Students in Melbourne’s north have started the 2017 school year in three brand new schools.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green today visited Mernda Central P-12 College and Mernda Park Primary to welcome staff and students as part of the official school openings.
The schools feature first class sporting facilities including competition-grade gyms, as well as performing arts theatres and cooking areas.
They also have multi-purpose spaces to be used by the YMCA after school hours to provide before and after school care as well as a range of community services and programs.
Mernda Park Primary also has an Integrated Early Learning Centre on site to facilitate transitions between early childhood learning and primary school.
Following the visit to Mernda, Mr Merlino joined Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny in officially opening Harvest Home Primary School in Epping North.
Harvest Home also provides state-of-the-art facilities for community groups and features a new sports oval, outdoor amphitheatre and an expansive gym built to Netball Victoria standards.
The schools are among ten new schools opening this term as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s unprecedented investment in infrastructure to meet surging enrolments.
With an extra 90,000 students due to enter the school system over the next five years, the Labor Government is investing $1.8 billion to build and upgrade schools across Victoria.
There are now 42 new schools in the construction pipeline – including the 10 new government schools opening in 2017 – and more than 1,000 upgrades underway.
For two years the Labor Government has put people first, building the Education State so every community can access a great school and every student can be supported to be their best.
Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We are creating bright futures for our kids and ensuring they have access to the education they need in the state-of-the-art facilities they deserve.”
Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
“Students in Mernda will thrive in these outstanding new schools. The facilities will make a real difference to local community groups, especially sporting clubs looking for a home.”
Quote attributable to Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny
“Our northern suburbs are booming and enrolments are growing. This new school will provide students, teachers and the community with access to great facilities and features.”
Quote attributable to Mernda Central P-12 Principal Mandy O’Mara
“My vision for Mernda Central P-12 College is to have a seamless education from prep to year 12 in a first-rate school that caters for the needs of all students.”
Quote attributable to Mernda Park Primary Principal Mary Ryan
“I am very excited to be the founding principal of Mernda Park Primary and to develop real and long lasting partnerships with the community.”
Quote attributable to Harvest Home Primary Principal Anthony Simone
“I want to establish a school where the students are at the centre of everything we do. We are aiming to be a high performing school community where all students can succeed.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020