The Clifton Creek Primary School will be rebuilt at a cost of $4.2 million.
The State Government this week confirmed the funding with the Education Minister, James Merlino, saying he was honoring a commitment given in the wake of the summer bushfires to rebuild the school.
“Schools are often at the heart of the community and used in a variety of ways – that is why rebuilding Clifton Creek Primary School is so important,” Mr Merlino said.
The rebuild will include a kitchen and sensory gardens, shade sails and additional space for community use.
Clifton Creek Primary School principal, Sue Paul, couldn’t hide her delight when the Advertiser asked her about the significant money being allocated to rebuild.
“It’s amazing,” she said.
“Our school was involved in the Stephanie Alexander kitchen program, so it’s fantastic they’ve included a kitchen in the rebuild.”
A library will also be included in the reconstruction, which Ms Paul says will provide a focal point for the community.
“We’re hoping to have it open one night a week so students can make additional use of it,” she said.
The school’s 10 students are due to return to the classroom next Tuesday following weeks of remote learning.
Relocatable classrooms were installed at the school earlier this year to enable students to return to Clifton Creek.
However, additional facilities, including school play equipment and a bus shelter had to be installed before students could return.
Prior to COVID-19, Clifton Creek students were being taught at Nicholson Primary School.
The temporary facilities will remain in place while a permanent rebuild gets underway.
Ms Paul said students were looking forward to returning to Clifton Creek and she suspects parents are too.
“Our parents have been absolutely amazing, but they’re getting tired trying to work from home and help with home schooling. It’s a big ask of parents,” Ms Paul said.
“They’ll be glad for them to be back at school and get a bit of normality back. It’s been a roller-coaster.”
IMAGE: Clifton Creek Primary School principal, Sue Paul, is on top of the world about the State Government’s announcement to rebuild the school which was razed to the ground during the summer bushfires. K293-6159
