By Callum Ludwig
Wandin North Primary School could be set for a major upgrade, pending the result of the November state election.
Member for Evelyn Bridget Vallence visited the school to announce that if elected, a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government would provide $6.6 million to rebuild the school.
Principal Paul Bailey said hearing the news was amazing and he got quite emotional.
“We’ve been pushing at Wandin North for four or five years to improve the infrastructure at our school through lots of conversations and working closely with our local member Bridget Vallence,” he said.
“It’s an exciting time for us, for the kids, for the community, to be able to provide really solid programmes and extracurricular activities for our school. All we currently have are relocatable portables, the only permanent structure we have is our one toilet block, which was built in 1978.”
The Wandin North Primary School was founded in 1915 and has developed into a vibrant and
welcoming school with around 350 students.
Mr Bailey said funding available for new facilities will help get their kids up with 21st-century learning.
“Currently, we have a learning space that is our Library as well as an Indonesian room and would love to have a designated library space. We have an art room that’s not suitable for art and our children as a result can’t do clay, sculpture or modelling,” he said.
“Our before and after school care shares the space as well, and a science and technology space is another thing that has really been missing at Wandin North.”
Portable classrooms became widespread throughout the 1960s to combat rapid population growth.
President of School Council and parent Craig McEvoy said they’re wrapped to potentially be able to have this development for the kids and those of the future.
“We have a great culture here at the school and hope to be able to give the kids what they deserve, a great learning environment,” he said.
“We want our kids to have a healthy happy environment to learn and grow and to become community leaders and we are extremely hopeful now that this has some traction.”
The announcement was a complete surprise to Mr Bailey, Wandin North Primary School staff and families who tuned in at pickup time to find out the news.
Liberal Member for Evelyn Bridget Vallence said she was thrilled to announce the funding having listened to the staff, students and parents at Wandin North Primary School.
“We will deliver new and upgraded facilities including permanent classrooms with disability access, arts and STEM room, a library, and new toilets. Our children and teachers deserve much better than having out-of-date toilets and portable classrooms,” she said.
“This announcement is part of my plan to ensure the children and teachers at Wandin North Primary get the best quality educational facilities they deserve.”
Wandin North Primary School was previously allocated $195,165 by the State Government in the 2020 Minor Capital Works Fund to create a safe all-weather play and assembly area. The works are due to finish in the third quarter of 2023.
