Two new schools in the City of Whittlesea have been officially named.
The schools at Donnybrook and Wollert were among 12 new schools in Victoria that Education Minister Natalie Hutchins announced last month.
The primary school in development at 145 Olivine Boulevard, Donnybrook, had been dubbed Hayes Hill Primary School while awaiting its official title, but will now be called Donnybrook Primary School.
Donnybrook Primary School will open in term one next year, with space for 525 students in prep to grade six year levels.
The school referred to as Wollert West Primary School while awaiting its name was officially titled Barrawang Primary School. The title is derived from the local Aboriginal language – Barrawang being the Woi-wurrung word of the Wurundjeri people meaning magpie.
The final school names were announced after a community consultation process, which attracted almost 5000 submissions made across the state.
Ms Hutchins said the community involvement provided families and young people a chance to connect with their schools.
“It’s so important for families and young people to feel connected to their local schools, and we’re thrilled the community has had their say on these names that really reflect the areas’ culture, history and environment,” she said.
Donnybrook Primary School will include a library, competition-grade gymnasium, canteen, music and drama space, two outdoor hardcourts, sportsfield and collaborative teaching spaces. Additionally, Donnybrook Primary School will provide specialist teaching areas for science and food technology.
Barrawang Primary School is expected to be completed by term one 2023 at 7 Islington Street, Wollert, with space for 575 students in prep to grade six, including approximately 50 places for young people with specialist needs.
Barrawang Primary School – being a supported inclusion school – will offer additional amenities to support and enhance learning such as acoustics and lighting designed for the needs of students with particular disabilities, wider corridors where wheelchairs can pass and fitness rooms for physical education and therapy.
Another school nearby to the City of Whittlesea was also officially titled, with the school in development at 45 Blackmore Road Mickleham to be officially named Mickleham Secondary College.
The college will enrol up to 800 students in its first year of operation, open to year seven students only and progressing by year level thereafter.
The school will include a science building, materials technology building, community hub, outdoor hardcourts and sports field, and in future, a visual arts building.
