General News
13 August, 2024
Local school to receive $3.6m grant
Saints Michael and John's Primary School is to receive $3.6 million from a state government grant that has been awarded to 65 low-fee non-government catholic schools across Victoria.
The project is one of dozens being delivered through the Catholic stream of the government's Building Fund for Non-Government Schools, which helps schools upgrade and expand their facilities.
Saints Michael and John's will now be able to go ahead with building a new general learning area, breakout spaces and specialist STEAM and drama rooms.
Principal Louise Chesterfield said everyone was very excited to receive the grant.
"We've been very fortunate and the kids are very excited," she said.
"The school has grown in numbers and we are currently using portable buildings.
"It will extend the opportunities for children."
Ms Chesterfield said the additional learning spaces would be under the existing roof line as they operated in open plan learning spaces.
"The courtyard isn't user friendly at the moment so that will be upgraded too," she said.
"We're really keen to get going, looking at the plan and being involved."
Ms Chesterfield said the school will spend time going through the building plans with students and their families so they are aware of what will be happening.
"We'll get to know what the kids think about it," she said.
"It's their school and they could have a different view on it.
"We're just really grateful and can't wait to see what the future holds."
More than one-third of Victorian students stud at Catholic or independent schools.
A total of 65 Catholic schools across Victoria which will share in more than $243 million under the program.