Casey Fields Primary School students swelter with no airconditioning
When this primary school first opened its doors the temperature rose to 43C. But the buildings only have ceiling fans and natural ventilation because Cranbourne East’s weather is deemed not hot enough to warrant airconditioning.
South East
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A modern new primary school in Melbourne’s southeast is “sourcing funding” for airconditioning, despite opening its doors in sweltering heat last week.
Casey Fields Primary School told parents it was in the process of raising money to get “some airconditioning” throughout the school.
Under Victorian School Building Authority policy, airconditioning is provided in teaching areas only in two specific high-needs “climate zones” under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme.
The $20.1 million build did not include airconditioning because Cranbourne East is not within one of those zones, therefore its weather is deemed not hot enough to warrant it.
Some disappointed parents said they “feel for the children” during warmer months.
“I think a few parents are contemplating keeping their children home tomorrow due to the fact that there is no airconditioning in the buildings,” one mum said.
“The poor kids … its going to be pretty bad,” another said.
But parent Caroline Drayotn, whose daughter attends the school, told Leader she had no issue with the school’s lack of airconditioning.
“My daughter who is Grade 1 had said their rooms are cool and she didn’t feel or look hot. I went in this morning and asked her teacher about the hot days like Friday. She said it was much cooler inside than outside,” Ms Drayton said.
“She is in the new buildings so they have really high ceilings and big windows. I have no issues with the new school,” she said.
The Victorian Government provided $20.1 million for the construction of Casey Fields Primary School.
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The Department of Education spokesperson said all new schools were “designed and built for comfort, energy efficiency and sustainability”.
The spokesperson said the department’s policy on airconditioning has been in place since the 1990s.
“Natural ventilation, high-quality insulation, ceiling fans, optimal building orientation and outdoor shading structures were factored into the designs at Casey Fields Primary School,” a spokesperson said.
Casey Fields Primary School is one of 11 new schools opening in Victoria this year.
It includes a performing arts and physical education building, complete with a competition-grade gymnasium, along with state-of-the-art learning spaces and administration areas.