Wairoa College gets $7m makeover

HINERANGI VAIMOSO
A $7 million makeover for Wairoa College is well under way. After two years of planning and millions of dollars, Wairoa College will soon have all the "mod cons". Eight new classrooms, the first stage of the project, were meant to have opened last week, but flooding caused by heavy rain prevented that.
The last stage in the project won't be finished until the middle of next year.
The district-wide network review of schooling in 2005, headed by Education Minister Trevor Mallard, saw the school take on an extra 180 Year 7 and Year 8 students.
Principal Brian Simpson said while the extra students weren't a problem, finding sufficient classroom space to put them in was.
With Government funding intended to help accommodate the network review and money from the school's long-term building plan - which also stems from the Government - Wairoa College was able to get a multi-million dollar facelift.
With a school roll of 692, Mr Simpson said the extra 2500sq m of classrooms under construction were desperately needed to accommodate the influx of new students.
"The whole school's structure was affected by the education review process, so this will help us adjust and raise the profile of the school," Mr Simpson said.
"We want to build the self-esteem of the students by giving them the facilities to achieve and we're hoping this will have an influence on grades and attitudes."
The final product includes eight new classrooms at the northern side of the school to cater for Year 7 and Year 8 students, a relocated canteen where students can enjoy their lunch under shelter, two additional science labs and courtyards.
The most expensive feature, however, is the technology block, worth $1.78 million, and expected to be the area completed next.
The technology block houses two food technology rooms for budding chefs, rooms for textiles, electronics, graphics, woodwork and metalwork as well as two art rooms.
The school's strong musical background meant upgrading the music department was high on the list of priorities.
"Music is one of the strongest aspects of this school," Mr Simpson said.
"Bringing that up to scratch will have a massively positive affect on the students.
"They're not like we were in the past. Our students need room to move and be practical.
"They need space to move and burn energy, rather than sitting in front of a blackboard."
And while the completion of the current refurbishment seems a world away, Mr Simpson already has his sights set on extending on the marae complex and the administration department.