A shortlist of names for Goolwa’s new high school has been released by the Department of Education. 

The school is due to open in 2022 and will be on the site previously occupied by Investigator College in Glendale Grove.

The shortlisted names are

·      Goolwa Secondary College

·      Goolwa Yarluwar College

·      Goolwa Secondary School

·      Goolwa High School

Yarluwar is a Ngarrindjeri work that means sea or ocean.

The shortlist has already attracted attention on social media with one twitter user suggesting Schoolwa should be the new name.

The Department will spend $10 million over the next year to upgrade and refurbish the site before it opens.

One building is expected to be demolished and access and security infrastructure will be improved.

Education Minister John Gardner said progress is ramping up on the new school.

“Goolwa is by far the largest town in South Australia without a public high school, and that is set to change in 2022,” said Education Minister John Gardner.

“This is a fantastic investment into the Goolwa community and local families will be excited to finally have access to high quality public education for secondary aged students in the area.

“The $10 million upgrade will also create local jobs, as we re-invigorate the old Investigator College campus and turn it into an education hub offering modern facilities for modern secondary learners.

“Deciding on a new name is a significant step in forming the identity for the school and seeking contribution from the community will provide a sense of ownership between the new school and the community.

“I encourage local families to vote for their favourite name, or suggest a name of their own, as part of this exciting step towards opening the new school.”

The shortlisted names have been developed by a naming committee including local community members, as well as representatives from local schools and preschools.

The consultation on the school’s name is open until 30 December and you can take part here.

The school is expected to have 400 students. It will initially cater for students in years seven and eight.