Distance education school nears completion

The Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Monaro John Barilaro, and Minister for Education Rob Stokes today toured the site of Queanbeyan’s new distance education school, as construction nears completion.

The Finigan School of Distance Education, which is being built at the Queanbeyan High School site in Agnes St, is hoped to be operating by next year.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said no matter where students live, the NSW Government is committed to offering first-class education facilities to every student across the state.

“We are in the midst of a school building program that is of such a large scale and scope, it’s never been undertaken before in the history of NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I am proud that our government is making unprecedented investment in our schools, but more importantly the educational future of our students,” she said.

Mr Barilaro said the purpose-built school would meet the education needs of approximately 700 students in south-eastern NSW.

The school has been named after Australian pioneer and world leader in distance education, Walter Finigan.

“It’s so rewarding, for the Premier and Minister Stokes to see in the flesh, the difference these sorts of investments will make to the lives of people in the Monaro,” Mr Barilaro said.

“As the children of migrants to Australia, both the Premier and I know only too well the importance of giving every child in this state the opportunity to enjoy a quality school education, which has the potential to set them up for a great life.

“The new Queanbeyan school will provide thousands of students with the support and facilities they need to achieve their potential, and get the most out of their school experience,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The school will enrol students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and will replace the distance education schools at Queanbeyan Public School and Karabar High School,” he said.

Minister for Education Rob Stokes said the new school is an example of the NSW Government’s commitment to education in all corners of the state.

“No matter where they live, our kids deserve access to quality education,” Mr Stokes said.

“The brand new distance education hub will be a leading example of distance education in our country, and it’s fantastic to get a hands-on tour of the building,” he said.