A free bus service will allow eligible students to travel to and from school, and between Beveridge Primary School’s two campuses next year.
The new Beveridge’s Primary School campus, which will accommodate grades three to six students, is on track to open for the 2020 school year.
On Friday, Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green announced the new service, which is expected to funded for one year.
After next year, the Department of Education and Training will work with the Department of Transport to introduce regular school bus services beyond 2020.
Ms Green visited the new campus last week, joining principal Steven Fernando and students who will attend the new site in 2020 to tour a new gymnasium, performing arts spaces and classrooms.
“It’s been really exciting watching the buildings taking shape,” Mr Fernando said.
“The teachers are looking forward to the next visit so that we can refine our instructional practices in line with the opportunities that these buildings will provide.”
But the new campus has not been without its critics, with parents voicing their concerns throughout this year about potential issues of the school having separate campuses and the lack of upgrades to the existing Beveridge east campus, including a broken septic system.
There was also concerned about a lack of air-conditioning at the new campus.
Mr Fernando said the Victorian School Building Authority was still in the planning stages of replacing the system and it was expected to be finalised during the holidays.
“Our septic system is being replaced over the holidays to increase capacity and function until the town sewerage arrives this side of the Hume Freeway,” he said.
The building authority is also planning a new ramp for the middle of the school and possible new outdoor toilets.
“A lot of new furniture that came with the new buildings will be delivered to the existing site as well,” Mr Fernando said.
“Luckily our parents and friends association have fundraised enough money to install air-conditioning in one learning space (at the new campus) and will continue to raise funds for each of the student spaces over the next few years.”
Mr Fernando said start and finish times would be different at the two campuses to allow parents with children at both campuses time at drop-off and collection.
“Our Arrowsmith Street campus will start operate from 8.45am to 3.15pm and the new Ambrosia Way campus will operate from 9am to 3.30pm supporting parents who need time to drop off and pick up students at different campuses,” Mr Fernando said.
“My message to families, existing and new is not to be a stranger – visit the spaces. Discover the safety and developmental benefits of having a junior campus and the advanced learning opportunities that come from being enrolled in a dedicated senior campus.”
