Thursday, 18 May 2023

 Kathleen MATTHEWS-WARD (Broadmeadows) (10:00): Last week I had the pleasure of attending St Francis de Sales Primary School in Oak Park to turn the first sod, along with the wonderful principal John Rudd and Fr Vo Due Tien, inspiring student leaders Victoria and Danny and gorgeous preppies Ava and Noah. This $3.24 million project will see a new specialist learning area, four new classrooms and new student amenities. The state Labor government has contributed $2 million towards this project through the Non-government Schools Capital Fund, which is designed to ensure that every child has access to a great education and that our schools are better equipped to prepare students for the 21st century.

Tomorrow morning I am very excited to be celebrating National Walk Safely to School Day, Education Week and National Volunteer Week at Glenroy West Primary School, three of my favourite things to celebrate. I am so proud of the Labor government’s investment in the $18.1 million upgrade and expansion of Glenroy West Primary School, with three new learning neighbourhoods linked to outdoor classrooms and a new outdoor play and learning area.

A huge shout-out to the volunteers that dedicate their time and talents across the state and that help make our schools wonderful places to be. And of course, in Education Week, our deepest respect and gratitude to Victoria’s teachers and staff, who dedicate their lives to the most important and worthy vocation: shaping our future through educating and supporting our young people. Thank you for the difference you make every day to their lives and to our collective future.