Repeated requests by Byron Bay High School’s P&C for a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) has been met without any commitment from NSW Labor.
But it hasn’t dampened the efforts of the P&C, who are calling on the public to help fund it.
The P&C say, ‘We have been advocating for a COLA for years, including meeting with local member Tamara Smith. The P&C received a rejection from Education Minister Prue Car in February 2024, where it was deemed the covered area to student ratio had met ‘contemporary department standards’.
‘Is it fun huddling under the walkway when it rains – or do trees provide appropriate cover when it is raining?’
A NSW Department of Education (DoE) spokesperson told The Echo, ‘The project will be considered through the appropriate process, which includes assessing other priority projects across the region. The school community will be kept up to date’.
‘The rebuild of flood-affected schools across the Northern Rivers is currently being prioritised in the region, including the rebuild of both Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School’.
Michelle Pullen, President of the P&C said, ‘After years of writing and requesting the funding for this project we can no longer sit back and wait for the government to take action. This is an urgent need for our students and the school, and the broader community is now being called to show their support for our students and their health. We are starting the ball rolling and building the coffers, to show our community commitment to this project.
Tax-free donation
‘Before the end of the financial year is a great opportunity for anyone to make a tax-free donation to the school building fund via the school website.
‘The P&C focus for 2025 is to lobby the government to build a COLA at Byron Bay High School within 12 months and to boost the building fund as an indication of our community commitment to this project’.
To get involved, email [email protected] or call Michelle Pullen, President of the P&C, on 0411 576 418.
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