Tuesday, 12 November 2024

 Sarah CONNOLLY (Laverton) (13:37): It was great to be down in Sunshine yesterday at one of our wonderful local Catholic primary schools, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception School, to officially open their brand new learning building. This upgrade was made possible by a $3 million grant from our government back in 2021, which was matched by a $4 million contribution from the school community. Our Lady of the Immaculate is one of the oldest schools in the Laverton electorate, having opened all the way back in 1919. Can you believe that? The school is over 100 years old. I was very glad to tour the new building with principal Pat Bertani, a wonderful, hardworking local principal, who I am very sad to say is retiring after 12½ years of running the school. She has done an amazing job and will be very much missed. This investment has replaced classrooms which were well and truly past their best days and replaced them with a brand new architecturally designed two-storey building. Now students at the school in grades 3 and 4 have the opportunity to learn in brand new, state-of-the-art facilities. Our government is committed to building the Education State, ensuring all kids receive a world-class education in modern facilities. This commitment extends to our non-government schools as well, and I am so glad that we have been able to do just that for the kids at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.