Girl on the Computer

WILTON SCHOOL OPENS AT BINGARA GORGE

28 April 2011

April 28th was an historic day in the life of Bingara Gorge when the Wilton Public School students filed in for their first day of school.

Built on land donated by Bingara Gorge developer Delfin Lend Lease, the opening of Wilton Public School is the culmination of more than a decade of lobbying by residents of Wilton for a local school.

Today, 30 students formed the foundation classes in the new K-6 school, enjoying brand new facilities designed for a modern era of learning.  Many of them already knew each other well, having spent the first term in demountable classrooms at Picton Public School while waiting for their new school to open.

Others have arrived for their first day as Wilton students having delayed their transfer until Wilton was open for business. The school is designed to cater for 400 students, a capacity that will be needed as the  Bingara Gorge community continue to grow.

School Principal Debra Gray spent an exhausting school holiday setting up the new school, ensuring classrooms were fully equipped with desks, chairs, books and teaching resources. The school opens with six classrooms and the administration block completed. In the coming weeks the school hall, library, canteen and playing areas will be ready for use.

Wilton Public School has been designed as a 21st century learning environment, with classrooms carefully oriented to maximise natural light and ventilation.

Said Debra Gray: “The school is beautiful, so modern and full of natural light. I am very proud of what we have already achieved and the community effort that has gone in to making it happen.”

With a vision for an inclusive school with an “open door” policy, Mrs Gray said she would be working to establish a culture of caring and support where parents know they are an integral part of the school. The school’s P&C is already active and has been involved in selecting the school emblem and uniforms – and of course fundraising.

Mrs Gray has previously been principal of Kurrajong North Public School and Seven Hills West. As Wilton Public School principal she is also responsible for teaching the Year 3-6 class. Cody Breasley, well-known in the area as a State League netball player, teaches the K-2 class. An additional teacher and teacher’s aide have been recruited from the school’s own budget.

The school will play an important role in the Wilton community according to Bingara Gorge Project Director Paul Gerlach.

“Many of the families living at Bingara Gorge will be sending their children to Wilton Public,” said Mr Gerlach.

“In this sense, the school becomes the heart and soul of the Bingara Gorge community and the wider Wilton region. We have a valuable asset here with parks and facilities that are intended to be enjoyed by everyone, including friends and families visiting the school and not just our residents.

“The decision of Delfin Lend Lease to donate the land for the school and work hand in hand with the Wilton Progress Association reflects our shared commitment and responsibility to the youth and families of the region.”

The opening of Wilton Public relieves some of the pressure on Picton Public School which has more than 600 students and removes the need for students from Wilton to travel 14km by bus or car to attend school.

 

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