A brand new STEM space … and art studio too

The opening of the new $5.5 million gymnasium has been great cause for excitement at Cowes Primary over the last week.

But an added bonus is that two new state-of-the-art facilities have also been able to be created, in a redevelopment of the school’s former gym.

It has been converted into a dedicated STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) space and is now used weekly by every class in the school; and a spacious art studio has also been fitted out.

“The old gymnasium no longer served our sporting needs, nor could it accommodate our numbers at assemblies. We needed a new multi space gymnasium from a sporting, cultural and social perspective” said Principal Rod McKenzie last week.

“The spin off from construction of the new building is that the former gymnasium has now been redeveloped into state-of-the-art teaching spaces; which sees Cowes Primary as arguably one of the best resourced primary schools in the state.

“And the new multipurpose facility can also be used by the island community, which has lacked a large function space for years. There has been absolutely no public space on Phillip Island to hold an event of any size, and it will be available for community use out of school hours.”

Rod is thrilled with the new gymnasium, and the additional opportunities it has opened up for both the school and the community.

He has been heavily involved in the project from day one; as a member of the panel established by the Victorian School Building Authority, along with school council member Damian Prendergast and others, which appointed architects at the outset to get the project up and running.

“Their attention to detail was impressive,” he comments.

The manner in which they incorporated significant assets including the school sanctuary, pool, and tennis courts into the design was also impressive.

“Their intention was to connect these separate areas and draw users to each of the spaces.

“Huge windows in the gymnasium certainly frame our magnificent outdoor sanctuary setting.

“There were initial concerns over the loss of a small part of our bushland area, but this was managed very carefully.

“Every effort was made to minimise the building’s footprint, and the effect on the two hectare sanctuary has been minimal.

“A great deal of thought went into providing a vegetation buffer from neighbouring residences.”

Covid delays a problem

Becon Construction, from Hallam, won the tender to build the gymnasium, and they faced huge challenges from the outset as construction commenced at about the same time as pandemic lockdowns hit.

Ongoing disruptions caused continued delays.

“At times, only five workers were permitted on the site, compared to the 25 or more who would be working in normal circumstances.”

But to their credit, this resulted in only a four-month delay in the original completion date.

That’s all in the past now, says Rod, with everyone at the school thrilled with what has been achieved.

“The kids just love it. It is used all day for PE and music classes, and by lunch time groups and clubs.

“A bonus was that the budget allowed for the inclusion of a large, covered area at the gym’s entrance, which is a great all weather asset for this facility.”

Rod said the school council is now working with local sporting clubs and community groups, to provide them with access to the facility out of school hours, so the gym is used to full capacity.

A portable stage has been incorporated in the design, which makes it a truly multi-functional facility, he said.

“Affordability is a key priority for potential users. It will be affordable for all user groups.”

STEM program

A wonderful side effect of the gym project has been the ability to convert the old gymnasium into an art space and STEM facility.

Cowes Primary has always had a STEM program, but the dedicated space takes it to a new level. State of the art equipment includes 3D Printers, set up with the help of Mat Bowtell, and robots for the students to develop coding and other skills.

The space is the domain of specialist STEM teacher Todd Cleeland, and all classes use it on a weekly basis.

The art space is equally popular, under art specialist Nadine Newman, with all classes accessing that facility weekly as well.

School’s back

Rod says that while the gym is the icing on the cake, the best thing about 2022 is that students and teachers are all finally back at school.

“It is truly wonderful to have all of our students back learning at school, after two years of Covid disruption,” Rod said.

“It is lovey to see the kids back in the playground, socialising and interacting.

“While remote learning continued during Covid, it is so important that social interaction and play is back.”

Rod said that signs are evident to teachers that the lack of school routine has affected some children, and that in response a strong emphasis is being placed on the provision of additional support for both academic and wellbeing outcomes.

“We have teams at our school giving full time support for tutor learning initiatives,” he commented.

Rod said the school’s approach to literacy, especially across the first years of school, is showing very pleasing results and learning growth.

“This is incredibly important to lay the foundations for a child’s future success” he comments.

With everyone now back in their classrooms after Covid lockdowns, and the swathe of new resources all open and going full swing, the school is looking ahead with great pride and optimism.

“I am incredibly proud of the fact that students at Cowes have access to a quality education, and can enjoy facilities and resources that are the equal of any elsewhere in the state,” says Rod.

“We look forward to the year ahead.”