Lakeside Lutheran College School captains Andrea Collyshaw, left, and Sam Cotroneo, right, officially open the school’s new multipurpose building with help from Federal La Trobe MP Laura Smyth and principal Peter Miller. 68526 Picture: Meagan Rogers
By Lilly O’Gorman
LAKESIDE Lutheran College Pakenham officially opened its new multipurpose building last week, which continues to be a vital hub for many community groups.
Principal Peter Miller said the imposing new structure was not only a resource for the school, but also for the wider community.
“It is important to us that this building is used for the community,” Mr Miller said.
“Since we started here in 2006, we have accommodated local groups such as Neighbourhood Watch the Bendigo Community Bank steering committee, Probus Club, Rotary Club and the Lakeside Resident’s Group.
“We are happy to share our facilities because we are a school that wants to be a part of the community.”
The opening marked the completion of the first stage of the building, with stage two earmarked to commence in 2013.
The building has two large flexible learning areas, a meeting room, kitchenette, a long hallway suitable for displaying artwork and toilets. The second phase will include more performing arts areas and flexible learning areas for the senior school.
Federal La Trobe MP Laura Smyth attended the official opening of the building on Thursday 11 August. The $975,000 project was fully funded through the Australian Government’s Building the Education Revolution (BER). Ms Smyth congratulated Lakeside Lutheran College on their new facilities and spoke of the benefit to both the school and local community.
“It has been fantastic to see the principal, school staff, parents and tradespeople working together to deliver these important projects,” Ms Smyth said.
“Now that they are completed, teachers and students in our local schools will be teaching and learning in 21st century facilities that they so richly deserve.”
Ms Smyth said the new facilities are not only a benefit to the school, they are supporting stronger social networks and community cohesion.
