A CLASS ACT AT KHS

Students at Kooringal High School will enjoy improved educational opportunities, thanks to a $6m upgrade under the NSW Government’s High Potential and Gifted Education Program. 

The works will include the refurbishment of three science labs, two arts and performance spaces and improvements to quiet rooms in the library. The school’s existing sports court will also be replaced, and a roof will be installed to allow for wet weather play. 

These upgrades will replace science labs and art rooms from the original school building, built more than 50 years ago in 1973. 

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, welcomed the upgrade, saying it was testament to the school’s commitment to excellence in education. 

“It is fantastic to see the NSW Government making this much needed investment in Kooringal High School, improving the school’s aging buildings and I thank Education Minister Prue Car and the government for their support,” he said. 

“These investments will ensure our local students are supported and will pay dividends for our community for years to come.” 

Access to modern science labs will provide students with hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, which can help spark an interest in STEM-related fields, foster critical thinking skills, and prepare students for future careers in high-demand industries. 

Refurbishment of the school’s art rooms will include improvements to backstage areas, provide new benches, lights, hanging space and the provision of acoustic insulation to common walls, improving the overall learning experience for performing arts students. 

Improvements to the school’s sports courts will deliver a functional, large-sized area for outdoor sports and play available during rainy weather, and upgrades to the school’s library will replace aging and dark quiet rooms, replacing them with welcoming and contemporary spaces for use by HPGE students.  

“I recently had the please of visiting Kooringal High to meet staff and students and inspect the sites that will be upgraded,” Dr McGirr said. 

“It was inspiring to meet the young people who will be the leaders of the next generation and it’s wonderful to know that improvements to their school will set them on a path to success. 

“I would like to acknowledge principal Helen Schmetzer and her team for their amazing leadership, and I look forward to seeing these important new facilities taking shape in an environment of educational excellence.”