Mr WOOD (9:33 AM) —On Friday, 6 May I was honoured to be part of Kambrya College’s official opening. ‘Kambrya’ is a derivative of the word ‘kamberra’—Aboriginal for ‘meeting place’. The concept of a school as a meeting place is a terrific foundation on which to develop a school. The opening of Kambrya has progressed over three stages, commencing in 2002. The federal government has contributed a total of $7.13 million to the construction of this campus. The enrolments have jumped from 97 students to 960 students since the beginning of January. The school was originally built to accommodate 1,100 students. However, the growth forecast estimate is of 1,800 students by 2008. I have no doubt that, now Kambrya has completed its construction, the number of enrolments and staff will continue to rise. This new school is essential for the local area as we need to cater for the expanding population of one of the fastest growing electorates in this country.

Kambrya is modelled on a system which is heavily focused on the development of both students and staff. This includes smaller size classrooms and team teaching—two teachers in a classroom. It also includes a great mentoring program, where teachers mentor students. Teachers call every one of their students’ families once a fortnight to touch base and keep the child’s parents in the loop, which is a fantastic initiative. Teachers mentor other teachers. New teachers have a mentor whom they work with for a year. This model is designed to incorporate lifelong learning for the community by engaging the development of staff and parents.

We were proud to have the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson, visit the school on 27 July this year. With his busy schedule, it was a great privilege to have him there. He was able to see the new campus, to which the federal government has contributed substantially, and to meet with teachers and students. The minister visited a workshop and an art class. Kambrya may be a new school, and a small school, but the school community will develop and grow over coming years. Principal Ian Mackenzie and Assistant Principal John Shaw took the opportunity to discuss with the minister the idea of introducing an international baccalaureate program for Kambrya students. They also discussed funding for upgrading the school’s facilities. As student enrolment numbers continue to climb, I am a great supporter of a capital works program.

I thank Principal Ian Mackenzie for his hospitality and great work for the school. I also thank John Shaw, the original planning committee and school captains Kyle Mayes and Priyesha Naidu. In closing, I thank the staff, who have been doing a fantastic job providing the best facilities for Kambrya and its students.