Toolamba Primary rises from the ashes
Today marks a special day for the students of Toolamba Primary, with their new school officially opening.
Member for Northern Victoria Region Wendy Lovell, representing Education Minister Martin Dixon, today toured the new buildings, which replace the facility that was destroyed by fire in February 2010.
“The Toolamba community has shown courage and strength in rebounding so quickly from a fire that ravaged the school,” Ms Lovell said.
“As Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, I’m familiar with school and kindergarten campuses around Victoria, and I know that local children will enjoy these new classrooms and the wonderful playground for decades to come.
“The school looks fantastic, with flexible learning spaces and a multi-purpose area, giving teachers the ability to tailor their classes based on the needs of their students,” Ms Lovell said.
School principal Heather Kennedy said the staff and students were thriving in their new buildings.
“After working out of relocatables we are thrilled to be reunited under one roof. Importantly, we have extensive fire services too,” Ms Kennedy said.
The school received six classrooms, a multi-purpose room, administration and staff facilities, a library and art room, along with extensive landscaping and stonework.
Toolamba Primary runs after-school care and a maternal child health service from its multi-purpose room, and also has a kindergarten on-site.
The Victorian Government provided $2.15 million for the rebuild, while the Commonwealth provided $1.18 million through the Building the Education Revolution program.
