OUR Lady of the Way, Wallan’s only Catholic School, is beginning a new chapter as the ribbon was cut last week to mark the construction of a new Children’s Hub featuring a kindergarten and a community hall last Wednesday.
Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage turned the customary first soil sod and weather pending Raysett Constructions from Riddell Creek would begin foundations the next day.
The vision for the Children’s Hub is to become a dedicated early childhood education and care centre with consulting rooms for child and family services such as maternal and child health appointments.
Costing $6.75 million, joint funding from the State Government’s Building Blocks Grants program and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Early Years Education (MACSEYE) also creates 178 kinder places for local families.
Ms Kathage praised the expansion of educational and community facilities in one of Victoria’s major growth corridors.
“It’s a big step forward for this growing community,” she said.
“This means families in Wallan East have another option for a nearby kinder.
“We’re helping to fund facilities like this so that every child, no matter where they go to school, can get the great start they deserve.”
Next door, the school’s new multipurpose hall will feature basketball and netball courts and dedicated spaces for visual and performing arts.
Principal Terry Cooney together with teaching staff, students and the local community have championed the developments.
“Vision, collaboration and prayers for this project have promoted access to even greater learning opportunities for our students,” he said.
“Thank you to our partners, the Victorian Government, the Victorian Schools Building Authority, the builders and to our families, past and present.”
MACSEYE will operate the kindergarten program and also provide an Outside of School Hours program’s (OSHP) for up to 99 children.
Managing Director, Heather Finlayson said co-locating the hubs with Catholic primary schools offers busy working families a convenient option and peace of mind.
“We are committed to providing a vibrant [learning] space,” she said.
“We are proud to partner with Our Lady of the Way to provide Kindergarten and other programs and services where children can flourish, families are supported, and the community has a space to build thriving connections.”
Enrolments for free three- to four-year-old kindergarten programs commencing in 2026 are underway.