Windfall for schools
Cash will help refurbish ageing classrooms
TWO Geelong schools will enjoy a $3.56 million cash splash from the State Government in next week’s Budget.
Newtown Primary School will receive $2.01 million to refurbish its 19th century classroom and administration block, while Hamlyn Banks Primary School will get $1.55 million.
And $754,000 will be invested at Bellbrae Primary School for refurbishments.
Newtown Primary School principal Amanda Hay said the funding could deliver refurbishment to four classrooms, staff offices and the administration area.
“It’s an opportunity to turn a beautiful 19th century building into a learning space that is compatible with 21st century learning,” Ms Hay said.
She said the building facing Aberdeen St and built in the 1870s had been earmarked for “many years” for capital works.
“The scale of the work will impact more than half of our students,” she said.
She said the $2.01 million would be used solely to refurbish the ageing building.
Ms Hay said the school had 262 students and had room to increase enrolments.
“We have received funding over the last four years to do work on other parts of the school and it is in good condition,” she said.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens said: “Every child deserves a first-rate education. That requires first-rate classrooms in our schools, so this upgrade will really make a difference.”
Acting Hamlyn Banks Pri- mary School principal Toni Scott said the school was yet to decide how the money would be spent.
“We haven’t actually targeted which buildings we will spend the money on yet,” Ms Scott said.
She said a 1970s-era building, with six classrooms and an administration area, could be rebuilt using the funding.
Lara MP John Eren said improving education was imperative.
“Kids can’t get a first-rate education in a second-rate classroom, so this upgrade will really make a difference,” Mr Eren said.
Western Victoria MP Gayle Tierney said Bellbrae Primary School funding added to $158,000 promised earlier this year.
“I know Bellbrae Primary School is doing great work and this funding will mean their facilities can be upgraded to match the high quality teaching and learning environment the school provides,” Ms Tierney said.
The State Government will release its 2017-18 Budget on Tuesday.