Geographical separation of the primary school and high school facilities at the proposed ‘super school’, as well as a smooth transition for students to the new facility were key concerns voiced by parents.

SMPS P and C member Sally Robson-Thomas addressed Central Wheatbelt MLA Brendon Grylls on behalf of an action group that has been formed by parents and community members to source information about the project.

She said that they did not oppose the new facility, which they acknowledged would have many benefits, but were concerned that the community had not been consulted about the project.

“The key concern, being a legitimate concern from parents, is that primary school children have a right to an education that is for primary school children,” Mrs Robson-Thomas said.

“We cannot find any evidence-based research that shows primary school children benefit from being on the same campus as high school children.

“However, we can find research that shows it’s detrimental to them.

“We are concerned about this because it was initially proposed that unused rooms in the high school, and shared areas such as the canteen, be refurbished to accommodate primary school students and all age groups would share these facilities.

“However, we believe that primary school students need to be geographically separated from high school aged students and have a right to their own library, canteen and administration as seen at K-12 private schools in Perth.”

Mr Grylls said the concerns were legitimate and needed to be addressed.

“The main concern people had was to ensure that there will be a physical separation between primary and senior students at the school,” he said.

“It was also expressed that there should be a smooth changeover from the old schools to the new, by completing the new K-7 facility and having both schools move at the same time.”