College to hold its annual open day

Principal David Hunter said it was a great opportunity for the school to show off its strengths.

''Parents have the choice of several education options now, and it's important that we take the opportunity to show people the product, which we're really proud of, and allow them to make an informed choice when it comes to deciding what's the best school.''

Mr Hunter said the school's strength was in the number of subjects it had in the senior curriculum - not just for the academic pupils who were looking to go on to tertiary education, but also in its vocational programmes.

''We have an agriculture and trades academy programme where students who aren't looking to do tertiary education are well catered for, as well.''

He said the college had strong sporting and cultural sectors.

Pupils in the college's Rock Academy dominated this year's Smokefreerockquest, but it also has more traditional music. Mr Hunter said more than 700 pupils played more than 40 different sports at the college.

''There are lots of opportunities there, not just for those who are aspiring to be professional athletes, but for those who just want to get up on a Saturday morning and enjoy the company of their mates.''

He believed the college's best advertisement was its pupils.

''They're great kids and our school is a happy place. That's why they have a major part in showing prospective parents and pupils around the school.

''They're available to answer any questions, and as you will find out, they will always be very open and honest about life here.''

One of the major drawcards of the college was the new $4.3million building upgrade in the middle of the school, he said.

The project included a new library, information centre, and eight new classrooms, including science laboratories.

''We're not quite ready to show people through it yet, but they will certainly get a sense of what the campus is going to look like from the start of 2016.''