Nearly one million Victorian students returning to school today are set to benefit from the Andrews Labor Government’s Education State reforms, including a $566 million – or 70 per cent – boost to equity funding over four years.
Visiting Lynbrook Primary School today, Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera met some of the state’s newest students to hand out Crumpler library bags, provided to all preps starting at state government schools in 2016.
Some 160 preps will begin at Lynbrook Primary in 2016, including four sets of twins who have joined the school’s 980 students.
Taking our education system from good to great, the Education State reforms began with a record investment in education and skills of almost $4 billion under the 2015-16 State Budget.
Lynbrook Primary will receive $302,237 in equity funding in 2016, an increase of $110,919 compared to 2015.
In 2016, the Labor Government will also provide students in need with uniforms and glasses, provide breakfast for 25,000 kids at 500 of Victoria’s most disadvantaged primary schools, and help students attend important educational activities through the $148.3 million Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund.
The custom-made Crumpler library bags have been specifically designed to be strong, weather-proof and long-lasting so that they can accompany Victorian students throughout their journey through primary school.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We’re proud that 2016 will see us continue to deliver key Education State reforms so that every child, in every classroom, in every community can receive a great education.”
“By ensuring that communities across Victoria have access to great schools, we are giving every student the chance to succeed in learning – and in life.”
Quote attributable to Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera
“Labor’s Education State reforms will give parents in Cranbourne confidence that their children are being educated in a world-class system.”
Back to school fast facts:
In 2016, approximately:
- 929,300 students will attend a Victorian school;
- 586,200 students will attend a Victorian government school;
- 526,600 primary and 402,700 secondary students will attend a school;
- 76,000 preps will start school, including 52,300 in government schools; and
- 67,200 Year 7s will attend a school, including 36,400 Year 7s attending a government school.
There are 1525 government schools, including 1124 primary schools, 78 primary-secondary schools, 239 secondary schools, 80 special schools and 4 English language schools throughout Victoria. There is a total of 2227 government, Catholic and independent schools in Victoria.
Education State fast facts:
In 2016, the Andrews Labor Government will deliver:
- A $158 million Equity Funding boost to help schools and students break the cycle of disadvantage, as part of a $566 million – or more than 70 per cent – boost to equity funding over four years;
- The first steps implementing a new curriculum focused on fostering academic excellence and building life skills, backed by $21.6 million for implementation support;
- The start of a $13.7 million breakfast club program to feed 25,000 kids at 500 of Victoria’s most disadvantaged primary schools;
- The launch of Glasses for Kids to provide free eye tests and glasses to Prep-Year 3 students at 250 of Victoria’s most disadvantaged primary schools;
- A $15 million boost for State Schools’ Relief to help eligible Year 7 students get school uniforms, shoes, safety boots, stationery and textbooks ;
- The deployment of approximately 150 new regional staff to provide operational support and advice so that principals can focus on students, as part of a $82.2 million Learning Places program;
- The implementation of a new $10 million Inclusive Schools Fund to help government schools better support children with disabilities;
- Training of the first 100 specialist teachers, as part of the $27 million Primary Maths and Science Specialists program to boost outcomes in STEM;
- The $148.3 million Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund so every student, regardless of background, can go on camps and excursions; and
- The $2 million Music in Schools program so that every Victorian student has the chance to learn and pursue music.
Reviewed 19 August 2020