Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Monbulk electorate schools

Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (09:44): I rise to celebrate some wonderful achievements across the Monbulk district. At The Patch Primary School I was thrilled to help open their beautiful new learning spaces, designed to reflect their nature-based philosophy – this school has its own wetlands – and built with the future in mind. Congratulations to principal Jim Burnside, the whole school community and the architects and builders who made this happen. What a wonderful asset this is to be enjoyed for decades to come.

Soon it will be St John the Baptist primary in Ferntree Gully celebrating their new building, made possible through state government funding. I had the chance to visit their new learning spaces in the final stages of their construction, as the painting was taking place, and I cannot wait to see the finished product.

I also had the delightful opportunity to visit Monbulk Primary School’s breakfast club last week, where I enjoyed porridge made with love by the students themselves.

Seeing the conversations over breakfast and the smiles on faces before starting their lessons was proof that the benefits of this program go beyond filling bellies. It nourishes minds and souls as well. Long may it last.