Portarlington’s upgraded school officially opens

PORTARLINGTON Primary’s new “forever school” shows respect to the past, present and future, according to the school’s principal.

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville visited the school last week to formally open the $5.7 million upgrade.

Ms Neville unveiled a plaque in front of a wholeschool assembly made up of distinguished guests, staff and pupils.

Principal Lesly Allbutt said she was thrilled to officiate the opening of their long-awaited “forever school” and that it was “truly a work of art”.

“Our brand new school is a really good combination of the past, present and the future,” Ms Allbutt said.

“We’ve now got these new facilities that show respect to the past, as well as providing a 21st century learning environment for all our little people sitting here in the present and also for the future children of our community.”

Ms Allbutt said the new school design took into account Portarlington as a seaside village.

“We have a rich history here – fishing, boating, aquaculture and of course the Indigenous significance of our local area,” she said.

“The design also takes into account the views of the bay, and the location of the school in relation to the water.

“The design ensures our old school house, our little beautiful person as I like to call her, is sitting out there standing watch over our school and can be viewed from all the streets surrounding as a symbol of pride and our history and our community.

“And our forever school also takes into account the values and culture of our school.”

Ms Allbutt said the new colours in the learning spaces promoted thinking, and supported a calming and peaceful environment.

“The colours reflect the changing nature of the bay, from jades through to blues, and also the stormy seas are depicted in the greys, and white bricks,” she said.

Ms Neville congratulated the entire school community led by Ms Allbutt and former school
council President Karen Bourke-Finn in their commitment and hard work in having the works completed.

“These new upgrades at Portarlington Primary School will give students access to the modern classrooms and school facilities they need to learn and succeed,” Ms Neville said.

“Portarlington Primary is a fantastic local school and with this upgrade will be even better.

“Right across the Bellarine, the Labor Government is giving local kids the 21st century education they deserve – with the very best facilities to match.”