State Election 2018: Funding promised for Wales Street Primary School
A SCHOOL left without working toilets in its hall for months would receive a desperately needed $4.1 million overhaul if Labor is re-elected.
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A THORNBURY primary school that had been left without a working kitchen or toilets in its school hall for months will be given a $4.1 million overhaul, if Labor is re-elected.
In September the Leader revealed Wales Street Primary School had been “run into the ground” and left without a working kitchen or toilets in their school hall since March.
SCHOOL SLATED FOR SHOPPING CENTRE
But last week school council president Royce Bunk said he was “walking on air” after hearing of the pledge.
“It’s amazing. We reached the point where we weren’t expecting anything like this. It came as a surprise and a very pleasant one,” he said.
Mr Bunk said the money would address fundamental maintenance issues plaguing the school’s older buildings, and bringing wiring, plumbing and toilets up to code.
“It will improve (the student’s) welfare and their learning experience. This is a great place for the kids to be and now we’ll make it even better.”
Mr Bunk thanked the parents and the community for their support in conducting a campaign.
Education minister James Merlino visited the school with Northcote state Labor candidate Kat Theophanous to make the pledge.
“I have heard loud and clear the need for funding,” Ms Theophanous said.
Parent Catherine Brown said she was “overjoyed” at the news.
“Finally, after years of neglect, some recognition for this desperately needed infrastructure for our children,” she said.
The Department of Education and training allocated $150,000 to the school after months of campaigning from parents.
Teachers had to ship in bottled water for before and after school care and use the hall’s only working power point to run one sandwich press for more than 100 children in the program.
The kitchen was left unusable for months after workers sent to fix the plumbing discovered mould.
The Liberal party did not respond.
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