Liberals promise new theatre for Kalamunda Senior High School

KALAMUNDA Senior High School has always embraced its theatre arts programme since opening in the 1970s.

The Liberal Party has promised the school a new theatre and studio for the performing arts if re-elected.

The plans for the funding are to cater for drama, dance and music programs and offer retractable seating for up to 150 people.

Education Minister Peter Collier said students at the specialist performing arts school currently have to travel to a nearby arts centre for major productions.

“Places in Kalamunda Senior High School’s selective Performing Arts Program are in high demand,” Mr Collier said.

“The new centre will take the program to the next level, providing the best facilities for these very talented students.”

The new performing arts centre will also offer a prop and drama store, a green room, a kitchen, reception area and foyer and toilets.

Kalamunda MLA John Day said the funding commitment would benefit students, audiences and the community.

At the same time, the Labor Party pledges more jobs for classroom assistants in state schools.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan said the party would offer 470 additional education jobs if elected to office.

“We want to put education assistants back into public school classrooms,” he said.

The ratio of assistants to students has decreased from one Education Assistant per 37 students in 2013 to one Education Assistant per 42 students in 2016.

Mr McGowan also said an extra 120 teachers would be employed in WA state schools.

“The additional teachers will allow senior teachers to improve classroom learning in their schools, lead mental health programs and provide more support for Year 11 and Year 12 students when needed.”