Sunshine Specialist Development School

Project summary

This $15 million major works project for the upgrade and extension of the Sunshine Special Developmental School was designed to increase the school’s capacity to 200 students with diverse learning difficulties.

…what Monica did on this project

As a Superintendent, Monica managed the $15 million project for the upgrade and extension of school for junior, senior and specialist classrooms for those with diverse learning difficulties. The project included the addition of a new Junior Building, two Senior Buildings, a Specialist Building and a Bus Storage Shed to increase the schools capacity.

Monica successfully delivered the project to achieve practical completion of separable portions 1 & 2, whilst navigating through the key challenges faced during the construction within a live environment full of students with diverse learning and disability needs.

Her technical expertise ensure that she led the site through numerous latent conditions including asbestos and soil contamination. As a result of her skillful project management capabilities, the project was delivered within budget and timeframes – successfully meeting stakeholders’ expectations, including those of the school staff.

She assisted them in navigating challenges faced throughout the construction phase – OH&S risks in live environment, and minimising disruption during school’s academic terms. Monica is truly passionate about the education of children and Sunshine Special Development School has been truly a life affirming experience for her, by creating a model learning environment, via a combination of classrooms and extended outdoor learning spaces with distinct but overlapping pedagogical settings central to learning success of special needs children.

The school now is a place for students to engage and thrive with benefits to the parents, students and the surrounding school community.