MORE than 130 Year 7 students are set to make history at the opening of the new Medowie High School early next year.
Medowie is one of the fastest-growing communities in Port Stephens, with the local population expected to increase by more than 4000 residents by 2040.
For local families, the new high school means an end to long, daily commutes for students.
The new high school will include 29 modern classrooms, facilities for specialist support classes, specialist workshops for science, wood and metalwork, creative and performing arts spaces, a new multipurpose hall, library, administration, canteen, and sport facilities.
“It is incredibly exciting to see such strong interest in Medowie High School ahead of our school opening next year,” Medowie High’s principal, Kylee Beasley said.
“It is particularly encouraging to see so many students coming from local partner schools and choosing to continue their secondary education within their community.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming our first students and building a strong school community from day one of the first term.”
Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington recently visited the site to inspect construction progress and said the early enrolment figures demonstrated strong demand for a local public high school.
“Our community always knew this school was desperately needed, and these enrolment numbers prove it,” she said.
“I keep meeting local families who can’t contain their excitement about starting the new school year in a brand-new school, with all its wonderful facilities, while staying connected to our community.
“After fighting for this school for two decades, I’m proud to be part of the government that’s finally delivering the local public high school our kids deserve.”
The inaugural Year 7 intake is already comparable in size with those of established secondary schools across the local area.
Road and infrastructure upgrades on Abundance Road and Ferodale Road will improve traffic flow and provide safe student pick-up, drop-off, and pedestrian access.
Medowie High School is the first new high school to be built in the Hunter in more than 25 years.
It’s part of a record $9.2 billion investment by the Minns government in school infrastructure over the next four years – including $2.3 billion for regional NSW.
Enrolments for the school’s first Year 7 cohort are open via edu.nsw.link/NewHSMedowie-Enrol.
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