By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM schools, businesses and the council have united and chosen to think outside the box in a bid to reduce one of the biggest hurdles facing educators – lack of money.
In a Victorian-first the Wyndham Region Schools Foundation was established earlier this month with the goal of pumping much-needed funds into as many schools as possible in the area.
The foundation is made up Principals and Assistant Principals, business people, councillors and even former Wyndham Council administrators.
Bernard Knight, the former Wyndham Chairman of Commissioners, was elected as the President, while Wyndham Mayor Heather Marcus was elected Vice-President.
Ms Marcus told Star the initiative would mean a brighter future for Wyndham’s schools.
“As the fastest growing City in Australia I think this is absolutely fantastic,” Ms Marcus said.
“Twenty-five per cent of our population is under the age of 25 and up to 70 babies are being born every week in Wyndham, so we know how much this is needed.”
Assistant Principal of Hoppers Crossing Secondary College, Keith Halge, said that by increasing funding to all Wyndham schools, each student would be given a better chance at receiving the best education possible.
“Students are individuals and they need individual approaches to their educations, and that is very difficult to manage with the current level of funds allocated,” Mr Halge said.
“Working as one team and one group is terrific… this will be our student’s gain.”
Secretary of the foundation, John De Witt, said there was no limit as to how any funds raised were distributed among the schools, and donors could even decide where their money went.
“This is a perfect avenue for developers, builders and business people to give back to the community,” Mr De Witt said.
“The community needs to partner up and support this initiative.
“This is a great way to help Wyndham pop up as a leader in education and help build our community.”
Yellow Brick Road Werribee has donated the first funds to kick start the foundation, which will be distributed in December.
Callea Pearce Lawyers has provided free legal advice to help set up the group.
For more information contact John De Witt on 0410 397 775.
