THE classrooms at Calrossy Anglican School are now a direct gateway to the world and beyond, thanks to an upgrade in the internet infrastructure at the school.
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Calrossy is now part of the Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet) which is a leader in the high speed network interconnecting the Australian research and education community. That network has made all things possible with Calrossy hosting an Australian first last Thursday thanks to the technology.
A group of its students were able to literally "hangout" with an astronaut, engineer and the vice-president of operations from Virgin Galactic's space program in California.
The space chat is just a sign of things to come for Calrossy as it gets its new Maker Space facility up and running.
STEM education - which involves the skills associated with science, technology, engineering and mathematics - is seen as the key to supporting innovation and technological savvy employees
- Calrossy's ICT Integrator Amber Chase
The Maker Space includes everything from 3D printers, robotics and its own green screen - to allow the students to develop their skills with all digital technology.
Across campus at William Cowper similar things are happening with students working with robotics and coding from kinder through to the secondary boys.
Students in primary have gone on several virtual excursions this year, including one that took year five back to the gold rush era.
It's all part of Calrossy's focus on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) ensuring its students are equipped with the necessary skills for the economy of the future.
"STEM education - which involves the skills associated with science, technology, engineering and mathematics - is seen as the key to supporting innovation and technological savvy employees," Calrossy's ICT Integrator Amber Chase said.
"Research shows that 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations now require STEM skills, so it's of utmost importance we provide our students with these skills." Mrs Chase said.
Meantime, while the students have been reaching beyond the stars the Calrossy Anglican School board has finished the lengthy recruitment process for the next principal of the school.
Mr David Smith will take up the position next year, following the retirement of Mrs Elisabeth Jackson at the end of the year.
The board has said it has enormous confidence that Mr Smith is the right person to lead Calrossy Anglican School towards its centennial anniversary in 2019 and beyond.
Mr Smith is the current head of middle school at St Andrews Cathedral School in Sydney.
Calrossy will also open its doors to new and prospective students this Friday in an Experience Day.
The day kicks off at the Brisbane Street campus for secondary girls at 8.30am through to 3.20pm, while the secondary boys experience day starts at noon at the William Cowper Campus through to 3pm.
Experience Day is designed to give students starting at Calrossy Secondary Girls or Boys in 2017 a chance to familiarise themselves with the school and other students.
