Wee Waa High School students to move into new campus in Term 2 next year

In its October update, NSW Department of Education said students will be able to move into the new Wee Waa High School campus in Term 2, next year.

“Progress update and next steps works are progressing at the site of the WWHS redevelopment with the external structures of all buildings now complete, and installation of internal services, including plumbing and electrical connections continuing, through a process known as ‘roughing-in’,” states the update on Department of Education’s school infrastructure site.

“Internal walls have been completed throughout all buildings and windows and doors have begun to be fitted.

“Works outside of the construction site have continued and are on track.

“The project team expects that all works for the project will be finished in early 2024.

“This includes the works currently underway to improve the existing stormwater infrastructure surrounding the school site.

“The department has assessed the possibility of a staged handover of the school facilities, and it was determined after consultation with the school that a staged handover of the facilities would not be preferable.

“To ensure a smooth transition which takes into consideration student and staff needs, and the requirements of the school curriculum, we are preparing for students to begin in their new school in Term 2 2024.

“We will continue to keep the community updated and provide more information about what this transition will mean for the students and staff of Wee Waa High School as we progress.”

It was hoped the school community could move to the new site this year.

The department’s website states, “There has been a delay in the pre-construction period for this project due to a number of factors such as prolonged statutory planning, material procurement, price increases, external peer reviews of technical plans and efforts to maximise local trades participation.

“As a result, the program for delivery was adjusted and it is expected that the new facilities will be completed in early 2024.”

The multi-million-dollar redevelopment project will deliver new learning spaces, modern core facilities, including a library and multi-purpose hall, a new agricultural and environment centre, sports fields and sports courts as well as a new Indigenous Cultural Centre.

In June 2021, the NSW government announced a new high school would be built after a significant number of staff and students became unwell and suffered symptoms consistent with exposure to mould, including headaches, respiratory issues, and rashes.

WWHS has been operating from a temporary campus at Wee Waa Public School instead of the old Purcell Avenue site, while the new school project on Mitchell Street is completed.