Students in their final years of schooling are being severely disadvantaged by inadequate learning spaces, according to the principal of one of Wyndham’s newest senior campuses.
Tarneit Senior College principal Michael Fawcett said the campus was in desperate need of a more than $11 million funding in next month’s state budget in order to complete stage two of its master plan.
Mr Fawcett said the senior campus, which opened in 2012, was still without a library, indoor canteen, gymnasium and performing arts auditorium.
A classroom has been converted into a makeshift library and is crammed with books and resources.
Physical education classes are held outdoors or in a small weight-training room. Many students undertaking vocational education subjects, such as hospitality, have to travel away from the school as there are no food technology facilities.
A 35-year-old portable building is being used as an administration block. Enrolment at the senior campus has nearly tripled, to almost 300, since the campus opened in 2012.
Tarneit Senior and P-9 colleges were left out of last year’s budget, with the government instead announcing new schools for Wyndham Vale South and Truganina.
Mr Fawcett said both campuses were forced to use decaying portables for classrooms.
“It is an absolute disgrace how neglected government schools in Melbourne’s outer west are,” he said.
“Running schools out of portable classrooms is not appropriate.’’
Student engagement and well-being teacher Suzie Gerada said the situation was getting out of hand. “These conditions are making learning increasingly difficult for students across all year levels and all subjects,’’ she said.
A government spokeswoman said more than $51.5 million had been invested in public schools since 2010. She said any funding allocation would be subject to normal budget processes. The spokeswoman said more than $14 million had been spent on fixing the former Galvin Park Secondary College in Werribee.
The budget will be announced on May 6.
