By Parker McKenzie
Ferntree Gully students gave Premier Daniel Andrews a ruckus reception when he joined Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor at Fairhills High School on Thursday 11 August.
Fairhills Principle Ian Van Schie warmly welcomed the pair to a student assembly and said the school was eagerly awaiting the start of an $8.01 million upgrade to the school.
“When I heard you were coming, I spoke to five students who squealed with delight. I bought our year 12 students who are like oh my gosh, I’ve seen him on TV a lot,” Mr Van Schie said.
“It is exciting that very soon construction will begin on the new STEAM building, music hub and landscaping. Jackson Taylor continues to be a great support and advocate for our schools.”
The funding will be used for a new science, technology and music facility which is expected to be completed next year.
Mr Taylor said he was proud to have announced the funding for the facilities at the end of 2020.
“Last time I was down, I spoke to you a bit about my background and look; I didn’t have an easy childhood, I like to think I’m from pretty humble beginnings,” Mr Taylor said.
“That’s part of the reason why I think that education is the greatest leveller because for me, it made all the difference.
“I think the premier will agree with the sentiment that buildings are great, having fantastic new facilities is amazing but what’s critically even more important is what goes on inside of them.”
Mr Andrews, who along with Mr Van Schie and Mr Taylor acknowledged the traditional owners of the land and paid respects to elders past and present, said the oldest continuous civilisation in human history deserved gratitude.
“We don’t do it as a sense of performance or because we have to, we do it because it’s right,” he said.
“In Victoria, I’m sure you know this, we have taken the most profound and tangible steps towards truth and justice with First Nations People than any jurisdiction in the nation.”
He said the new facilities would match the quality of teaching and learning on display at the school.
“This is a great school, very well regarded in the local community and its reputation and good name goes from strength to strength,” Mr Andrews said.
“This is a really significant investment. I want to congratulate Jackson, who is actually a very passionate advocate and he gets things done.”
Mr Andrews helped present students from each year level with the school’s positivity award, before taking a tour of the facilities and talking with year 12 students about their future aspirations.
He said he hopes the state government can support all students in achieving their goals and aspirations.
“I want you to do the things you love, the things you are passionate about and be really good at it,” Mr Andrews said.
“I encourage you to do that the very rewarding way, not just to make a living, but it’s a calling, it’s more than just a job.”
