Lutheran college opens doors to students

PAKENHAM’S newest school, Lakeside Lutheran College, opened its doors to an enthusiastic response yesterday.
More than 50 students met their teachers and had got comfortable in their surroundings.
Lakeside Pakenham project director Ian Heath said growing demand for primary school places in the Pakenham area had prompted Delfin Lend Lease to fast track the development of a Lutheran college at its Lakeside development.
“The Cardinia Shire is proving to be very popular for families, particularly for young families in search of quality housing that offers peace of mind, a community feel and value for money,” he said.
“Lakeside Lutheran College is the first of two schools earmarked for the Pakenham community. A second school site is currently being negotiated,” he said.
“This is the college’s first year of operations and currently has more than 50 students enrolled from prep to year seven.”
Lakeside Lutheran College Principal Peter Miller said yesterday’s opening represents the first stage of the educational development.
“Our motto, Together We Serve, reflects our strong commitment to serving our students and the wider community as a Christian school,” he said.
“In keeping with our commitment to developing young people as life-long learners, we are fully implementing the new Victorian Education Learning Standards curriculum across all year levels.
“Stage one is valued at approximately $7 million and features state-of-the-art sustainable technology including the collection and reticulation of rainwater and fully integrated air-conditioning control system.
“The automated building-control system incorporates the latest in security technology, including smart-card access.”
The project will be staged over several years to include 10 individual buildings providing a total area of more than 8000 square metres.
The college will initially accommodate prep to year seven students in the new senior school building with future enrolments expected to rise to 1000 students by 2011.
The college will have access to the sporting reserves of Toomuc Reserve, which includes indoor and outdoor sporting facilities and an aquatic centre, the Cardinia Cultural Centre for performing arts and comprehensive IT, library and other on-site resources.
The official opening and dedication of the college will take place Sunday, 5 March.
The 222-hectare Lakeside Pakenham project will eventually be home to 6500 people.