Corowa High School Captains Ashley Moore, Eloise Black, James Frazer and Stephanie Sutcliffe in front of one of the new murals at the school.
Corowa High School opened its doors to the Free Press last week, offering an exclusive tour of the school’s latest enhancements.
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Led by Principal Mr Phillip Le Lievre and the newly elected 2024 school captains, the tour showcased significant developments aimed at providing students with cutting-edge facilities and fostering a dynamic learning environment.
One of the highlights of this year’s transformations is the completion of a state-of-the-art Food Technology Kitchen and front-of-house space. This facility, designed to industry standards, equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in hospitality.
Students, under the guidance of hospitality teacher Mrs Sharyn Bridges, are benefiting from high-standard training, with both a back of house and front of house space, ensuring they acquire the skills and service standards required in the hospitality industry.
Recently hospitality students hosted their families for a morning tea. They were able to do food prep in the kitchen and then offer a high standard of table service and use the eftpos machine in the front of house area.
“We are identifying the wants and needs of employers in our local community,” Mr Le Lievre said.
Student Lanah Ho making coffee in the upgraded hospitality space.
“We’ve had students take on work locally at places like All Saints Estate, Club Corowa, and the Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory and they are more equipped for it because of the hands-on experience provided within our own school.”
Another area of improvement is the Industrial Arts Timber workshop thanks to a substantial grant of $150,000 from the NSW State Government’s Regional Renewal Program.
This investment allowed for the replacement of all machinery and a comprehensive refurbishment of the entire workshop.
“Once again, we’ve identified the needs of the local community. Local employers are looking for skilled trades people the school can provide entry-level skills for students interesting in pursuing a trade,” Mr Le Lievre said.
“These improvements are about providing a pathway to local employment or helping students gain necessary skills if they further their education at university and want a part-time job in hospitality.”
Elsewhere around the school, thanks to the work of the school’s P&C- other future improvements have been identified including the upgrade of the school canteen to a more ‘cafeteria style’ space. Another recent upgrade includes transportable basketball rings following the success of three local teams participating in a regional competition and training at the high school.
The school also proudly unveiled three captivating murals installed by Grafix Group. The central quadrangle now hosts a vibrant mural dedicated to sports, while above the canteen in C Block, a new artwork showcases the school’s commitment to creative and performing arts. The largest of the murals, situated at the end of C Block, welcomes visitors to Corowa High School and celebrates the school, the township, and the unique local environment.
“The murals have received overwhelming feedback,” Mr Le Lievre said.
“We’ve even had other schools contact us about them wanting to do the same. It’s nice that we can be an example in that respect.”
The 2024 school captains Stephanie Sutcliffe, James Frazer, Ashley Moore and Eloise Black all agreed that the improvements lifted the image and impact of the school.
“The murals have had a really positive impact and really brighten the school. It makes you feel proud to be part of the school,” they said.
Laughing about the long lunch lines and the desire for their own microwave, the school captains also expressed hope that the school canteen upgrades, scheduled to commence in early 2024, would be completed before they left school.
“It will be really cool to see and make everything more efficient.”
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