By Brendan Rees
Hundreds of students have stepped through the gates of a brand new school in Clyde North for the first time.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Bass MP Jordan Crugnale officially opened the new $20.8 million Grayling Primary School, welcoming its first students, from Prep to Year 6, on Friday 31 January.
The school includes administration buildings, classrooms, and a state-of-the-art performing arts and physical education centre with open play space.
The school, which is named after the endangered freshwater fish that is known to inhabit Cardinia Creek, 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 is one of 11 new schools opening in 2020 across the state.
During the opening ceremony, little preppies wearing their new school uniform were presented a new bag of books as family and friends watched on. Mr Merlino then led a ‘hands up if you know?’ with students asking questions about school and student numbers in Victoria.
Mr Merlino said Grayling Primary School was “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,” he said.
Ms Crugnale said principal Luke Abdallah and his teaching/support staff were “super energised and already delivering quality education,” adding the school was living 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,” she said.
The school was designed by architecture firm Architectus and built by construction company ADCO Constructions.
From day one of this school year, student’s 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 to remove any distraction during class.
