Murrumbidgee Regional High has been announced as the official name for the “one school two sites” merger of Wade High School and Griffith High School.

With enthusiastic and inventive input from students, teachers, and parents, the name came out on top against the three other contenders: Griffith City High School, Burley Griffin High School, and Kidman High School.

Principal Peter King said he was “excited and thrilled” to have a name reflecting the new identity of the school, specifically because it reflects many important aspects in the MIA community.

“Murrumbidgee is the Wiradjuri word for ‘big river’, and I think just as the MIA was an enormously bold and innovative project 100 year ago, I think we are the custodians of a very bold initiative in much the same way,” Mr King said.

“That name resonates with us – it pays tribute to the past, but also very much looks to the future as well.”

Director of Public Schools NSW Griffith Network David Lamb also finds the name “congruent” with the other main sectors in town.

“I like ‘regional’ in the name as well, because the footprint of both of these schools is quite broad,” Mr Lamb said.

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“If we look at Griffith’s broader context, the police are now the Murrumbidgee Police District, and health is Murrumbidgee Local Health District – so there is now a congruence between the main professional bodies.”

With the $25 million for the rebuild, the consultation phase is the now, with staff and students working on what that build will look like.

Mr Lamb and Mr King anticipate a solid plan will be done by the end of the year for both sites, with the start of next year seeing the construction of  the “future focused” spaces.

From putting finishing touches on school uniforms, adding eight additional courses for year 12 students, a focus of technology – with all teachers set to have a laptop and connectivity across the two sites – and “continuing” teachers’ professional development plus much more, it’s all go from here on out.

Mr King said the unfolding of the next six months will be “exciting” as all of the planning and ideas will be “brought to life”.

One of the clouds appears to be attracting additional staff – namely casual – to the area.

In the minutes of the last committee meeting, a concern identified was over a “lack” of casual teachers hindering “opportunities for staff to participate in professional learning”, a plight facing many rural ag regional towns in NSW.

Mr Lamb said they are working closely with the department of education and teacher accommodation to create initiatives to attract and house staff.

“However we have got quality teachers, and that is what this school is based on – unleashing the potential that lies within our staff, by providing structures and avenues that can be fulfilled,” Mr Lamb said.

“Anyone out there who has a degree in teaching, and is approved to teach casually in NSW, please present yourself to the deputy principals at either school.”