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Berwick selective-entry school takes famous name

27 May 2009

Professor Philip Steele, MP for Berwick Judith Graley, Bronwyn Pike, Sir Gustav Nossal, and Roger Page.
Professor Philip Steele, MP for Berwick Judith Graley, Bronwyn Pike, Sir Gustav Nossal, and Roger Page.

A new State Government selective-entry school for high-achieving students, which is being built at the University's Berwick campus, will honour the work of one of the state's leading scientists, Sir Gustav Nossal.

The naming of Nossal High School was announced by education minister Bronwyn Pike last week.

Sir Gustav Nossal was director of The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research from 1965 to 1996.

He was knighted in 1977 for his work in clinical immunology, was Deputy Chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation from 1998 to 2001, and named Australian of the Year in 2000.

Nossal High School will open at the Berwick campus in Term 1 next year, taking an initial enrolment of up to 200 Year 9 students.

Monash University Council has agreed to put aside land at the campus for construction of the school, which was announced by the State Government in April 2008 to provide greater choice for students in regional and outer-suburban areas.

The school is set to have strong links with Monash, allowing the students to work on joint research projects, attend special classes and lectures, and share facilities.

Pro Vice-Chancellor campus coordination Professor Philip Steele said the new school was in harmony with the Monash Passport and would enhance the learning experience of highly-able secondary school students prior to them undertaking university study at Monash or elsewhere."

"There will also be opportunities for staff from Monash and Nossal High School to work together, share their knowledge and develop joint projects that will benefit students and staff of the school and the University."

Minister Pike also announced that Roger Page would serve as the school's first principal.

See also map of Berwick campus (pdf, 1.1 mb) showing the proposed site of the new selective-entry school.