By Brendan Rees
Cranbourne East’s newest state school opened this week, with 370 students walking through the doors of Casey Fields Primary School.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards officially opened the new $20.1 million school on Wednesday 29 January, welcoming its first students, who will be in Prep to Year 6.
Casey Fields Primary is one of 11 new schools opening in 2020 across Victoria including Botanic Ridge Primary School.
Casey Fields Primary School includes a performing arts and physical education building, complete with a competition-grade gymnasium, along with state-of-the-art learning spaces and administration areas.
Wearing their brand new school uniforms, students gathered for a special assembly in the gym where Mr Merlino cut a ribbon to mark the occasion.
The school is co-located next to Livingston Family and Community Centre, allowing local children to make a smooth transition from pre-school and helping parents ditch the dreaded double drop off.
Principal Cameron Heath said the new school community was thrilled to be part of a milestone moment.
“The parents and grandparents and family are excited to have a school finally open. Staff and students are settling in well into the new flexible learning spaces,” he said.
Mr Merlino said: “Whether it’s 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.”
Ms Richards said the school would provide the community with the “first-rate education facilities they deserve.”
The school was designed by architecture firm Architectus and built by construction company ADCO Constructions.
