Former Lilydale District High School teacher Rocky Noonan is still finding a way to teach his students.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The beloved teacher, who died in 2016, pioneered agriculture at the school until his death.
To honour his memory, the school opted to officially name its new building after the respected man.
The $425,000 building, was officially opened by Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff on Friday.
It features a general learning area includes a completely new building housing a classroom, office area, small kitchenette, toilets, outdoor deck and wash area.
RELATED STORIES:
Teacher Elizabeth Stanfield told the gathered students, staff and guests about the impact Mr Noonan had on his students.
“Rocky was a formidable man … but he made real soul connections with his students. He knew them completely,” she said.
“He cared about each of the students individually and nothing was taboo. Lessons on life were in depth.”
Mrs Stanfield said Mr Noonan was well deserving of the honour to have the building named after him.
She said his breadth of knowledge across VET subjects was unparalleled.
“I hope this new building raises and inspires as many success stories as the old terrapin and Rocky Noonan did,” she said.
Lilydale DHS acting principal Victoria Harrison said the school had previously made do with a temporary terrapin classroom, but the new facilities were welcome.
“This is a purpose built facility,” she said.
Ms Harrison said Lilydale District High School had a strong agriculture and VET program, and the school farm was integral to that.
“We want as many of our students to be exposed to this as possible,” she said.
“So they know that agriculture and horticulture is a successful pathway and they can stay in Lilydale.”
She said Lilydale was a strong agricultural community and the school’s curriculum across grade levels reflected that.
Agricultural science is taught across all grade levels and grades 11 and 12 can study agriculture VET subjects.
Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the new building would enhance the learning of Lilydale students.
“The new facilities enable staff and students to undertake their study and work in a modern and welcoming environment,” he said.
“This is just the latest example of the Hodgman Liberal government’s commitment to delivering the state’s biggest investment in education infrastructure in 20 years.”
Lilydale District High School’s new facilities will cater for VET Certificate II horticulture and agriculture students.