Schools cash still flowing

By Tania Martin and Casey Neill
FOOTHILLS and Dandenong Ranges schools have scored a further $1.6 million Federal Government boost.
The cash was announced last Thursday as part of the final round of the National School Pride Program.
Victorian Senator Jacinta Collins said the program was a key part of the Federal Government’s $14.7 billion Building the Education Revolution initiative.
She said the cash would deliver much-needed funding for school infrastructure projects, while supporting local jobs.
In the Dandenongs, Mount Evelyn Primary School was a big winner in this latest round receiving $150,000.
Principal Phil Comport said the cash would go towards purchasing a range of interactive technologies such as electronic whiteboards.
He said it would also enable the school to put up shade clothes around the playground and enhance landscaping in conjunction with the school’s major upgrade.
“It’s always terrific to see state education getting enhanced through Federal Government funding,” Mr Comport said.
“It will also help to ensure the modernisation project is fully competed by early 2010.”
Silvan Primary School and Sherbrooke Community School have also been allocated $75,000 each for refurbishments under the program.
St Joseph’s College Ferntree Gully principal Vin Feeney said its $200,000 windfall would resurface school’s main courtyard.
“It’s where the boys gather every Monday morning for assembly, and it’s the main area where they recreate,” he said. “It’s sort of the hub of the school.”
The money will also purchase shade sails.
“There’s no shade at all at the moment,” Mr Feeney said.
He said the upgrade would be a vast improvement on the current grey concrete space.
“We’re extremely grateful,” he said.
St Bernadette’s School in The Basin and Belgrave’s St Thomas More’s Primary School will each receive $125,000 for an oval overhaul.
St Joseph’s School in Boronia received $125,000 for its sport courts and interactive whiteboards.
The outdoors was also on the agenda at Ferntree Gully’s St John The Baptist School. It will spend $150,000 to upgrade its school grounds, including retaining walls and shade structures.
Tecoma Primary School is set for new shade sails and water tanks from its $150,000 boost.
Upper Ferntree Gully and Upwey primary schools each received $75,000. Upper Ferntree Gully will spend its cash on outdoor learning areas while Upwey will create an all-hours learning centre.
Boronia West and Upwey South primary schools will receive $125,000 and $150,000 respectively for maintenance and refurbishment.
This latest cash follows $1.1 million allocated in round one in April and a further $15 million for the region under the Primary Schools for the 21st Century package earlier this month.