By BRIDGET COOK
THE Cranbourne West Primary School community was in high spirits this morning as Premier Denis Napthine visited to make a funding announcement.
Much to the staff and students’ surprise, Dr Napthine announced that $940,000 would be included in the May state budget to upgrade the school’s facilities.
The school, which educates using modern and alternative teaching methods, welcomed the announcement.
Principal Andrew Bergmeier thanked the State Government for the funding.
“It goes to show you what can happen when the Government actually sees the problems we face, and the fact that a lot these things can be solved just by money,” he said.
“A lot can’t, but the learning environment can certainly be enhanced through the appropriate funding we get.
“We will use the money wisely.
“I think I’ve spent it three times over in my head already.”
The school’s parent and community liaison officer Debbie Nobbs said the school still had to make decisions on how the money would be used, but had several ideas.
“Parts of the school had been upgraded from previous funding but other areas, we have just been making the best out of what we have,” she said.
“We will use this to improve children’s access to resources.
“Other ideas are improving our playground facilities, outdoor garden area and building creative play spaces.
“We have started setting up a science area.
“We might look at building on that.”Dr Napthine spent an hour touring the school and learning about its non-traditional teaching methods – something he said he was impressed with.
“It’s great to be here at Cranbourne West and see the great work being done here,” he said.
“But we know to make this school even better that we need to have the facilities continually upgraded and improved so that the facilities match the quality of teaching and quality education, so the students get the very best educational opportunities.”
Dr Napthine said the funding would provide staff, students and families with the best educational environment to suit modern teaching methods.
“More than 50 per cent of families in Cranbourne West are young couples with children,” he said.
“This is a fast-growing region and this significant investment will ensure that these families have access to a new and improved school right on their doorstep.”
City of Casey mayor and Liberal candidate for Cranbourne Geoff Ablett said it was a great boost for the local community.
“I am extremely passionate about the need to strengthen our educational facilities in Cranbourne and welcome today’s news with great excitement and pride,” he said.
