By Callum Ludwig
Gladysdale Primary School are still eagerly awaiting their new building, despite delays meaning the expected opening originally planned for this month is out of sight.
The over $2.6 million project, funded mostly in the 2020-21 State budget, is set to provide a new office and entryway, new student engagement spaces, a kid-friendly kitchen, upgraded bathroom facilities and improved disability access.
School Council President Michelle Mock said it will be a great relief to have it done and in place. “We’ve waited a long time, the kids have endured a lot of mud and loss of their grounds and playgrounds so we’re all looking forward to it,” she said.
“I think over the last nine months it has affected our enrolments, we’ve had people asking if the school is closed because it looks like an empty building site, but it’ll be great to see the positive future. We’re a great school, we’ve got great teachers and a fantastic community and we’d hate to lose it.”
Students and families are particularly keen for the kitchen facility, which will bolster the popular Patch 2 Plate program at the school, which teaches kids about sustainability, and Indigenous values and gives them a chance to work on practical skills like gardening, cooking and cleaning.
Ms Mock said the relief for the school and the parents will be amazing.
“Particularly for our principal who’s done a lot of this work, who’s had builders reporting to her while she’s trying to teach classes and parents and community members asking her the question of when will it be done,” she said.
“The kids cheer when a builder arrives on site, so to have something happening is really positive and I will say there was somebody on site this week, so there’s positive signs and hope.”
The Gladysdale Primary School upgrade works were delayed by a supplier of structural steel withdrawing from the process.
A Department of Education spokesperson said they’re building world-class learning spaces at Gladysdale Primary School, ensuring teachers and school leaders have the facilities to help all students meet their full potential.
“Building material shortages have been experienced across several sectors, which have led to some delays in the works, however they are now under way again and running to schedule.”
The structural steel has since arrived on site, and the scheduled significant works have resumed.
The works are expected to be completed by the end of the 2023–24 summer school holidays.
Gladysdale Primary School is holding a Pete Denahy concert on Saturday 11 November from 5.30pm to 9pm to help fundraise to furnish the new building once it is completed. Tickets can be purchased at: www.trybooking.com/events/1099349/sessions/4081451/sections/2050591/tickets
