A Baranduda catholic school will receive a $5 million upgrade thanks to an injection of state government cash. St Francis of Assisi was one of more than 50 non-government schools to receive a share of $145 million announced by Education Minister James Merlino under the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund. The significant grant will help the primary school with the construction of a senior learning area, expansion of the administration building and a major alteration to the infrastructure and flow of the existing parking area. Principal Jennyne Wilkinson said after an "anxious wait", the email informing the school of their successful application arrived earlier this week. "This grant is an investment in the future of our school and in the education of the children in our care," she said. "We are thankful to the Victorian government for recognising that this funding will benefit families in the Wodonga region." Mrs Wilkinson said the upgrades will help the school expand "in order to meet future enrolment demands as well as providing the best possible facilities for existing families". "I couldn't think of better news to share with our students, staff and families after what has been a challenging year," she said. "I am so proud of the St Francis community and I acknowledge our leadership team, school board and the Catholic Education Office for supporting our grant application and the state government for recognising that St Francis of Assisi Primary School is a worthy recipient of such significant funding." IN OTHER NEWS: The grant is part of the Non-Government Schools Capital funding aimed at expanding the capacity and upgrading existing schools across Victoria. The Government has fast-tracked funding to give students and staff the best facilities sooner, and support local jobs, businesses and Victoria's economic recovery. Yesterday's grant announcement is part of a four-year commitment to support Catholic and Non-Government schools across Victoria in addition to a significant investment in State education. St Joseph's Primary School in Chiltern was also successful in their funding submission and will receive almost $1.5 million.
UPGRADES: Bridget Kerr and principal Jennyne Wilkinson (back) with Willis Hogg, Lacey McDonnell, Georgia Kerr and WIll Arnel. Picture: TARA TREWHELLA
A Baranduda catholic school will receive a $5 million upgrade thanks to an injection of state government cash.
St Francis of Assisi was one of more than 50 non-government schools to receive a share of $145 million announced by Education Minister James Merlino under the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund.
The significant grant will help the primary school with the construction of a senior learning area, expansion of the administration building and a major alteration to the infrastructure and flow of the existing parking area.
Principal Jennyne Wilkinson said after an "anxious wait", the email informing the school of their successful application arrived earlier this week.
"This grant is an investment in the future of our school and in the education of the children in our care," she said.
"We are thankful to the Victorian government for recognising that this funding will benefit families in the Wodonga region."
Mrs Wilkinson said the upgrades will help the school expand "in order to meet future enrolment demands as well as providing the best possible facilities for existing families".
"I couldn't think of better news to share with our students, staff and families after what has been a challenging year," she said.
"I am so proud of the St Francis community and I acknowledge our leadership team, school board and the Catholic Education Office for supporting our grant application and the state government for recognising that St Francis of Assisi Primary School is a worthy recipient of such significant funding."
The grant is part of the Non-Government Schools Capital funding aimed at expanding the capacity and upgrading existing schools across Victoria.
The Government has fast-tracked funding to give students and staff the best facilities sooner, and support local jobs, businesses and Victoria's economic recovery.
Yesterday's grant announcement is part of a four-year commitment to support Catholic and Non-Government schools across Victoria in addition to a significant investment in State education.
St Joseph's Primary School in Chiltern was also successful in their funding submission and will receive almost $1.5 million.
