Students at Roxburgh College can now practice, perform and learn in a state-of-the-art $1.43 million performing arts centre, officially opened today by Premier John Brumby.
Mr Brumby said the new facilities at Roxburgh College, which boasts a dance studio, music rehearsal rooms and a 280-seat auditorium, have created enormous potential for students to find their creative voice on a brand new stage.
“Education remains this Government’s number one priority which is why we are investing in the best resources young Victorians need to have the best learning opportunities,” Mr Brumby said.
“This centre will encourage more and more students to take a keen interest in the arts and allow them to develop their performance skills, as well as showcase their set-building and costume making talents.
“This centre will encourage more and more students to take a keen interest in the arts and allow them to develop their performance skills."
“The arts are an important part of a child’s education. They challenge the senses and encourage students to explore and interpret their world and then bring a new perspective to others.
“Those young people thinking of a career in the arts will be able to get a sense of what being a performer looks and sounds like in this vibrant and impressive centre.
“A great education is made up of many different elements and we want to give every Victorian student every opportunity to have the best start in life through a great education.”
The new facilities are already enhancing a diverse curriculum at Roxburgh College, where some 79 per cent of students come from homes where English is a second language.
The school’s student-led assemblies are now run in the auditorium, and guest speakers are invited to expand on class learning in a university-style forum.
“Not only does this centre offer students an excellent facility for theatre, dance and music workshops and performances, it also provides a venue for use by local communities,” Mr Brumby said.
“Schools are at the heart of local communities and the Victorian Government is committed to opening the school gates even wider through partnerships such as this between schools and their local communities.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike praised the way Roxburgh College was incorporating the performing arts centre into students’ everyday learning.
“In Victoria we want students to get the most out of their surroundings, with new facilities being used in a wide variety of ways to expand every aspect of their education,” Ms Pike said.
The Brumby Government provided $620,000 for the centre, with Roxburgh College contributing $780,000, Hume City Council $20,000, Roxburgh Park Primary $10,000.