Thorndon Park Primary introduces zoning for first time as enrolments rise

A PRIMARY school in Adelaide’s east will introduce a zone for the first time in its history as it struggles to cope with record enrolments.

THORNDON Park Primary will introduce a zone for the first time in its history as it struggles to cope with record enrolments.

The Stradbroke Rd school is at capacity with 290 students enrolled for this year — more than double its 2005 numbers.

The Education Department confirmed it would introduce a zone for the school from 2017, limiting enrolments to only those students who lived near the Stradbroke Rd campus.

Education Department infrastructure director Ross Treadwell was not able to say which suburbs would be included in the zone.

“A capacity-management plan is being implemented to ensure local students will be able to attend the school in the future,” Mr Treadwell said.

“As part of the capacity planning process, a school zone will be established.

“A number of considerations are taken into account when developing the boundaries of a school zone.

“This includes analysis of current and future demographics of the area, transportation routes and possible impacts on neighbouring school boundaries.”

He said the school would soon receive a dual-classroom transportable building to accommodate 60 students already at the school and ease overcrowding in classrooms.

In a notice to parents in the school’s newsletter, principal Dora Iuliano confirmed the school was at capacity and said it would not be accepting new enrolments.

Ms Iuliano refused to comment further when contacted by the East Torrens Messenger.

But Mr Treadwell said the department was yet to formally close the books and there was no “official freeze on enrolments” at Thorndon Park.

Rose Park and Linden Park primary schools have this year frozen enrolments to help reduce overcrowding, sparking calls from Bragg state Liberal MP Vickie Chapman a new primary school in the area.

The Education Department is investigating building a new R-12 school at the University of South Australia’s Magill campus, but refused to release results of the study.

The department said the study was being finalised and options would be revealed soon.