A principal has been appointed and building work is underway on Taylors Hill West Secondary College thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins today turned the first sod on construction works and announced John Goodman as the inaugural principal of the new school.

Taylors Hill West Secondary College delivers on an election commitment to open an inclusive new secondary college in Taylors Hill.

Stage one of the construction has a budget of $12 million and is expected to be completed later this year.

Mr Goodman, who is now charged with recruiting staff and setting the future direction of the school, has extensive experience getting new schools off to a strong start.

At Auburn High School he was a member of the school’s foundation leadership team and as assistant principal helped establish high standards for getting the best out of students.

One of his first priorities will be working with the community to establish a local presence and forming a new school council. Mr Goodman will also develop an enrolment strategy and look at how the school’s impressive facilities can meet the needs of students.

Taylors Hill West Secondary College is one of 42 new government schools in the construction pipeline following a record $1.8 billion investment by the Labor Government in new schools and school upgrades around the state.

Enrolments are due to open in July 2017, ahead of the school opening in January 2018. To find out more visit www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“John Goodman has an outstanding record managing newly established schools and instilling a culture of excellence. His vast experience will ensure Taylors Hill West Secondary College gets off to a great start in 2018.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins

“The west is booming and we are building new schools to meet the demand of increasing student enrolment numbers.”

“Teachers and students will thrive in these fantastic new facilities and reap their benefits for years to come.”

Quote attributable to Taylors Hill West Secondary College Principal John Goodman

“I have a fantastic opportunity to shape a new school with high standards of teaching and learning from day one. I really want to put student excellence at the core of everything we do.”