Tuesday, 3 March 2026

 Bronwyn HALFPENNY (Thomastown) (13:43): It was a big education week in Thomastown electorate. First up was the opening of the brand new school Umarkoo in Wollert with the Minister for Education Ben Carroll. Of the 120-plus new schools the state Labor government has built, this is the sixth new school in the electorate. It is led by experienced foundation principal Leanne Tingwell. Students told me they love their new school and are eager to learn. The facilities are second to none, with carefully designed learning spaces and landscape areas to encourage play and inclusivity, and even a kiln for ceramics.

Next stop was distribution of prep bags to all prep students at Lalor Gardens Primary. The 2026 prep bags are full of books to read. They also include a sturdy Myki card tag where students can put their free public transport under-18s Myki card. Thank you to lead teacher Christine for organising my visit and principal Frazer Thomas. The new school uniforms look great.

I ended the week with a visit to Thomastown Meadows Primary School to have coffee and cake with parents and principal Fiona Rosa, an initiative to engage families and welcome them into the school.