Only Lucas school promised $1.8 million

THE only school in Lucas, Siena Catholic Primary School, was the setting earlier this week when Shadow Minister for Education, Tim Smith and Member for Ripon, Louise Staley announced an elected Coalition government will commit $1.8 million to build a new gymnasium and bus interchange area at the school.

Mr Smith said the Coalition supported a strong education system giving parents a choice of low-fee, independent and Catholic schools or government school.

“We are frankly agnostic as to what sector of the education system [the schools] come from, whether they are catholic, independent or government.”

Located in the rapidly growing suburb of Lucas the school has experienced significant growth with currently 140 students and predicted enrolments next year of 180.

Ms Staley said the Coalition understand that, as one of the fastest growing suburbs in Ballarat, Lucas families need to have choice in education and their children deserve modern, 21st Century facilities.

Principal Jo Brewer said it was a blessing to have a pledge for the full $1.8 million funding needed to complete stage two of the school plan.

Ms Brewer said often when applying for grants while the school knows what it need and what it costs, it doesn’t always get the full amount.

“Then we have to scale back and settle for less than what we actually need.”

This announcement follows the Coalition’s commitment of $400 million for capital upgrades for non-government schools.