Tuesday, 7 February 2023

 Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Suburban Development) (15:51): It has been an exciting start to the year in the Kalkallo electorate with the opening of two new schools with the Minister for Education: Mickleham Secondary College and Wayi School in Craigieburn. This makes nine new government schools that the Andrews Labor government has delivered for the communities I represent, with at least another five on the way.

Mickleham Secondary College is the first secondary school in the rapidly growing suburbs of Mickleham and Kalkallo, which is so important for local students and families. During my visit Achelle, Benjamin, Avinoor and Mikayla helped cut the ribbon and joined the tour of their new school, which provides a modern learning environment for them to learn, grow and thrive. Congratulations to principal Lian Davies and her team, who will guide these students through this important year and beyond.

As the first specialist school in the outer north, students will receive a first-class education at Wayi School. ‘Wayi’, a Woiwurrung word meaning ‘us’, perfectly encapsulates the school’s vision. Thanks to Karina and Violet for leading the tour of their brand new campus and also to Cemre and Adelle for helping with the ribbon cutting. I am sure you will make the most of the new facilities and embrace all that Wayi has to offer. This school is particularly important as families previously needed to travel to Broadmeadows as the closest specialist school, and now they can save hours of travel each week and have brilliant education opportunities close to home. Congratulations to principal Leanne Sinnadurai and her team for establishing this school committed to an enduring legacy of inclusiveness and community. I look forward to working with both schools to get the best possible outcomes for students and families.