‘It’s going to be better but it’s going to take time’ Schools restructure defended

Alex de Vos
School council representatives have defended a plan to restructure several Corio and Norlane schools against concerns the transition process will cause “angst” and “stress” among parents and students.
Corio South Primary School council president Ken McCarthy said the restructure, which would lead to state-of-the-art facilities spread out across five campuses, was a “fantastic” opportunity for Geelong’s northern suburbs.
He said parents should have no concerns about the proposal but urged them to be patient.
“It’s going to be better but it’s going to take time – we’re not dropping in a new school overnight,” Mr McCarthy said.
The Independent reported last week that State Government planned to close Flinders Peak Secondary School in about six months then Norlane High and Corio South Primary School in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
Corio, Corio West, North Shore and Norlane West primary schools will take on kindergarten to year eight students under the Government’s Building Futures program.
Corio Bay Senior College will eventually take on the load of year nine to 12 students after nearby Flinders Peak and Norlane schools shut.
Mr McCarthy welcomed the expansion of the northern suburbs’ four primary schools.
“Primary school is a very stable environment and this gives grade six students extra stability for another two years – it’s less disruptive for them.”
Mr McCarthy believed the proposal would prevent northern secondary students from enrolling in Geelong high schools.
“The reason for this regeneration program is to keep kids in our area and they get the opportunity to go into brand new schools in our area.”
Last week Corio councillor Kylie Fisher told the Independent the transition process would put families “under complete stress”.
She said her two student sons were already considering seeking enrolments in the city rather than transferring between the schools set to close within three years.
Cr Fisher, a Labor party member, said the Government’s “intent of positive educational outcomes” was not reflected in the plan’s likely impact on families in the northern suburbs.
But Norlane High School president Merv Primmer said the project was an asset to the area.
“People need to keep an open mind and see the value,” he said.