THE Ballarat Specialist School is celebrating a huge State funding surprise received last Thursday morning which will set their big plans for the future into motion.<\/p>\n
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison announced a $10 million injection for school upgrades like more permanent buildings, and $705,000 of additional planned maintenance money.<\/p>\n
Principal, Karen Biggelaar shed a tear, grateful to hear this significant news which she never expected.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you to the State Government of Victoria for prioritising the learning needs of our wonderful students that are some of the most disadvantaged young people. We\u2019ve never had an exciting announcement like this,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have amazing plans. I would like to see us have the absolute best, modern facilities possible; inclusive, specialist and vocational learning spaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to bring the community into our school, expand our caf\u00e9 and hospitality program and get a shop that the public can access and enjoy, to support the vocational learning of our students.\u201d<\/p>\n
Improving the hydrotherapy pool, technology, and sensory and therapy spaces is also planned.<\/p>\n
One of BSS\u2019s student leaders, Jasmine Warke Taylor is looking forward to seeing more inclusive play spaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving this funding help means the world to everyone here. I\u2019d like to see our playground get a little bit bigger and better, because people do like it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ms Addison said the school has been in discussions with the State for years regarding ideas to further modernise their facilities, resources, and children\u2019s education.<\/p>\n
The leadership team at BSS expected they would need to consistently apply for funding packages and spread works out in the long-term, at both the Gillies Street and farm campuses.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government has listened and said, \u2018we\u2019re not going to stage this or do it in small chunks.\u2019 This is an extraordinary school with amazing plans…offering quality education,\u201d Ms Addison said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s fantastic news for the staff, students and parents and it\u2019s an overwhelming figure. I\u2019ve been a member of parliament now for two years, and this is right up there with my proudest announcements.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d also like to take this opportunity to thank the leadership team, teachers and students for the work they\u2019ve done to keep people connected and engaged in the most trying of times this year.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Ballarat Specialist School is celebrating a huge State funding surprise received last Thursday morning which will set their big plans for the future into motion. Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison announced a $10 million injection for school upgrades like more permanent buildings, and $705,000 of additional planned maintenance money. Principal, Karen Biggelaar shed a […]<\/p>\n