Gembrook Primary School students Ashlee and Mitchell and principal Mark Carver look at plans for development. Picture: Luke Plummer.
By Paul Dunlop
A NEW library, canteen and staff rooms will be built as part of a $2.6 million makeover at Gembrook Primary School.
A first aid centre and toilets for students and staff are also priorities in what is stage two of a major redevelopment of the school.
Funding for the works was announced in the recent State Government budget.
School principal Mark Carver welcomed the news that the school could continue to grow to meet the demands of steadily increasing enrolments.
More than 40 prep children are expected to start school at Gembrook in 2007, the largest intake for many years.
“We have wonderful students, terrific parent and community support and talented and committed teachers,” Mr Carver said.
“Now we will have great buildings and facilities to complement these existing features of our school.”
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said she was thrilled the school had received funding.
“I have always taken a particular interest in Gembrook Primary School as it was a school that had been neglected and was in dire need of funding,” Ms Lobato said.
“Gembrook, like many areas, is experiencing a growing population and I am thrilled that this additional funding commitment has been made to provide for the additional demand.”
Education initiatives in the budget also included $6.8 million for upgrading Pakenham Secondary College as well as $6.3 million for a new primary school to be located in the Heritage Springs estate in Pakenham.
