The latest stage of upgrade and modernisation works at Northcote High School in Melbourne’s north has been completed with the addition of a new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Building.
The school contributed over $400,000 to the works adding to $8.7 million in state funding received during 2022-23 to deliver the three-storey building. It follows another $8 million in the previous 2021-22 state budget released for the multi-purpose learning facilities building.
The building includes specialist laboratories, flexible indoor and outdoor classrooms, student support spaces, and an expansive ground floor John Cain Library, named after former student and Victorian Premier John Cain Jnr.
“Our vision has always been to create spaces that inspire learning and connection, and this facility brings that vision to life,” Christopher Jones, Principal of Northcote High School said in a statement.
Jones welcomed state member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous on Thursday at the school for the cutting-ribbon ceremony performed in a symbolic move by two students.
“This STEM Building sets a new standard for education spaces in the inner north,” said Theophanous, who according to the media statement on the project, advocated strongly alongside the school council to secure the total $16.7 million in funding from the Victorian Government.
“Every student deserves a great education at a great local school. I’m proud to have worked alongside Northcote High School to deliver this exciting project which will make such a difference to generations of Northcote students,” she added.
Designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects and built by Building Engineering, the new STEM building, is the latest of a series of upgrades at the school in recent years, including competition-grade netball courts and an award-winning Performing Arts Centre.
School librarian Heidi A., one of Northcote High School’s 2,000 students stated excited about the revitalised John Cain library.
“Due to the open space, seating arrangements and versatility as a classroom, students and teachers have been drawn to admire, work and make the most of this new area,” the student said in a statement.
