On Friday, we were privileged to attend the Sod Turning ceremony to officially launch the construction phase for the Werribee campus of Hester Hornbrook Academy’s fifth Special Assistance School campus.
Hester Hornbrook Academy Principal Sally Lasslett opened the ceremony, highlighting the high need current situation in the Werribee and Hoppers Crossing region, with significant pressures to meet the needs of disadvantaged young people. ‘Delivery of this brand-new Special Assistance School will help to ensure that every young person in the Werribee area is engaged and has access to high quality education where they can feel successful, valued and respected and have the opportunity to create their own future.’
Deputy Mayor Jasmine Hill summed up the importance of the Sod Turning Ceremony – ‘Today we’re not just breaking the ground, we are laying the foundations of dreams, aspirations and futures. In today’s dynamic world, our city realises the importance of alternative education pathways. The one size fits all approach is no longer viable. We must, and we are adapting.’
Ken Santamaria, Wayne Alford, Geneveive White and Aneeza Qayyum from SEMZ joined Sally Lasslett, Amy Farrell, head of Werribee Campus, Joanne Ryan MP, Deputy Mayor Jasmine Hill and Hester Hornbrook Board Chair David Rennick alongside the team from Hutchinson Builders and Gray Puksand Architects in breaking ground on this much needed SAS school project.
Designed by Gray Puksand Architects, the school will be warm and inviting with specialised features including;
-Central kitchen at the heart of the campus to promote interaction along with a sense of engagement and community
-Dedicated young parents teaching space to allow young parents to re-engage with education whilst caring for their new child
-Extensive landscaping and outdoor exercise equipment for health and wellbeing
-Facilities to assist young people in re-engaging with education, whilst providing a range of support services.
We’re proud partner with The Hester Hornbrook Academy (HHA) and Melbourne City Mission (MCM) to play a part in delivering their Werribee campus school. The truly groundbreaking programs offered at HHA schools offer hope, revolutionising education with a healing-oriented approach and a brighter future for education.