Pascoe Vale Primary School claims it needs double the class space
PARENTS of students at an overcrowded public primary school in Melbourne’s northwest says it’s operating on a shoestring, as calls for government funding go unanswered.
North West
Don't miss out on the headlines from North West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PARENTS of students at an overcrowded public primary school in Melbourne’s northwest says it’s operating on a shoestring, as calls for government funding go unanswered.
Students at Pascoe Vale Primary School are being squeezed into half the learning spaces they need, the school council claims.
School council president Paul Wise said Education Department figures show the school needs double the space it has, as it gears up to reach about 580 students next year.
COUNCILS CALL FOR HELP TO FIX RUN DOWN BUILDINGS
POWER PAY DISPUTE LEAVES PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE DARK
The school is currently working on a masterplan after securing $3 million from the State Government, but is seeking a commitment for stage two of renovations.
Mr Wise said the initial cash injection would be spent on safety upgrades to the current main building and the masterplan before it could be used for new classrooms.
The school mainly operates out of eight relocatable classrooms, a temporary building that has been in place since the 1960s and a heritage-listed main building.
Mr Wise said more staff toilets, an art room with a sink and a gym were some of the basic requirements the school was missing.
“We can provide the basic amenities in classroom spaces but that’s it,” he said.
“It’s staggering we are having to provide education to these students and play catch up on the facilities.” Department senior media adviser Linh Salisbury said the school had enough class space for its current 550 students.
“We will continue to work closely with the school to monitor future enrolment growth and resolve any accommodation issues as they arise,” she said.
“The infrastructure needs of all schools are considered through the state budget process.” Pascoe Vale state Labor MP Lizzie Blandthorn said any further commitments would have to wait until the masterplan was completed.
“We look forward to the completion of stage one of the plan and to receiving advice as to what stage two would involve,” she said.
Pascoe Vale independent candidate Oscar Yildiz said he would campaign for the school to receive extra funding if he was elected in November.
MORE NEWS
THE RETIREE WHO HELPS THE UNDERBELLY OF SOCIETY
BIG FEARS OVER PASCOE VALE APARTMENT PLANS
Pictures: Victorian preppies start their first day of school
About 70,000 Victorian grade prep students have started their first year of school this week. Check back to see all the photos from primary schools across the state.
Named: the biggest local footy recruits of 2025
From Melton to Mornington, Epping to East Brighton, local footy clubs have secured some elite talent. We’ve named the biggest moves of the summer here.