Makeover for school

By Lachlan Ellis

It was a noisier reception than politicians usually receive, when the Deputy Premier visited a local school to announce over $10 million in funding for building upgrades.

Victorian Minister for Education, James Merlino, visited Darley Primary School on Thursday 5 May, attending the school’s assembly and speaking to over 500 excited students.

Mr Merlino then toured the school with Principal Fiona Kerton and the school captains, alongside local State MPs Steve McGhie and Michaela Settle, and Area Executive Director for Central Highlands Jen McCrabb from the Department of Education.

Mr Merlino thanked staff and students for their efforts in weathering a tough couple of years for everyone in education.

He said the school was well deserving of the $10.67 million provided in the recently released State Budget, to go towards upgrading and replacing some aging buildings.

“This is a wonderful school, welcoming…it’s a lovely environment, the kids are fantastic, there are great student outcomes here. But the facilities are old and tired, despite the best efforts of everyone,” he said.

“The building program is all about making sure we can match modern facilities with the quality of teaching that already happens at the school. It’s not just the facilities, but also the furniture and those options as well. It’ll be quite transformational.”

Ms Kerton said it was an exciting time for everyone in the school community.

“It’s going to work around continuing the great education here, around enrolments, and around our outcomes for children and their future moving forward,” she said.

“We’re very excited for the journey ahead. We know there are some challenges with any build, but it will mean that Darley can continue with amazing teaching and learning, and we’ll be able to do it in world-class facilities.”

Ms Settle said the funding was part of the Budget’s theme of delivering “things that matter”.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

 https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-05-10/3

in the 10 May 2022 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.