Twins Ryan and Owen are counting down the days until they start school.
The Epping boys will be among the prep year pupils experiencing their first day at St Mary of the Cross McKillop Primary School next Thursday.
The five-year-olds, who are part of the Diamond Valley Multiple Birth Association, are looking forward to starting their schooling alongside many of the friends they have made through the support group.
Next week, hundreds of new students will kickstart four new schools in Mernda, Epping and Craigieburn. Mernda Central P-12 College and Mernda Park, Harvest Home and Newbury primary schools welcome students from February 2.
Whittlesea’s three new schools – Mernda Park and Harvest Home primary schools and Mernda Central P-12 College – were built as part of the state government’s $291 million public private partnership schools program, and will include spaces for community use.
Mernda Central P-12 College, on Breadalbane Avenue, will open to students from prep-year 7. About 300 students are enrolled this year, but the school will accommodate more than 1200 students when complete.
Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said the school would include a performing arts theatre, music room and rehearsal space, a commercial kitchen for hospitality and VET programs, and a learn-to-swim pool.
“Mernda Central P-12 College will be more than just a great local school, it will provide a thriving local hub,” she said.
Craigieburn’s Newbury Primary School, which was funded in the 2015-16 state budget, will welcome about 300 students next week.
Principal Michelle Bromfield said she is looking forward to developing a school that involves people from the wider community.
