SIX schools will get almost $1.5 million to spruce up facilities under the state government’s $51.5 million schools maintenance scheme.
The biggest winner is Thomastown Secondary College, which will receive $413,332, followed by $409,221 for Whittlesea Secondary College.
Epping Primary School principal Glenn Beattie said their $237,283 came after a Victoria-wide audit of state school buildings and facilities.
“The grant will supplement what the school community can raise; it will fund the things that we cannot afford to do,” Mr Beattie said.
“It is good that our school communities at the Epping and Greenbrook campuses will see major maintenance carried out and it will give us pride in our school.
“We started in 1874 and our oldest buildings are in good shape, but others need work.”
Whittlesea Secondary College principal Terry Twomey said its grant would allow the school to have “first class” facilities.
“We have a 30-acre [12-hectare] site, 870 students, and maintenance works such as painting and carpeting will bring [facilities] up to first class standard.”
Leonie White, the principal of Thomastown Secondary College, said well-maintained facilities boosted students’ self-esteem.
“We all like to live and work in a good environment,’’ she said.
“And we have students from 50 different countries in one of the most disadvantaged areas but they all take pride in the school.’’
She said the grant would be spent on carpeting and improving storm water drainage, paving and playing fields.
Thomastown East Primary School will get $249,119.
Acting principal Jeremy Blaney said the grant would complement a recent upgrade of the school’s main classrooms.
“The art room, library and hall were not covered under an earlier grant, so this is an excellent opportunity to maintain and improve the standards of the remainder of the school to ensure that facilities are in good working order and conducive to learning,” he said.
Doreen Primary School will receive $84,193 and Lalor East Primary School will receive $80,713.
