By Mitchell Clarke
Construction on Officer’s newest primary school is officially complete, just in time for foundation students to begin learning in the new year.
Education Minister James Merlino and Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing announced on Thursday 17 December that onsite works had finally finished.
Orchard Park Primary School, located on Pink Hill Boulevard, is part of the State Government’s school building boom, which will see 100 new schools built between 2019 and 2026.
“We know our community is growing rapidly and that is why we need to open new schools and upgrade our existing schools. The completion of Orchard Park Primary School means that our students will have access to the first-rate facilities they deserve,” Ms Shing said.
The campus will feature two learning “neighbourhoods”, an administration building, performing arts, physical education, science and food technology buildings, as well as outdoor play courts and a sports field.
Plans are also underway for the Timbertop Integrated Child and Family Centre which will be constructed next to the school as part of the government’s pledge for every new school to have a kindergarten nearby so parents can ditch the “dreaded double drop-off”.
Orchard Park Primary School, which was formerly known as Timbertop Primary School, officially received its name in September this year.
Former Kooweerup Primary School principal Nathan Jagoe was appointed principal at Orchard Park in mid-June.
He told the Gazette earlier this year that it was an “incredible honour” to be the school’s inaugural principal.
“I can’t wait to begin meeting all members of our school community and build connections and positive relationships with our future students and their families,” he said at the time.
The school will open in Term 1 2021.
