Woady Yaloack gets cash boost

STUDENTS at Woady Yaloack Primary School will soon enjoy major upgrades to the school’s four campuses.

The State Government has granted the school with $9 million for capital works to modernise the buildings at the school’s sites in Smythesdale, Scarsdale, Snake Valley and Ross Creek.

Principal Corey Pholner said the funding is a good start, and the school’s leadership will take time carefully planning to get as much out of the funding as possible.

“Before we even talk about a 10-year plan for our buildings and grounds we have to reflect on our teaching and learning and what spaces we want to create for our students,” he said.

“The reality is $9 million is not going to cover a third of what we need to do, but it’s certainly a fantastic start for our school.”

Mr Pholner said he would like to see more flexible, inclusive learning environments established at the campuses, for smaller groups, whole classes and outdoor learning spaces.

“What we want is for teachers and students to be able to have spaces so they can cater for individual differences,” he said.

“Two of or campuses don’t have inside gymnasiums, but we won’t be able to afford it, one gymnasium would take up a fair chunk of that money without even touching classrooms and grounds.”

My Pholner said while the school will need more funding further down the track, they are grateful to receive anything they can.

The new funding comes on top of a $435,000 planned maintenance grant Woady Yaloack received in April.

This money was put towards high priority maintenance tasks such as restumping, subfloor, brickwork repair works, drainage, stormwater, roof and guttering repair works.

The Victorian Government also granted the school $194,968 for a new sensory garden, as part of the Inclusive Schools fund.

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said the State Labor Government has invested $7.2 billion in Victorian school infrastructure.

“This investment shows that the Victorian Government understands the importance of regional and rural schools and that every school kid counts in these communities,” she said.

“One of the many great things about Woady Yaloak is that it offers a small school setting with the advantages of a large school.

“I’m delighted that this money will see all four campuses upgraded, as this government continues to invest in regional and rural schools.”

“This gives students in Smythesdale, Scarsdale, Snake Valley and Ross Creek great learning spaces and create new jobs locally.”