Students in the East Gippsland town of Orbost are enjoying an easier transition from primary to secondary school with the new Orbost Community College now open, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today visited the new school, where three existing schools - Orbost Secondary, Orbost Primary and Orbost North Primary – combined to form Orbost Community College from Term 1 this year.

Orbost Community College has capacity for up to 400 students, and is located at the current Orbost Secondary College site on Arnold Street – withupgrades underway at the school to accommodate extra students and staff.

The $8.47 million project will deliver a new food tech building, multi-purpose classrooms, upgraded and expanded staff room, a new basketball court and an outdoor stage area.

The new school for the Orbost community opening will bring together Prep to Year 12s and provide more opportunities for students.

Peter Seal, the former principal at Orbost Secondary College, has been appointed principal of the new school and has been in the role since January. He hopes to both carry over traditions from the three existing schools while establishing a new set of traditions, celebrations and milestones.

The amalgamation has been a work in progress for several years, with the idea originally proposed by the existing schools and their respective school councils due to declining enrolments over the past 40 years.

Orbost Community College has also consulted the local community on the school’s name, values, new logo and uniform.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll

“The opening of Orbost Community College in 2024 will ensure students can access the best possible educational opportunities for the duration of their primary and secondary education.”

“Bringing Prep to Year 12 students together on the same site will make it easier for young people to manage their transition from primary to secondary school.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh

“These three schools have joined forces to create a great new site, offering many advantages for students.”

Quotes attributable to Orbost Community College principal Peter Seal

“One of the most exciting things about the opening of our new school is that all students will have access to a range of resources including new facilities, specialist teachers and support staff.”

“This transition will allow us to deliver education in ways that will give each student the best chance to succeed in life.”