Schools welcome $6m

By Casey Neill
THREE Boronia and Belgrave principals have welcomed $6 million in grants as a win for their communities.
St Joseph’s and Boronia West primary schools and Belgrave Heights Christian School each received $2 million from the Federal Government’s Primary Schools for the 21st Century funding program.
The government revealed the first round of successful schools last Monday (4 May).
They received cash allocations according to their enrolments for major constructions under the $14.7 billion, three-year Building the Education Revolution stimulus package.
St Joseph’s Primary School principal Jeanie Hunter was surprised and delighted the school was included in the first round.
“I couldn’t believe we could be so lucky so soon,” she said.
The 1960s-built school can now construct a new learning centre and multi-purpose area.
“The design is quite futuristic. It will add a new dimension to the school,” Ms Hunter said.
Students will soon be able to put their carefully tended vegie garden to good use with a kitchen included in the new building.
“And it will certainly give us areas to develop the performing arts,” Ms Hunter said.
Community groups will also have access to the centre.
“It’s just a fantastic gift,” she said.
Belgrave Heights Christian School principal Andrew Callow said locals would also put his school’s new multi-purpose hall to good use.
The triple-storey indoor sports facility will seat 500 people and incorporate a stage, teacher offices, canteen and fire refuge.
“We share this school with lots of different people and we want to continue that,” Mr Callow said.
He said construction would also create jobs in the region.
“It’s a great win for the community,” he said.
The school will also contribute funds to the project.
“But that’s the lion’s share,” Mr Callow said.
The school last month received $150,000 for refurbishments in the National School Pride Program, which is also part of the Federal Government’s education revolution.
Boronia West Primary School will soon have a new multi-purpose room, canteen, toilets and change rooms.
Principal Brendan Campbell said construction would create jobs.
“It’s such a boost for the community,” he said.
“It’s just going to be absolutely brilliant.”
Construction of all three projects will get underway shortly and will be completed early next year.