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The Master Plan Projects 2006-2010
Fundraising for
21st Century Learning
A talk with Sally Darke, Chair of ‘Master Plan’ Capital Campaign
Committee
June 2007
One of the most significant building development programme in the
history of Scotch Oakburn is currently underway at a cost of around
$11m. These new facilities will transform Scotch Oakburn College
into an outstanding 21st Century learning place for current and
future students.
The first of the Master Plan building projects to roll out was the
Robert Dean Senior Student Centre, which was opened by the Governor
of Tasmania, the Hon William Cox on 9 March 2007. The Health and
Physical Education Centre and the Penquite Road Underpass are
underway. The Middle School will follow soon after.
Leading the Capital Campaign Committee is chairman, Sally Darke,
with members including the Principal, Andrew Barr; the Business
Manager, Richard Price; the President of the Scotch Oakburn College
Foundation, Tony Meyer; and the Director of Community Relations &
Development, Alastair Blount.
“Our aim is to secure $1.5m in gifts and pledges. To date, we have
achieved around $500,000 in donations from a variety of benefactors
including past students, past parents and current parents,” said
Sally Darke.
“We have had great success in regard to the Robert Dean Senior
Student Centre, and it is terrific to see that building now open and
being utilised by students and staff.”
The new Health and Physical Education Centre on the west side of
Penquite Road, which replaces the old Robert Dean Centre, will be
partly opened at the beginning of Term 2. The official opening will
take place near the end of
Term 2 in August, when the building has been completed.
“The Committee would like to see more funding coming through from
our community to help fit-out of the Health and Physical Education
Centre, and for the start of the Middle School,” said Sally.
“This is a terrific opportunity for those people in our college
community who have had success in life to give something back to the
school.”
“Remember, the school is not just adding modern infrastructure, it
is creating environments that are highly conducive to 21st
Century learning practices. This will be our legacy!” said Sally.
The new Health and Physical Education Centre and the underpass
beneath Penquite Road connecting the east and west sides of the
Penquite Campus, will be opened during Term 2, but the construction
of a purpose-built Middle School depends on more funding being
donated from the wider Scotch Oakburn community.
“The Capital Campaign Committee now has the challenge to raise the
funds for the much-needed Middle School,” said Sally.
The design of the Middle School is based on solid research from
around the world about the best way to educate students as they
enter the ‘turning point’ of their lives between the ages of 10 and
13 (Years 6 to 8).
“We are being asked constantly as to when the College will get
underway with the Middle School. That very much comes down to
funding. So, I urge all of you who have an interest in the Middle
School to help out with a donation.”
“Those in our community who have children or grandchildren entering
the new Middle School soon should consider helping us build this
‘purpose-built’ Middle School. Students currently in Junior School
and the Early Learning Centre will be the immediate beneficiaries,”
said Sally.
“For information about making a donation to the Master Plan projects
contact Alastair Blount on 6336 3315 or email
alastair.blount@soc.tas.edu.au
. Printed information and a DVD can be mailed out, or Alastair can
visit you at home, or in your office.”
“As we come to the end of the financial year, there are some, we
hope, who will be making decisions in regard to a donation before 30
June.”
“It is a very
exciting time for the school; exciting to see the amount of work
that is being done around the school. The smiles on the faces of
students, staff and all stakeholders are indicating that this has
definitely been worthwhile. I encourage those who can help, to get
involved,” said Sally.
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