Iona prepares to welcome Darling Point Special School

Iona prepares to welcome Darling Point Special School

Infrastructure works are ready to commence as Iona College prepares to welcome the Darling Point Special School community on site for a temporary period of 18 months.

The Darling Point Special School facility, located on the Manly Esplanade, will undergo a significant upgrade with the Department of Education delivering a new learning centre to support enrolment growth.

In recognition of a strong and longstanding relationship that exists between the two schools, Iona College will support the much-needed upgrade by providing the green space required for the temporary relocation. This relocation is necessary as the Darling Point Special School site is not large enough to accommodate temporary buildings.

Iona College Principal, Mr Trevor Goodwin, believes that ‘the opportunity to partner with Darling Point Special School is one which supports our Oblate Mission to serve and support the local community that we belong to. We have been blessed with a large and expansive campus and with that comes the responsibility to share this blessing.’

In ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment, the Queensland government will provide a range of facilities including portable dedicated classrooms, multipurpose rooms, and amenities. The temporary campus will be fenced and include a play area, a car park, and a separate drop off and pick up area.

Foundation work to support the establishment of the temporary buildings has begun, with the creation of structures planned to begin in the coming weeks. The buildings will be located near the Iona College multi-purpose basketball courts adjacent to the bus turnaround. It is planned that the Darling Point Special School students and staff will move into the portable campus at the start of Term 4 2022.

Iona College Manager Corporate Services, Mrs Susan Boban, explains that ‘when construction is completed at Darling Point Special School, the temporary buildings will be removed, and the College site will be regenerated.’

‘We share in a long term relationship with Darling Point, a relationship which is mutually beneficial. We look forward to a future where the two schools remain closely connected, learning from, and supporting each other’ says College Rector, Fr Michael Twigg OMI.

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