Premier John Brumby officially opened the new award-winning $8.9 million Pakenham Springs Primary School and Children’s Centre saying it will provide a great one-stop shop for local families in the fast-growing area.
Mr Brumby said the fully-integrated centre represents the Victorian Government’s commitment to providing a clear education pathway for young people from early childhood through to adulthood.
“Education is this Government’s number one priority and by investing in modern learning facilities such this centre and by providing families with seamless pathways throughout their education journey, we will continue to offer young people the best start in life through education,” Mr Brumby said.
“A child’s learning starts from day one and their early experiences have a direct impact on their future wellbeing, so it’s important we encourage greater integration between schools and other early childhood services.
“Our recently released Education Blueprint has a strong emphasis on improving transitions between the different stages of schooling and Pakenham Springs is a terrific example of how that will work to provide the best resources and support for students to reach their full potential.”
The school comprises 16 state-of-the-art classrooms which are open and flexible to support modern teaching practices, a visual arts facility and gymnasium complete with stage area and music room and a library.
The Children’s Centre includes a kindergarten offering three and four-year-old programs, Maternal and Child Health service, occasional care and playgroups.
“For the children of Pakenham Springs, this great new hub means they will receive support during one of their most important developmental stages – the transition from kindergarten to school,” Mr Brumby said. "For the children of Pakenham Springs, this great new hub means they
will receive support during one of their most important developmental
stages."
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said the Brumby Government was committed to ensuring every child has every opportunity to thrive, learn and grow.
“Students in Pakenham Springs deserve modern school facilities where they can take advantage of the latest learning and teaching practices and this school has already excelled, winning an award for innovative design at the recent 2008 School Design Awards,” Ms Pike said.
“Education remains the Brumby Government’s number one priority which is why we have spent the past nine years rebuilding the education system, which includes adding 8000 extra teachers and investing $7.3 billion across the system.”
Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand said the Blueprint will increase opportunities for all children to learn in high-quality early childhood education facilities.
“Through the Brumby Government’s Children’s Capital program, 66 integrated children’s centres have been commissioned or are currently operating across Victoria and a further 29 are planned over the next three to four years,” Ms Morand said.
“The centres are part of this Government’s $60.8 million investment in early childhood infrastructure since 1999.”
The Brumby Government contributed $3.5 million to the Pakenham Springs project, including a $1.2 million grant to Cardinia Shire to build a Children’s Centre under the Growing Communities, Thriving Children initiative for Melbourne’s fast growing areas.
The Commonwealth also contributed $4.9 million and the Cardinia Shire Council $500,000.