Viewbank College

Viewbank College
Address
Warren Road Viewbank, Victoria, 3084 Australia
Coordinates	37°44′28″S 145°5′10″E / 37.74111°S 145.08611°E / -37.74111; 145.08611Coordinates: 37°44′28″S 145°5′10″E / 37.74111°S 145.08611°E / -37.74111; 145.08611
Information
School type	Public, Co-educational, Secondary, Day school
Motto	Caring for Excellence
Established	1994[1][2]
Status	Open
Principal	Judith Craze
Staff	95 (as of 2011)[3]
Teaching staff	81 (as of 2011)[3]
Years offered	7–12
Enrolment	1125 (as of 2011)[3]
Campus type	Suburb
Houses	Hydra, Ignis, Stella, Terra
Colour(s)	Navy blue, maroon, and gold
Newspaper	Viewbank College Newsletter
Yearbook	Phoenix
Revenue	$10,613,904 (in 2010)[3]
Communities served	Banyule City Council
The administration building at Viewbank College

Viewbank College is an Australian public secondary school located in the north eastern suburb of Viewbank, in Melbourne, Australia.

History

Viewbank College was founded on the site of Rosanna East High School in 1994, the result of a merger between it and Banyule High School.^[1][2]

The two original schools serviced the surrounding area, predominantly enrolling students situated in the City of Heidelberg (now known as the City of Banyule). Banyule High School commenced in 1961 and by 1970 its student population had swelled to over 900. As a result, Rosanna East High School was started in 1970 to reduce the pressure on Banyule High School. It begun operating in the grounds of Rosanna Golf Links Primary School but the following year, with the completion of the construction of new buildings at the Warren Road site, the school moved to its permanent location in Viewbank.^[1] With decreasing enrolments in both schools, in 1993 talks were held in consideration of a merger. By January 1994, Viewbank College as a school had begun. On 6 November 1996, an official opening was conducted by the Honourable Richard McGarvie, the Governor of Victoria at the time.

The school continues to operate from the Warren Road site and retains ownership over the Banyule Theatre (previously part of Banyule High School)^[2] with the remaining land sold off for residential development. The theatre is now used for teaching and performance.^[2]

Program

As well as offering students diverse learning challenges in the classroom, students have opportunities to develop and explore their talents through the Enhanced Acceleration Program, the debating Program, the music and drama program and the extensive Sports Programs. Students are actively encouraged through the strong Student Leadership program to become involved in the greater life of the College.

The College encourages parent involvement through the College Council, Friends of Music, Friends of Viewbank and Friends of the Performing and Visual Arts.

Viewbank has an association with Narita Kokusai High School in Japan.^[4]

Performing Arts

In recent years Viewbank College has become renowned in the local area for their Musical Productions. Each year over 120 students are involved in all aspects of the shows, including but not limited to Cast, Stage Crew, Audio Crew, Lighting Crew, Orchestra, Makeup Crew and Front of House. The shows are generally "Big Broadway Musicals" attracting over 1400 ticket sales over 6 shows. Productions are held in July/August each year and are held at the college's Banyule Theatre.

In the 2015–16 State Budget, $11.5 million was allocated to the school to build a dedicated 400 seat Theatre and adjoining Performing Arts Facilities. Completion is expected during 2018. The project is managed by the Victorian School Building Authority http://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/pages/schools/Viewbank-College.aspx

Incidents

In 2007 two students burnt down a section of the junior school lockers and were caught after investigation by the police.^[5]

See also

• List of schools in Victoria
• Education in Victoria
• Education in Australia

References

External links

• Viewbank College, Rosanna, VIC at My School
• Viewbank College at The Good Schools Guide