The Premier John Brumby today officially opened a new $25.2 million state-of-the-art school in South Morang which will give children in the area the opportunity to be educated in the most modern learning environment.
In South Morang for the Victorian Government’s Hume and Whittlesea Community Cabinet, Mr Brumby said the new The Lakes South Morang P-9 School would ensure families in Melbourne’s growing north had access to first-class education facilities for the future.
“We are taking action to ensure every young Victorian has an opportunity to thrive, learn and grow in the best facilities with the best teachers and that’s because education is our Government’s number-one priority,” Mr Brumby said.
“We are taking action to ensure every young Victorian has an opportunity to thrive, learn and grow in the best facilities with the best teachers."
“Good schools are crucial to a suburb’s liveability and The Lakes South Morang P-9 School will give families living and working in Melbourne’s outer north access to the very best education facilities for their children.
“Today’s official opening marks an exciting time for students and their families in Melbourne’s north who will benefit from these high-quality education facilities now and for years to come.”
The Lakes South Morang P-9 School is divided into two sites along Gordons Road. The middle school campus (years 5 to 9) is situated at one end, while the P to 4 campus has moved into their recently completed buildings on other end of the large site.
The junior campus of the Merriang Special Developmental School – located alongside the P-4 campus – also celebrated its opening. Its students are benefiting from hydrotherapy rooms, multi-purpose learning spaces and facilities including a music and performing arts area.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said The Lakes South Morang P-9 School was just one of many projects being undertaken as part of the Victorian Government’s $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan to build new schools and renovate or extend every government school.
“These great facilities are further bolstered by modern and sustainable school design including plenty of natural light and the installation of water tanks to help conserve water,” Ms Pike said. “It is no surprise that the first stage of The Lakes South Morang P-9 School was a finalist in the 2007 School Design Awards, which recognises innovative and sustainable school design.”
The Victorian Government contributed $14.7 million towards the construction of the three campuses and the Federal Government provided $10.5 million. The school features a research and development centre with science, technology and design spaces and a recreation centre including an indoor basketball stadium, music and performing arts area.
Member for Yan Yean, Danielle Green said the official opening of the new The Lakes South Morang P-9 School was great news for the community.