- Minister for Education
Students in one of Victoria’s fastest-growing areas have a brand-new school to learn in, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government, as they join more than one million of their peers in going back to school for 2020.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale today officially opened the new $20.8 million Grayling Primary School in Clyde North and welcomed its first students, from Prep to Year 6.
Grayling Primary School includes administration buildings, classrooms, and a state-of-the-art performing arts and physical education centre with open play space.
The school was designed by architecture firm Architectus and built by construction company ADCO Constructions.
The school is co-located next to Manna Gum Family and Community Centre, a new integrated children’s and community centre allowing local children to make a smooth transition from kindergarten and helping parents ditch the dreaded double drop off.
Grayling Primary School is one of 11 new schools opening in 2020 across the state.
2020 also marks the first year in the state’s history that more than one million students will attend school in Victoria across 1,543 government, 498 Catholic and 222 independent schools. More than 81,000 Preps will start school in 2020.
Under the Labor Government’s school building boom, a total of 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every child can access a great local school where they can achieve their best. The Labor Government has invested $6.1 billion to deliver more than 1,400 school upgrades and supporting more than 7,500 construction jobs for Victorians.
And from day one of this school year, students at all Victorian government schools will be required to switch off their mobile phones and securely store them from the first bell to last bell during each school day.
This policy will remove a major distraction from our classrooms, so that teachers can teach and students can learn in a more focused, positive and supported environment. There has been positive results in a number of schools in Victoria that already have similar policies in place.
As stated by Minister for Education James Merlino
“Grayling Primary School is yet another great example of the school building boom that is happening right across Victoria.”
“Whether it’s achieving excellence, building a world-class education system or creating opportunities for every Victorian, we’re making sure that every student can make the most of school and get the best start in life.”
As stated by Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
“This is a beautiful new school and welcomed addition to the local Clyde North East community that has already started to live up to its motto – ‘proud and connected’.”
“The Principal and teaching staff are energised and ready to start delivering quality education, programs and activities so that all students to be their best.”
