Students at Siena Catholic Primary School will get the best start in life, thanks to a funding injection in local school infrastructure.
Minister for Education James Merlino visited the school today, which received $1.5 million through the Non-Government Grants Program to build stage 1 of the school.
The school, in Lucas, opened at the start of this year and is expected to eventually grow to 350 students.
The $4.1 million stage 1 includes two buildings housing a total of nine classrooms as well as offices and an art room.
In the 2015-16 State Budget, the Andrews Labor Government delivered on its election commitment of $120 million over four years to build and upgrade Catholic and independent schools, agreeing to match the these sectors’ contributions dollar-for-dollar.
The Non-Government Grants Program aims to build new schools and expand capacity at existing facilities in growth areas, in particular Melbourne’s outer-suburbs and regional Victoria where enrolment demand is significant.
Funds will also upgrade those schools with the highest facility needs, creating modern and fit-for-purpose learning environments for the 37 per cent of Victorian children who attend Catholic or independent schools.
The Labor Government’s huge investment in Victoria’s schools means more than $2.5 billion has now been invested in school infrastructure over the past three years, with 56 new schools being delivered across the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We’re getting on with the job of building better schools, so local students have the facilities and classrooms they need to succeed.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“We’re making Victoria the Education State and that means making sure Ballarat families can access great local schools with first-rate classrooms.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020