By Brendan Rees
A re-elected Andrews Labor Government has promised to contribute $4 million towards an upgrade at St Peter’s College.
The $5.5 million project will include the construction of performing arts centre including theatrette, general learning areas, specialist facilities and associated areas.
The upgrade is part of a new $400 million fund Labor will establish in partnership with the non-government school sector to upgrade and build new non-government schools across Victoria.
The fund would also support the removal of dangerous asbestos and cladding in non-government schools.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said: “We’ve got a great mix of schools in Cranbourne and only Labor will make sure local families can feel confident that whatever choice they make, they’ll have a great local school.”
Principal Chris Black said the funding was a “significant commitment” that would not only “benefit the needs of the community of learners at St Peter’s College but also the wider Cranbourne community”.
“It is with this in mind that together with the Director of the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited, Ms Maria Kirkwood, we acknowledge the commitment of a possible injection of funds to support the growth needs of the St Peter’s College community,” he said.
“St Peter’s College is committed to providing innovative and dynamic learning spaces catering for the 21st century learner”.
Minister for Education James Merlino said families in Cranbourne deserved to know their kids were getting the “very best start in life.”
The State Government has spent $120 million to upgrade and build new Catholic and independent schools across Victoria, giving parents more choice about their children’s education and making sure all Victorian kids have access to a great local school.
Mr Merlino said the Liberals slashed $1 billion out of the education system and didn’t spend a “single cent” on Catholic or independent schools during their four years in Government.
Victorian Opposition leader Matthew Guy said had the Government not scrapped the East West Link project and wasted $1.3 billion, 40 news schools and 40 new police stations could’ve been purchased.
“If it was just schools, 77 new schools in our growth areas could’ve been built,” he said.
