David Scott School officially opens new learning centre

Students, staff and supporters of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence’s David Scott School in Frankston celebrated the official opening of a new purpose-built learning centre for secondary students at a ceremony on Tuesday 1 April.

The new learning centre provides a modern, purpose-built educational environment that is enhancing both teaching and learning experiences. It includes six classrooms spread across two levels and the school’s first dedicated hands-on learning space: a multi-purpose studio equipped with eight workstations, stainless-steel benchtops, sinks, induction cooktops, and ovens.

Students were masters of ceremonies at the official opening. David Scott School Principal, Michael Scicluna, said the official opening of the building marks an important milestone for the School.

“The vision of the David Scott School is to ensure that all young people receive a high-quality education that empowers them to reach their potential and equips them for a good life,” Mr Scicluna said.

“Our new learning centre is the school’s first purpose-built facility, designed to support our students’ educational needs. Our students, teachers and wider school community have been enjoying the new building since the start of the school year, and it is already having a positive impact on the learning and teaching experience.”

Executive Director of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL), Travers McLeod, acknowledged the role the David Scott School plays to advance BSL’s broader vision and purpose.

“The David Scott School helps young people to live the lives they aspire to, which is a key part of BSL’s purpose of advancing a fair Australia through our leadership on policy reform, our partnerships with communities, and the quality of our services. This new building has been designed with current and future students in mind, ensuring they have a learning environment that best meets their learning needs and sets them up for future success.”

David Scott School Council Chairperson, Margaret Webb AM, said the build was guided by the needs and aspirations of students attending the School.

“The spaces are flexible, bright, and welcoming, designed to support the learning and wellbeing of students in meaningful and appropriate ways. I warmly acknowledge the teams of people at the David Scott School and Brotherhood of St. Laurence who have made the build possible, all those involved in the construction, and the Federal and State governments for their support of the David Scott School’s development.”

BSL Board Chair, Stephen Newton AO, spoke about the significance of the building project for the David Scott School and broader BSL community.

“The David Scott School – named after a wonderful former BSL Executive Director, David Scott - is an important example of our commitment to new approaches to educating and empowering students, which in turn helps Victoria and Australia to improve our education systems across the nation. This new building is a tangible investment in this approach and in the future of the David Scott School community as part of the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s overall vision and purpose.”

The learning centre was made possible with grant funding from the federal government of $1.3 million. The Victorian government has made a commitment to provide $2 million of grant funding for the further development of the School.

Established by BSL in 2017, the David Scott School provides an independent senior specialist education program to support young people to reconnect them to their education, their community and their futures.

Media enquiries: Michelle Schwensen on 0491 287 359