THE phrase \u201cbaptism by fire\u201d is fitting for Surfside Primary School\u2019s principal Peter Walsh, who\u2019s navigated his way through refurbishments and a global pandemic, all within his first year.
\nMr Walsh started the role last October during the school\u2019s $1.3 million upgrade and said despite the challenges, is enjoying the refurbishments and the return of pupils.
\n\u201cEverything is complete, they finished the upgrades and have been able to bring a bit of colour into the school for the students and fresh carpets in classrooms,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cThe classrooms look a bit livelier and it\u2019s a good opportunity to keep students engaged in their learning.\u201d
\nBellarine MP Lisa Neville said the upgrades include the refurbishment of 10 classrooms, the school library and student amenities.
\n\u201cSurfside Primary is a great school, led by principal Peter Walsh and his team, and I congratulate the entire school community on their efforts in planning and now completing the refurbishment,\u201d Ms Neville said.
\n\u201cThe upgraded school will provide Surfside students with the best classrooms and facilities ensuring they are given every chance to succeed.\u201d
\nThis upgrade is part $6.1 billion invested by the state government to deliver more than 1,400 school upgrades, supporting more than 7,500 construction jobs for Victorians.
\nMr Walsh said he\u2019s looking forward to the return of all grades this week, who only briefly enjoyed the school\u2019s improvements before remote learning commenced.
\n\u201cThe buzz of the children makes a school what it is. Hearing chatter in the corridors, kids moving around the school and seeing their smiling faces is what makes your job worthwhile.
\n\u201cPrep to grade 2s settled in brilliantly and we\u2019re looking forward to welcoming back our grades 3 to 6\u2019s. It\u2019s been the first major works happening at the school since 2009.
\n\u201cWe\u2019ve got the sensory garden project that\u2019s due to start shortly and architectural work at the front and rear of the school planned in the near future.\u201d
\nMr Walsh said the school presently have 503 students, and with rapid growth in the area, wanted to ensure they were meeting the community\u2019s needs. \u201cWe want to be able to cater for our growing community. Oakdene is within our school zone, we\u2019re at capacity now so want to make sure we\u2019re able to meet the need in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE phrase \u201cbaptism by fire\u201d is fitting for Surfside Primary School\u2019s principal Peter Walsh, who\u2019s navigated his way through refurbishments and a global pandemic, all within his first year. Mr Walsh started the role last October during the school\u2019s $1.3 million upgrade and said despite the challenges, is enjoying the refurbishments and the return of […]<\/p>\n