Growing student numbers sees new facilities for CCG

THE RAPID growth of the Leongatha branch of Community College Gippsland (CCG) saw the cutting of the ribbon last Thursday to celebrate the opening of four brand-new classrooms.

Since 2015, CCG, which also encompasses ECG Secondary College, has expanded from its initial enrolment of just nine students to now accommodating 75 students.

To ensure facilities were fit for purpose and catered to the growth of student numbers, the independent school spent $1.5 million to upgrade classroom facilities. 

At the opening ceremony, Dale Gemmell, CEO of CCG, commented that they have also secured a 20-year lease on the site as well as two five-year extensions.  

New Principal Russel Praetz commented that the building will provide a modern and bright inviting space for their students to learn in.

He mentioned that CCG provides optimism for families who have become disengaged and disenfranchised from mainstream learning and that CCG can offer a bespoke model to ensure connection, success and accomplishment of students. 

Year eleven student Tayah Souter provided a testament to this, speaking to attendees about how she struggled in mainstream schools, but since enrolling at CCG the learning style has had a positive impact on her emotional and psychological wellbeing and has helped her to grow into the individual she is today. 

The four new classrooms will accommodate CCG’s year 11 and 12 students. A new cohort of year 9 and 10’s, which are the first at the college, will go on to benefit from the new facilities. 

Dale and Tayah performed the honours and cut the ribbon to officially open the new facilities, to the applause of staff, students, councillors, and members of supportive and associated community groups.