Road test for new car park

By Paul Dunlop
NEW car parking and other components of what will be a $4.4 million upgrade at St Patrick’s Primary School were last week given a first road test.
Improved access to the school, including a new entrance from The Avenue, disabled facilities and, eventually, a new administration centre and five upgraded classrooms are part of an exciting redevelopment plan.
School principal Mick O’Brien said the changes, which began in March and will continue into next year, would allow the Catholic primary to double in size over the next four or five years.
The building works have been fully funded by the school and parish community. Mr O’Brien said the expansion would help the school provide for the rapid future growth expected in Pakenham and district.
“We’ve got up to 280 enrolments now and eventually we expect to have about 550,” Mr O’Brien said.
Plans are also afoot for changes to the school uniform and a new school motto.
Steering St Patrick’s through one of the biggest expansions in the school’s history was among the major challenges set for Mr O’Brien when he started as principal this year.
The improved access, most notably the new entrance which will take pressure away from the Princes Highway at peak student pickup and dropoff times, would be a great safety boost, Mr O’Brien said.
“That is very significant, we’ve never had access from The Avenue before and that will certainly help to ease traffic problems,” Mr O’Brien said.
Staff, students and parents would benefit from the changes, which will eventually give the school a much stronger presence.
The new administration centre has been designed to provide a higher profile of the school, particularly from the Princes Highway.
“It should really put us on the map,” Mr O’Brien said.
“In the past we haven’t had a strong focal point or point of arrival, but that is about to change.”