Premier surprises school

WA Premier Mark McGowan made a surprise visit to Hedland Senior High School recently to see where $15 million in State Government funding was going to be used.

He was in Port Hedland for the opening of the Pilbara Port Authority’s new tower and decided to visit the run-down college.

Earlier this year the North West Telegraph reported the State Government gave local high school $15 million in funding following the resolution of a $250 million royalties dispute with BHP.

Mr McGowan said it was important to see the current facilities and ensure the money was being spent as efficiently as possible.

“I wanted to have a look at what the upgrade works were and I can see that it is going to be well spent on various initiatives to improve the amenity and the education of students at this school,” he said.

“We were very pleased to resolve this issue of some of the repairs that were needed at Hedland High School, Hedland, of course, deserves to have good facilities.”

Hedland High School principal Bill Mann said the visit was a chance for Mr McGowan to see how the funding would be used to improve the school's culture.

“We are pleased to have him see how effectively it will be spent in a way that causes the whole community of Hedland to develop a stronger sense of pride and respect for our school,” he said.

“We are doing some fantastic things here for the kids, excellent staff working very hard to get the best possible outcome for the students, and this funding will help us deliver more of that.”