By Mitchell Clarke
After receiving approximately $2.7 million in government funding, two Catholic primary schools have officially been blessed and had their newest learning facilities opened.
St James Catholic Primary School in Nar Nar Goon received $610,000 from the Federal Government and $600,000 from the State Government while St Clare’s Primary School in Officer received $1.5 million of federal funding.
The new facilities were built to accommodate the growing number of students at both schools, with enrolments at St Clare’s jumping from 92 students in 2015 to over 400 this year.
On Thursday 31 October, Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Patrick O’Regan joined La Trobe MP Jason Wood, Diocese of Sale director Maria Kirkwood and Parish Priest Fr Peter Kooloos to attend the schools and provide a blessing and opening ceremony of the facilities.
Beginning in Nar Nar Goon, the guests visited St James to officially open five new learning areas, a specialist classroom, toilet block and refurbished administration block.
St James principal Andrew McDermott said the renovations were much needed to cater for the growing number of students at the school and to ensure child safety standards were met.
“Child safety is everyone’s responsibility and is an integral aspect of student wellbeing,” Mr McDermott said.
“We’re pleased that our new administration area promotes an even safer school environment.”
Following the ceremony, Bishop O’Regan, Mr Wood and Ms Kirkwood joined Fr Bernard Buckley and the St Clare’s community to bless and open eight new learning spaces, a common area and playing field.
“Our school is still young but we are blessed with state-of-the-art learning spaces,” principal Helen Staindl said.
“I look forward to seeing staff and students make the most of our resources as they continue to learn and grow in the love of God.”
Diocese of Sale serves 37 primary schools and seven secondary schools between Cranbourne and Orbost, with director Maria Kirkwood stating Catholic education was “flourishing”.
“We have high expectations for our whole Catholic community,” she said.
“By creating modern, engaging learning areas for students and upgrading the facilities for staff, St James and St Clare’s are promoting excellence in a safe and welcoming environment.”
