Schools get building bonus

SCHOOLS across Casey will benefit from cash handouts of up to $200,000 to build new facilities.
The cash, part of the Federal Governments National Schools Pride funding, was handed to schools on Monday.
More than 1400 schools across the state got a share in $195 million for refurbishments, extensions, new shade cloths, new whiteboards and programs.
The many schools to benefit in Casey included Berwick Chase Primary School, Cranbourne Primary School, Hallam Senior Secondary College, Lyndhurst Secondary College and Narre Warren South P- 12 College.
Fountain Gate Secondary College received $200,000 for its VCE study centre and Lynbrook Primary School also received the maximum amount of $200,000 for an outdoor learning environment.
Pearcedale Primary School received $200,000 for the Pearcedale Pride Program and Southern Cross Primary School received $125,000 for a learning and teaching centre.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne said round one of the national Schools Pride Program would deliver much needed funding for maintenance, refurbishment and other minor infrastructure projects at schools.
“Construction and maintenance work on many of the round one projects is planned to commence this month so our kids have access to upgraded facilities as soon as possible,” Mr Byrne said.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said the funding would be a boost for schools and the economy.
“All these projects will not only improve our schools and ensure every child has every opportunity to shine, but will generate jobs immediately as projects need to be completed by December,” she said,
“This is not only about creating jobs in the immediate future, but also about providing modern school buildings so that 21st century students can get a 21st century education and become equipped to get 21st century jobs when they finish school.”