8 August: The rebuild has finally started with the preparation of the site ready to pour a new foundation. The Food Technology room and a small classroom are expected to be completed for early in 2018.
The refurbishment of the smoke damaged Hard Tech workshop and it's adjacent classroom, as well as the Science lab, corridor and locker bay were completed earlier.
Tech Block opening
The South Westland Area School community was delighted to host Derek Lucic the new Director of Education for Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast to officially open the new Social Sciences and Soft Technology Block, 2 years and a half years to the day since the devastating fire completely took out these teaching spaces as well as causing damage to the Hard Technology area, Science Lab and senior corridor. Other official guests were Mayor Bruce Smith and MP Maureen Pugh. All who spoke were complimentary about how the staff and students had maintained a positive attitude and excellent results during the rebuild and how the new block will only compliment these efforts in the future. The loss of this block did not only affect students at SWAS but also students from Whataroa and Franz Josef who attend SWAS weekly as part of their cluster programme for Hard & Soft Technology, Science and P.E.
Mr Lucic cut the ribbon assisted by Head student Libby Manera-Wilson and newest student Stella Stewart. The official opening was followed by a light lunch in the new Food & Fabrics room prepared by the Yr 11 Home Economics students and teacher, Mrs Lawn. The Level 1 Home Ec class has been unable to run for the last two years following the fire and the students and staff were very appreciative of being able to work in this area again.
The refurbishment of the smoke damaged Hard Tech workshop and it's adjacent classroom, as well as the Science lab, corridor and locker bay were completed earlier.
Tech Block opening
The South Westland Area School community was delighted to host Derek Lucic the new Director of Education for Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast to officially open the new Social Sciences and Soft Technology Block, 2 years and a half years to the day since the devastating fire completely took out these teaching spaces as well as causing damage to the Hard Technology area, Science Lab and senior corridor. Other official guests were Mayor Bruce Smith and MP Maureen Pugh. All who spoke were complimentary about how the staff and students had maintained a positive attitude and excellent results during the rebuild and how the new block will only compliment these efforts in the future. The loss of this block did not only affect students at SWAS but also students from Whataroa and Franz Josef who attend SWAS weekly as part of their cluster programme for Hard & Soft Technology, Science and P.E.
Mr Lucic cut the ribbon assisted by Head student Libby Manera-Wilson and newest student Stella Stewart. The official opening was followed by a light lunch in the new Food & Fabrics room prepared by the Yr 11 Home Economics students and teacher, Mrs Lawn. The Level 1 Home Ec class has been unable to run for the last two years following the fire and the students and staff were very appreciative of being able to work in this area again.