- Published:
- Friday 1 September 2017
Students in Pakenham are getting the world-class education and state-of-the-art facilities they deserve, with the brand new John Henry Primary School up and running.
Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Member for Eastern Victoria Daniel Mulino at John Henry Primary School to talk to the founding teachers and students at the new school, which opened its doors for the first time this year.
During his visit, the Premier took a tour of the school and discussed what the school meant for local families.
The 400 student prep to year six school is one of 10 new government schools to open in 2017 and one of 56 new schools in the construction pipeline.
The school has a YMCA-operated Early Learning Centre, which helps children transition from early childhood learning into primary school.
It also features a competition-grade gymnasium, conference and community meeting rooms and a multi-purpose space which the YMCA uses out of school hours for a range of community services and programs.
The 10 new schools opening this year are in Melbourne’s growth areas and include Pakenham, Mernda, Point Cook, Cranbourne North, Cranbourne West, Clyde North and Epping North.
The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $2.5 billion in the past three Budgets to improve classrooms, upgrade facilities and build new schools across the state, to cater for the estimated 90,000 new students expected over the next five years.
This school building boom has delivered more than 1,000 school upgrades and 56 new school projects across the state, supporting almost 5,000 construction jobs for Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“It was wonderful to see first-hand how local kids are thriving in these brand new, world-class facilities.”
“Right across the state, we’re investing billions of dollars to build new schools and make the investments we need to create the bright futures our kids need and deserve. This is all about putting hard working families first.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region Daniel Mulino
“We know areas like Pakenham are booming and we need to invest now to support growing enrolments.”
“Whether it’s new schools, school upgrades or extra relocatable classrooms where they are needed – we are getting it done.”