What is SKY High?

• SKY High comprises a working group and members, of local parents concerned about lack of a local secondary school option for the SKY neighbourhood.
• The SKY High WG is working with over 1000 subscribed families (Aug 2010), our local MP’s and the Education Department in to get a high school campus established in the SKY neighbourhood.
• The SKY neighbourhood includes Seddon, Kingsville and Yarraville, plus portions of Spotswood and Newport.
• SKY High is a registered association, with an executive (the Working Group) elected at an Annual General Meeting, according to its constitution.

Who is on the SKY High executive?

Each year different parents nominate to lead the Working Group. At the August 2010 AGM the following individuals accepted lead roles:

• Susan Douglass, President
• Geoff Brown, Vice-president
• Alison Brinksma, Treasurer
• John Pawlus, Secretary

Political affiliations?

• SKY High is not affiliated with political parties but some of our members are active in local politics.
• SKY High will be active during the lead-up to the next Victorian State election.
• SKY High encourages all candidates to support our need for improved high school provisioning.

• The main problem is that following primary school, especially up to year 9, most children in the SKY neighbourhood cannot access a public high school on foot or by bike as they are too distant.
• The Kennett Government closed the high school in this area in 1996.
• Population growth and demographic change has resulted in rising enrolments at primary schools and kinders, creating a future need for more high school places.
• Our children, families, community and local businesses are disadvantaged by the lack of a local secondary college.
• Survey results show that a growing percentage of parents are considering moving out of the neighbourhood to gain closer access to a public high school.

What about other high schools?

• SKY is located historically in the Wiliamstown High School catchment, but it is a popular choice and has been forced to restrict year 7 entry to only its nearest neighbourhoods.
• Other local high schools are Footscray City, Bayside and Maribyrnong, which are at least 5km and a drive/bus ride away.
• The SKY High Working group has always been supportive of the existing public schools in the region--they are just too far away.

What has SKY High been doing?

• The SKY Working Group produced an extensive report (pdf) based on survey and other data analysis that demonstrated the need for increased provisioning of public secondary schooling for the SKY neighbourhood.
• SKY High met with the Education Minister in the middle of 2009 and since then has been in close consultation with the Ministers office, Head office of the Education Department and our local MPs.
• The Education Minister commissioned an independent review of secondary college needs in the SKY neighbourhood. The SKY High WG was consulted and added valuable input to raise the evidence of need in the report. The SKY neighbourhood was enlarged to include sections of Spotswood and Newport.
• The review was completed in March 2010 with the conclusion that the number of students required to reinstate a standalone year 7 to 12 school fell just short of the Department's required benchmark figure. However, demand was seen as sufficient to commission a project to examine how public high schooling in the inner western region of Melbourne should be reconfigured to cater for the rising school-age population of the SKY neighbourhood.

Next steps with the Education Department?

• The SKY High Working group is now (Aug 2010) recognised and engaged as a key stakeholder by the Educational Department in their project to examine reconfiguration options.
• The SKY High Working Group made a commitment to work with the State Government in a constructive and supportive manner. We will continue to apply this positive approach as we work in partnership with the Department and our local members towards an outcome that benefits the whole inner west of Melbourne.
• The SKY High Working Group will eventually transform into a provisional parent council for the new facility as plans develop, representing the interests of parents and children.

Site – where would a school go?

• Several local sites have been identified as possibilities, such as Bradmill, but it will be the Education Department in liaison with Maribyrnong Council that will determine the final site.

How long will it take to get a school for our children?

• Examples of schools that have been built/renovated in the Western region have taken from 2 to 4 years

How can you help us?

• Please sign up to our email list – strong, demonstrable support is a priority.
• Please keep checking the website for new developments: www.skyhigh.org.au
• The working group meets regularly on Monday evenings, check the website.

• We have many members who are active via email – this is a practical way for many of our members to contribute
• Check the website for the latest activities and updates
• Spread the word – talk to friends, other parents, join the email list.