Education Minister Bronwyn Pike visited the school today to announce the building funding as part of the Brumby Government’s Better Schools Today program.

“Education is the Brumby Government’s number one priority and key factors in having a world-class education system are not only a quality workforce but modern facilities in which our children can reach their full potential,” Ms Pike said.

“So I am delighted to be here today at Moonee Ponds Central School to personally tell the school community that they will receive funding through the Brumby Government’s Better Schools Today program.

“The program is about modernising classrooms, staff and administrative areas, as well as indoor and outdoor teaching spaces because we recognise that having modern learning facilities is part of how we can provide the best educational opportunities to young people so that they have the best possible start in life.

“Students at the Moonee Ponds Central School all deserve modern facilities to reflect modern learning practices, and they now join a rapidly growing list of schools to receive funding under this targeted Government program.”

Ms Pike said that Moonee Ponds Central School will work with the regional and central offices of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to plan the new building works.

“It is further proof the Brumby Government is delivering on its $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan to rebuild, renovate or extend every Victorian Government school by 2017.

“The Brumby Government’s record investment in school buildings and infrastructure will help boost the skills and education of young Victorians and meet the challenges of the future.”

Member for Essendon Judy Maddigan MP said the Better Schools Today program reflected the Brumby Government’s Blueprint for Education and early Childhood Development’s vision that every child deserved the best possible start in life.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and the extra funding for the Moonee Ponds Central School will help it cater to the needs of its students well into the future,” Ms Maddigan said.

“The Brumby Government’s record investment in school buildings and infrastructure will help boost the skills and education of young Victorians and meet the challenges of the future.”