Federal Government provides $7.7m for Toowoomba Catholic school upgrades

Two Toowoomba Catholic schools have shared in $7.7 million worth of funding from the Federal Government for upgrades.

The Federal Government has provided two Toowoomba Catholic schools with $7.7m in funds to help build new facilities.

LNP Senator Amanda Stoker visited Good Samaritan College principal Liisa Hammond, Our Lady of Lourdes principal Chris Golightly and Toowoomba Catholic Schools executive director Dr Patrick Coughlan last week to inform them of the grants.

“This significant investment is a real demonstration of the Federal Government’s confidence in Catholic schools and the contribution that is made by these schools to our community,” Dr Coughlan said.

“Schools in applying for Federal government capital grants must show that they too are able to make a contribution to the project.

“The $4.7 million for Our Lady of Lourdes and $3 million for Good Samaritan College, alongside the school’s self- funding of the projects will see more contemporary learning spaces made available to students in both schools.”

Good Samaritan College will build a state of the art hospitality area and three new classrooms.

“We will now be able to offer on-site certificate courses in hospitality to our students,” Mrs Hammond said.

“The three new classrooms will offer flexible learning spaces for all subjects.”

The college will also be able to enrol more students due to the additional facilities.

At Our Lady of Lourdes, new classrooms and an administration block will be built to replace current temporary classrooms and ageing buildings.

“We have continued to grow every year, and we are bursting at the seams,” Mr Golightly said.

“Parents and students are very excited that plans we have had for over three years will now become a reality.

“Year Six students have been learning in mobile classrooms for the last couple of years and the outdoor space that they currently sit on will be returned to playground space once the building work is complete.

“This is the next stage in our master plan, and will ensure that we continue to provide bright, contemporary learning and working spaces and amenities for our students and staff.”

Building works will being during the Christmas holiday break for both schools.