By XAVIER SMERDON
VICTORIAN Education Minister Martin Dixon was in Truganina last week to officially open a unique new building at Al-Taqwa College.
Mr Dixon drew an end to years of designing and construction at the school when he opened the new administration building.
Named after the school’s principal, Omar Hallak, the multi-story building includes conference rooms, a small but advanced medical centre and central offices for administration staff.
Mr Dixon said that it was important that the new building was designed with a strong Islamic character so it was able to fit in with the rest of the school.
“It’s important that school, both public and private, can reflect the needs and views of their community without too much interference from governments,” Mr Dixon said.
“New buildings are very important as they say a lot about the local community.
“I know we’ve got a building here that’s unique in design.”
Mr Hallak said he was honoured to have a part of the school named after him and the new building would service the growing number of students into the future.
Wyndham Mayor Heather Marcus said she was impressed by the building which she said was as unique as the rest of the school.
Mr Dixon and Ms Marcus were later shown around the pride of the school, its own mosque, which is decorated inside by tiles painted with complex written characters.
The new administration building was designed to be energy efficient with the use of a solar system and a construction that will maximise the use of the winter sun but minimise the heat felt from summer exposure.
