Schools get land works funding

THREE Hills schools have landed a combined total of $216,000 in Federal Government funding as part of the latest round of Investing in Our Schools grants announced last week.
Cockatoo Montessori School has been awarded $75,000 for the removal of asbestos and dangerous vegetation and the replacement of barbed wire fencing.
The school will also put money towards constructing a disabled ramp, stairs and decking and relocating its office.
Belgrave Heights Christian School will receive $73,500 for hard playing surfaces for basketball and netball, with principal Andy Callow hoping working bees and volunteer hours could help the money stretch to a double court.
“It’s a combination of Federal Government support and volunteer work from our local community – that’s a great thing, really,” he said.
Dandenong Ranges Steiner School in Menzies Creek has been allocated $68,000 for the refurbishment of three general learning areas, student toilets and support work areas, construction of shaded play areas and an upgrade of office computer equipment and furniture.
Dandenong Ranges Steiner School business manager David Irvine said the grant was fantastic news for the school, whose site was once a restaurant and residential property.
“It’ll spruce the place up and make it far more appealing and conducive to learning,” he said.
Announcing the awards, La Trobe MP Jason Wood said it was important to provide the best possible learning environment for local children.
“I congratulate the local school principals and school councils for their dedication to the learning environment of all these schools.
“It takes a lot of commitment and dedication to apply for funding and they should be proud of their achievements,” he said.