The launch of purpose-built education buildings for Cire Community School Yarra Junction was celebrated on 12 November.
Senior staff from Cire and community school teachers cut the ribbon at the event to mark the success of the opening.
Cire Community School Yarra Junction Campus principal Tom Sword said the rooms were designed to enable children to flourish and feel safe.
“A big part of what we do here at Cire is understanding that everybody is different, whether that be taking on kids who are neurodivergent, kids with mental health conditions or kids who just need a different space.
“We have four new classrooms that we can bring those kids in… that means we can have kids that go out and we can regulate them and get them into a space where they can thrive, which has been fantastic to see.”
The new building will hold junior and middle school children and have been made with inclusivity in mind.
Break out rooms with non-obtrusive lighting, spaces that encourage learning and a kitchen, a sick bay, staff office and meeting room will all contribute to the wellbeing of children.
Meanwhile, the outdoor learning zones have also been revitalised with extended verandahs that support regulation and engagement for adolescent students.
Mr Sword said it was the work of all teachers and staff which had made the project flourish.
“I’m only one part of what we do here, we’ve got some fantastic staff here that love what they do and we have to make sure that we’re giving kids opportunities to learn.”
The buildings were funded by the Victorian Independent Schools Block Grant Authority (VISBGA).
Mr Sword said the outdoor area was originally quite a dangerous place and not suitable for children, but it now is considered a safe spot for children.
“It’s a real easy level appealing area where kids can easily come outside, they can access this area and it’s purpose built for juniors so it’s just a junior area,” he said.
He mentioned the popular sandpit at the school, saying they had to build another to solve demands.
“Over and the sandpit’s been a really popular area which we’ve had to build another one to avoid some things.”
“We can have kids that go out and we can regulate them and get them into a space where they can calm them down, which has been fantastic to see,” Mr Sword said.
“It’s good to just say that a bunch of people who love what they do and love supporting our kids because that’s what we’re here for.”
The red ribbon was cut near the end of the event.
