Restrictions upheld for King David campus

PARENTS, guests and students from other schools will not be permitted at The King David School’s new campus, following a decision by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

The school received word of the decision last week, following its latest VCAT appeal, which was based on changing four clauses in the usage permit for the new multimillion dollar sports, arts and music precinct.

Of the disputed conditions, only one – that all enrolled King David School students, not just those currently attending the Magid Campus middle school at the adjacent 517 Orrong Road property, will be able to use the new facility – was upheld.

The school’s president Michael Lawrence indicated he did not consider the matter over.

“The school is not going to accept such a clearly unfair and unjust situation, neither would any other school,” Lawrence told The AJN, upon receiving the news.

The latest decision means parents, school administrators and special guests will still be prohibited from setting foot on the new property without prior written consent from council.

Furthermore, a limit of 350 students and 18 administrative staff, excluding class teachers, are allowed in the new facility at one time, and no students from other schools will be permitted to perform in plays or compete in inter-school sports events at the new campus.

Lawrence said King David would consult with its team of experts and assess all available options moving forward.
Addressing the campus opening earlier this month, Lawrence said the federal Government had provided funding for the new building on the proviso it was available for community use.

“It is hard to imagine how we can have a school on two sides of Orrong Road, where one side can be used almost 24 hours, seven days a week, and in the building where we sit today, not even the Mayor or Prime Minister is allowed on the premises during school hours. What a ludicrous situation,” he commented.

DALIA SABLE