Baanip locked in as name for new primary school in Armstrong Creek

THE official name for what was previously known as Armstrong Creek West Primary School has been locked in.

Last week, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman revealed the new school being built on Unity Drive and scheduled to open next year would be called Baanip Primary School.

A School Advisory Group for the school in Villawood’s Armstrong Mt Duneed development provided input into the naming process and suggestions for possible names based on factors including public interest, relevance to the local area, and the consideration of local indigenous languages.

The state government sought the community’s feedback on the proposed names and suggestions on alternative names as an opportunity to shape the identity of the new school.

Along with Baanip Primary School, the shortlisted alternative names were Unity Drive Primary School, Aruma Primary School and Aviation Drive Primary School.

“Right across the state we’re building new schools to make sure that no matter where they live, every child has the chance to get a great education,” Mr Cheeseman said.

Baanip Primary School will cater for 475 pupils.

Darryl Diment, who was previously principal at Ocean Grove Primary School for 10 years, will be the new school’s first principal.

Labor says it will open 100 new government schools 2026, and it has invested $5.6 billion to deliver more than 1,400 school upgrades, supporting more than 7,500 construction jobs.

“Right across the state we’re building new schools to make sure that no matter where they live, every child has the chance to get a great education,” Education Minister James Merlino said.