology, now, and into the future,” Mr Carli-Seebohm said.
Former Penola High School Principal Peter Muller reflected on what the school was like throughout his tenure from 1982 to 2001 compared to now.
Mr Muller cut the ribbon to officially open the area before guests toured the new classroom spaces and facilities which includes a STEM space, where students learn and develop skills and knowledge in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Middle School Coordinator Rikki Helps said she was excited the new buildings were open and the students were also excited.
“We have been waiting all year to come into it so that we can actually work together at the middle school instead of in these separate rooms that we have been in for most of the year,” she said.
“It was kind of the cherry on top of building that middle school culture where our Year 7s and 8s can work together in flexible spaces.”
Ms Helps was delighted with the opening night turnout and incredibly proud of the participation of the student body.
“Following restrictions over the last couple of years keeping the public off site, it was exciting and uplifting to finally welcome families and community members back into our school,” Ms Helps said.
“Our new learning space has enabled the Middle School to learn in more collaborative ways and has cemented our double transition to high school cohorts sense of belonging at Penola High School.
“Students shine in opportunities to share their learning with a wider audience.
“Our students made us all proud, as they modelled our school values and shared their learning with their families and community members.”
