Broome Senior High School’s $20 million transformation on track, visual masterpiece at the centre

A state-of-the-art visual masterpiece that lights up in response to sound will be the focal point of the $20 million transformation of Broome Senior High School. Works are on track for the big public school makeover, with construction starting early this year on the main double-storey building that will play host to the fascinating artwork, with the roof due to be installed by the end of this month. The new facility, on the edge of Frederick Street, will contain a multi-purpose event space that overlooks the town, as well as 10 new classrooms, a specialised student services area, staff offices, and three digital technology learning rooms. Wrapped around the building will be the artwork, with Perth creative Jon Tarry contracted for the architectural works. BSHS principal Mat Burt said he was looking forward to seeing how the art would revitalise not only the school, but the entire area. “We are very excited about the building’s artwork and the level of collaboration with the community by artist Jon Tarry,” he said. “Jon has engaged with the school, Nyamba Buru Yawuru, Troppo Sound and various others in the community to create an artwork derived from the sounds of Broome, titled Sonic Broome. “The sounds will be transformed into waves and shapes that will wrap around the two-storey building on Frederick Street.” An artist’s impression of the works is not yet available. A commercial kitchen and alfresco dining area at the back of the school is also expected to host students in just a matter of weeks, with equipment due to be installed in coming days. Two revamped chemistry classrooms designed to safely conduct science experiments were opened at the beginning of the school year, with teachers already conducting lessons in the new rooms. A cultural outdoor space with a “yarning circle” and shade structures is set to be finished near the entrance of the school by April. Other works due to be completed by the beginning of 2021 include a safe bicycle storage area to ensure students do not ride directly into vehicle traffic, and vegetation and new greenery, in collaboration with NBY and the Shire of Broome. Mr Burt said the school community was glad to see how quickly the project was moving along. “The new classrooms and facilities will complement the quality face-to-face teaching and learning programs that Broome Senior High School provides our 1000 students,” he said. “The new facilities will give a much-needed boost. “The design will open the school up to the community and create a much more inviting entrance that acknowledges the diverse cultures in our school community.” A Department of Education spokeswoman said all works were on schedule and expected to be completed by the start of the 2021 school year as planned. The $20 million for the project was announced as part of the McGowan Government’s 2017/18 Budget.