By Marcus Uhe
Cranbourne Primary School students are “extremely excited” at the possibilities afforded by their newly-refurbished gym, opened on Wednesday 13 July, according to Principal Lachlan Yeates.
The refurbishment includes the installation of new toilets, including disabled-access toilets, and improved accessibility for disabled participants.
The modernised design also features a refurbished mezzanine level and a space for a new canteen.
Mr Yeates said the upgrade was 12 months in the making and will look to benefit the entire Cranbourne community.
“The aim was to have a high quality facility for students, but also a community facility that will be available to hire,” Mr Yeates said.
“Cranbourne Primary School is eager to be school of Cranbourne and to prioritise community engagement. The community gym hiring is an opportunity to invite Cranbourne into the school.
“We took down part of the school fence so that the gym is more open and accessible, so now it can be accessed from outside the school grounds.
“We’ve set up partnership with SEDA basketball academy and the students and coaches will be working in partnership with school to develop basketball skills.”
Mr Yeates was also keen to broaden their perpetual motor program, which offers grade six student leaders the opportunity to work with foundation level students by using a range of tools and techniques to improve their balance and hand-eye coordination.
The opening of the gym coincided with a smoking ceremony to recognise NAIDOC week, which took place while students were on school holidays last week.
The gym opening and smoking ceremony was attended by parents and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, who Mr Yeates described as “instrumental” in securing funding for the upgrade via a government grant.
