Pittwater Online News

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced funding to assist with the construction of a Community Performance Space at Barrenjoey High School.

 

The NSW Government will contribute $500,000 towards the project to finalise planning and initiate construction in conjunction with Northern Beaches Council.

 

The project will deliver a high-quality amphitheatre designed to facilitate performances of ensembles, choirs, dance and drama. Other local school and community groups such as Scouts, surf clubs and garage bands will also be able to benefit from the creative space.

 

"It will be a wonderful boost to the creative members of our community to have a purpose-built performance space available," Rob Stokes said today.

 

"Barrenjoey has an outstanding reputation in performing arts education and this project will help enable this talent to be encouraged and shared.

 

“There are very strong links between the school and the community and this new space will help foster these relationships and connections into the future.

 

“Barrenjoey’s P&C Association has done an incredible job fundraising for this new addition – so I’m delighted the NSW Government is able to support their efforts and help get construction underway,” Rob Stokes said.

 

Last month Northern Beaches Council and the NSW Department of Education announced a feasibility study and detailed business case would be prepared for the proposed construction of a large-scale performing arts venue at Mona Vale Public School.

 

These two complementary venues will provide the community with high-quality, professional and versatile performance spaces.

 

Barrenjoey High School is a highly regarded comprehensive public high school that has been an integral part of our community for over 50 years, with 3 generations of northern beaches residents educated at the “school by the sea”.

Barrenjoey has consistently provided a stimulating learning environment that recognizes and fosters the individual talents of our children, whether in the arts or sciences.  Through the exceptional leadership of principals past and present, and the dedication of teachers and staff, Barrenjoey has proven to be more than a strong public school.  It’s unique location and its personal approach to education has allowed our children to develop a “sense of belonging” as well as a love of learning. They have built lasting friendships within a close-knit community that appreciates the value of having a strong local public high school.

Our school has seen many physical improvements over the years with the full support of the staff, P&C, parents, students and the wider community.  The building of the much needed school hall could not have been possible without that support and commitment, as well as other projects such as the outdoor BBQ area, the Art Shed and the Art Gallery.  The school leadership has consistently worked hard to successfully access grants and state funding which has resulted in new technology in the classrooms, new hospitality kitchens, resurfaced basketball courts and significantly improved landscaping.  The various programs built around achieving high educational outcomes have been extremely effective, including the “Senior Study” library facility, advanced HSC course offerings, tutoring programs, and PCS sharing of HSC courses to provide a wider choice of subjects for students.  HSC results have significantly improved, particularly over the last decade, were students are achieving at the highest levels.

Barrenjoey has always recognised the unique artistic and creative talent of our local community and has created multiple platforms where students can showcase those talents, and the wider community can experience high quality art exhibits and drama and musical performances.  The hugely popular Music Room regularly features student talent as well as professional musical groups, and the School’s MADD nights have been widely embraced as a great way for students of all year levels to stage music, dance and drama performances for the whole community.  The BHS concert and jazz bands regularly feature in competitions and local community events.

A major project is now in development to create a new, more intimate performance space at Barrenjoey.  The Barrenjoey Community Performance Space will provide a purpose built, architect designed amphitheatre which will support the vision of the school leadership to better showcase the talents of our students and the wider community.  We are undertaking a major fundraising drive to expand on the growing reputation of our school as an exceptional place of learning and creativity.  A simple investment will benefit  present and future students as well as the wider public, and help provide a valuable facility dedicated to the arts where performance and creativity can flourish.

Please view the plan on the school website.  Tax deductible donations can be made to our Building Fund via the Treasury at Barrenjoey High School.