School’s $2m upgrade
A LARA primary school is gearing up for a $1.95 million facelift with plans revealing a proposed redevelopment of its main building.
A planning application currently before City of Greater Geelong reveals details of a major extension planned for St Anthony’s Primary School.
The school, located at Kees Rd, opened in 1983 and now caters for about 450 students.
A report prepared by Morton Dunn Architects says strong growth in the area means the main building no longer caters for the school population, or meets the needs of a modern teaching environ- ment. The existing classrooms, library and associated facilities are deemed “inadequate”.
The proposed design would include the refurbishment of existing spaces and the establishment of additional learning centres with connectivity between rooms, a centralised hub with library resources, student locker space and general storage areas.
Landscaping works to the southern side of the building would include some shade sails to provide weather protection for the outdoor learning environment.
The report says the school has recognised the building needs to be redeveloped to provide the optimum outcome for both students and staff.
“This centre has been developed in response to the educational needs of St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, to provide a modern, 21st century learning environment.”
Catholic Education Melbourne executive director Stephen Elder has previously said the greater Geelong area was showing some of the greatest growth in demand for Catholic schooling in the state.
“Catholic education aims to provide a quality, affordable and accessible, faith and values-based schooling to all those who want it,” he said.
“(In 2017) over 210,000 students — almost one in four Victorian school children — (enjoyed) a Catholic education in one of nearly 500 schools across the state.”
The school’s staffing level of about 30 is not expected to increase as a result of the redevelopment.