Wednesday, 14 August 2024

 Chris COUZENS (Geelong) (10:16): Last week I had the pleasure of again visiting Catholic primary schools in my electorate to announce the exciting news that they will receive funding under the Building Fund for Non-Government Schools, Catholic education sector. I was met by principal Luke Sheehan and school captains Avery and Eamon at St Patrick’s Primary School for a tour. St Patrick’s will see the construction of a two-storey building which will include admin spaces, office amenities, staff preparation areas and nine general learning areas and associated spaces.

At Holy Spirit primary school I was met by principal Rachel Holdsworth and school captains Poppy and Jagger, who talked about how important this funding is to their school. They will see the construction of a two-storey multipurpose learning building which includes three general learning areas, a specialist learning multipurpose hall, staff and student amenities and offices. I will also be visiting St Mary MacKillop Primary School in Bannockburn in the coming weeks to discuss the construction of four general learning areas and a visual arts building, which will complete stage 4 of their master plan.

The Allan Labor government is ensuring that every Victorian student can learn in the best facilities. The building fund helps schools upgrade and expand their facilities, ensuring families have the best learning environments for their children. Non-government schools are an important part of Victoria’s education system, with more than one-third of Victorian students studying at Catholic or independent schools.