Tara Murray
Funding for the first stage of a masterplan for Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Primary School in Sunshine has brought a buzz to the school community.
The school has applied for grants for upgrade works for the past three years. Its hard work recently paid off, with the state government committing $3 million funding.
The funding is part of the third round of the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund.
Principal Patrizia Bertani said the funding would allow the school to start stage one of the three stage masterplan for the 101-year-old school.
“We are delighted and it’s a dream come true,” she said.
“We’ve been waiting for this for three years, it’s a third time lucky.
“School improvements lifts the environment not only at the school and around the area. The new building will be built around our broad concepts of collaboration, diversity, flexibility, inclusivity and safety.
“We are proud to be in Sunshine and want nothing but the best.”
Ms Bertani said the school would get a new double-storey building which would include 10 flexible learning spaces.
She said the new building would replace some of the old buildings including one which is at least 70 years old.
“Our school has been dedicated to quality primary education for the local community, quality Catholic education,” she said.
“These really up-to-date contemporary facilities will not only be for the students, but for when we invite the community into our presence.
“The buildings will be safe and inclusive for all students to learn. We want students to be comfortable and the build will help engage students with flexible and diverse learning spaces.
“They will meet the current and future needs of the community.”
Ms Bertani thanked Education Minister James Merlino and the state government for the funding on behalf of the school community.
