By Ethan Benedicto
As the eastern border of Casey in Clyde North continues to grow, so does its needs, with new families moving in and schools growing at evey corner.
For families in the growing estate of Goldfields, choosing a home near educational facilities, as well as outdoor play opportunities, was a must.
As Clyde Creek North Primary School (interim name) is looking to open its doors to 715 students – 65 spaces for those with special needs – in Term 1 of 2026, couple Nigel and Chenelle are keen to get their journey started.
“Being an immigrant and having been here for over eight years, it’s been a rollercoaster of a ride, with uni and now having our first home here,” Nigel said.
“We have a lot of family here, and for us, having a school in the estate is one of the key criteria why we built here.
“We saw the upcoming school and that the construction’s already started, and it was one of the reasons why we chose here; it’ll be key for the next few years.”
An official sod turning event was held on the sit of the school’s construction, with representatives from national developer of Goldfields and its national communities director, Paul Ciccheiello, alongside other building consultant groups and architects.
The school, when completed, will include an administration and library building, three learning neighbourhoods, a community hub, outdoor hard courts, a car park, and a sports field.
“This fantastic project delivers high-quality education facilities for the families who choose this residential estate,” Cicchiello said.
“The convenience for pick-up and drop-off as well as the added bonus of child safety will make lives as future parents much easier.”
For Cory, her husband and their nine-year-old daughter Ella, having a close-proximity school is essential.
“It’s important to know that you’ve got a school close by, and also, when they’re older, they can walk by themselves,” she said.
South Eastern MP Lee Tarlamis visited the construction site some weeks prior, announcing that the Victorian government is meeting the increasing demands for primary school enrolments in Clyde North.
“This new state-of-the-art school features safe and specialised learning spaces and facilities to make sure students from across our region get the very best education close to home,” Tarlamis said.
According to the deputy premier and the minister for education, Ben Carroll, they;re ensuring that “all students and their families have access to a great education close to home – regardless of where they live,”.
To Nigel, who came to Clyde North almost a decade ago, he sees an importance in having institutions and other accompanying infrastructure grow in tandem with new homes and families.
“This is all really important, and when I first moved here, it was hard because for one, there was no signal,” he said.
“Having schools here would mean that the government is going to put in more revenue, then communications (in general) would be better.”
As it stands, a future kindergarten is also planned at the new school, with Danielle Heatley appointed as its principal.
