Thursday, August 24, 2023

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Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Prossie High Cuts The Cake On Revamped Quadrangle

Proserpine State High School students celebrated the official opening of their newly refurbished school quadrangle on Thursday, October 13, with a special commemorative ceremony honouring the remarkable efforts of its Parents and Citizens’ association (P&C).

The approximately $440 thousand dollar upgraded quadrangle, a space between the school’s buildings which creates a courtyard, has been in the works since 2016.

The new design incorporated much of what was the original quadrangle’s vision upon its opening in 1988 by the school’s bicentennial committee and P&C. That original construction period had seen the space transformed from what was once a bitumen basketball court and assembly space into an at the time state-of-the-art quadrangle.

Deputy Principal Don McDermid said the school’s completed 2022 refurbishment has attempted to capture the “original concept and design of that quadrangle” whilst bringing it into the modern era.

The quad was in part fundraised by the exceptional efforts of the P&C association, who raised a staggering $190 thousand towards the project, primarily through their running of the school’s tuckshop.

Although the space was completed in weeks prior, the day acted as an opportunity for the quad to be “utilised to its full potential” by the school community for its inaugural Mental Health Week event.

“It’s great to see this new space being utilised to its full potential,” Mr McDermid said.

“It is a perfect venue and a perfect space now. This work for our new quadrangle started in 2016, and I want to acknowledge Samantha Lang, our P&C President at that time, for her endorsement and commitment for what this wanted to achieve for our school.

“Secondly, I want to thank [current P&C President] Lisa Milne. Her continued support in getting this project to its final stage has been pivotal.”

Mr McDermid said the contribution was “extremely significant” both financially and in terms of dedication.

“This is an incredible space for our students for outdoor learning, school activities and events, and it provides that openness that is sometimes needed within our school,” he said.

“To have this open environment is very important.”

The quadrangle is home to multiple shaded areas, AstroTurf fake grass, newly-planted trees – which Mr McDermid said the school was “excited to see flourish” – and widespread seating.

Proserpine State High School P&C President Lisa Milne said having a space for the kids to hang out and enjoy was the perfect reward.

“That’s why we wanted to do it. It’s fabulous and looks great and seeing the kids utilising and enjoying it is just excellent,” she said.

“It is such a good asset for the school.”

Proserpine State High School staff, P&C association members, and Whitsunday Regional Council Deputy Mayor Gary Simpson officially opened the school’s new quadrangle

The revamped quadrangle

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