Sod turning ceremonies at two primary schools in Wallan last week marked the beginning of new construction projects that will expand and improve the schools.
Our Lady of the Way and Wallan Primary School have both received Stae Government funding to construct new facilities that will upgrade the existing campuses and provide for growing student numbers.
Our Lady of the Way will start its stage four building project, which includes 12 new spaces installed for classrooms, galleries, and offices, creating opportunities further learning through dedicated specialist areas for makerspace, French, art and music.
Our Lady of the Way deputy principal Annette Moore said the upgrades would accommodate the school’s growth.
“We have seen amazing growth over the last five years in our student population, learning spaces and landscape,” she said.
“We started in 2018 with 63 students and three classrooms. Now in 2022 we have 21 learning spaces and 504 students.
“We are so grateful for the support and funding from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools partnered by the State Government.”
Wallan Primary School will construct a new competition-size indoor basketball court and learning spaces, as well as an outdoor half court, paths, and landscaping due to be completed by the end of 2023.
Wallan Primary School principal Tanya Kirkright said the school was excited to begin construction and thanked all who attended the school’s assembly last week.
“[We] had many special guests attend our fortnightly assembly. Our school captains Kasha and Luca along with our vice school captains Aruvi and Moustafa, who led our whole school to celebrate the sod turn for our major project,” she said.
“The fences are up on the construction site at Wallan Primary School and we are excited to see the development of our major build.”
Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green attended both ceremonies, along with Labor candidate for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage, who attended Our Lady of the Way, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Community Sport and Youth Ros Spence, who attended Wallan Primary School. School staff, student leaders, and construction workers were also in attendance.
