Rutherford Technology High School has officially opened its long-awaited $19.8 million suite of classrooms and learning spaces.
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The upgrades, which were completed last month, replaced ageing demountables with a two-storey facility housing 23 classrooms and shared learning areas (known to staff and students as K-Block).
It’s been hard work but what we’ve ended up with is just brilliant.
- Simone Hughes
Car parks, a new administration building, state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts workshop, a COLA (covered outdoor learning area), refurbished outdoor areas and an upgraded oval have transformed the campus over the past year.
NSW education minister Adrian Piccoli and parliamentary secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald toured the facilities with staff and students on Wednesday morning.
“With this additional investment I am confident Rutherford High School will evolve and continue to benefit the students of this growing area for decades to come,” Mr Piccoli said.
Relieving principal Simone Hughes said it was like a whole new school for Rutherford.
“It’s been hard work but what we’ve ended up with is just brilliant,” she said.
And while the size and style of the upgrades are impressive, school captains Melissa Travis and Liam Faustini said future generations of students would benefit from what’s under the hood.
“The smartboards are all up to date, all the classrooms are linked up to one another. It’s amazing,” Miss Travis said.
“We’ve been using video conferences in chemistry with other schools and universities,” Mr Faustini said.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said she was pleased the school had finally received much-needed upgrades but accused the coalition of playing politics after her office was not informed of the official opening.
“It’s a shame the way it’s been handled,” she said.
“[The government] is not engaging with the elected members of the Hunter and it’s to the detriment of our community.”
Ms Aitchison said issues including education and domestic violence required communication and co-operation between political parties to achieve good outcomes for the community.
“[The government] has to talk to us,” she said.
“We may not agree on the independent mechanism and priorities but, at the end of the day, they need to consult with the community.”
Ms Aitchison said regional Australia, including the Hunter, was neglected by the coalition, which was focused on vote-catching in either Sydney seats or in the bush.
