EXCITED students passed through the doors of the new Gilgai Plains Primary School at Kalkallo for the first time last week, while a contract to build another new school at Donnybrook has been awarded.
With large population growth forecast for areas across Melbourne’s north, Gilgai Plains Primary School is one of several school building projects either recently completed or in development according to the Victorian School Building Authority.
The school is one of 14 Victoria-wide to open in 2022, part of a 2018 pledge by the State Government to build 100 new schools by 2026.
Minister for Education James Merlino visited to officially open Gilgai Plains Primary School, which will provide places for up to 550 students from prep to grade six.
“It’s so exciting to see this new school open to make sure families in Kalkallo have access to a fantastic school education,” he said.
“This beautiful new school will be a fantastic place for hundreds of students to start their school years – and I can’t wait to see their ongoing success.”
Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green also turned the first sod for the provisionally named Hayes Hill Primary School in Donnybrook, which is expected to open to students in in 2023.
Kane Constructions was awarded a contract to build the new school, which will cater for 525 children from prep to grade six.
“It’s great to see the progress on Hayes Hill Primary School – giving kids and families in Donnybrook the best access to world-class education as well as community sport facilities in their own backyard,” Ms Green said.
Gilgai Plains Primary School includes two outdoor hardcourts, a sports field, bike shelter and playgrounds.
Kalkallo families can also access kindergarten and maternal child health services nearby at Kalkallo Community Centre on Toyon Road and Kalkallo Interim Preschool and Maternal and Child Health, adjacent to the new primary school.
When the Hayes Hill Primary School opens next year it will include an administration building with a library, staff offices and amenities, specialist teaching areas for science and food technology, flexible and collaborative teaching spaces, a community hub building with a competition-grade gymnasium, canteen, music and drama space, two outdoor hardcourts and a sports field.
