Springwood Public School has been able to upgrade its emergency evacuation system thanks to funding secured by Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman.
An upgrade had been on the school’s agenda since the devastating 2013 Winmalee bushfires, and it received more than $8000 under a schools grant to complete the upgrade.
“Springwood Public School had an antiquated bell system that desperately needed an overhaul,” Ms Templeman said.
“The bell couldn’t be heard in parts of the school, and there were no facilities for programmed evacuation sounds or announcements. The school previously had to use a manual system of air horns and whistles.
“This updated system means clear messages can be relayed across the school’s large footprint.
“The music function also better meets the needs of some special needs students, and overall the system means less anxiety for everyone – students, staff and visitors – during emergency procedures.
“I know the school community did their research and visited a school with a similar system, so they were confident this was the most efficient method to upgrade communication across a large site so there were effective emergency procedures in place in this bushfire-prone area.
“I was delighted to recommend this project be funded under the Local Schools Community Grants, to ensure a safer environment for the Springwood Public School community.”
Springwood Public School Principal, Mehmet Mehmet, said the new system better catered for the school’s needs.
“As recipients of this grant, we have been able to upgrade our bell and emergency warning system to better cater for our complex school site,” Mr Mehmet said.
“Pre-programed announcements for lock-down, shelter in place and emergency evacuations and a speaker system that covers the entire school site gives our staff, students and broader school community greater confidence, particularly in bushfire season.
“Added benefits have been made to our administration staff who are able to utilise the new system to communicate more efficiently with teachers and students, particularly during the 3:25pm end of day rush,” Mr Mehmet said.
