More than $5 million has been earmarked to build new classrooms at Bolwarra Public School.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli announced the funding during a visit to the school with Maitland MP Robyn Parker and Liberal candidate for Maitland Steve Thomson yesterday.
The money will be used to build eight classrooms, a new library and staff facilities, which are expected to be completed by early 2017.
“We’re seeing increased demand and increased student growth [in the area and] we are accommodating that,” Mr Piccoli said.
“We’re getting rid of half a dozen demountables as part of the redevelopment.
“It’s an investment in a growing school that’s doing a great job for its students.”
Principal Sue Swetnam said the new classrooms would help the school meet the needs of its growing population.
She said the student population had increased by the equivalent of about one class each year in recent times.
“Part of the design will be to expand the courtyard area, which is a place for families and communities to meet,” Ms Swetnam said.
“We are quite excited about that.”
Mr Piccoli said the Department of Education chose Bolwarra for the upgrade after a rigorous assessment process.
“A growing school like this with increasing demand; obviously we’ve got to increase the capacity of the school,” he said.
Ms Parker said the announcement was the next step in the work that the government had been doing for schools in the Hunter in recent years.
“All children, no matter what school they attend, deserve a great education in a well-equipped school with up-to-date facilities,” she said.
The minister also announced that Francis Greenway High School was one of 14 secondary schools across the Hunter and Central Coast to receive a share in $28 million for upgrades to amenities.
“We know that a school’s appearance is important in how it is perceived by the community,” Mr Piccoli said.
“This funding will go a long way to upgrading those schools that need it most.”
