Projects on track at St Joseph's Primary School, Numurkah,
Victoria
St Joseph’s Primary School, Numurkah Victoria is currently
undergoing a significant facelift to provide a modern and safe
learning environment. With $125,000 in funding under the National
School Pride Program and $2 million under the Primary Schools for
the 21st Century element of the Building the Education Revolution,
the school is close to seeing new classrooms and open areas, a
multi-purpose area and a major upgrade of outdoor facilities come to
fruition.
Principal Paul Arnel has welcomed the Nation Building-Economic
Stimulus Plan projects underway at St Joseph’s and says the upgrade
has assisted him in creating an environment that is conducive to
21st Century Learning.
“Many parents and visitors comment on how things have changed
since they went to school, I say thank goodness! As educators, our
approach must be different (from previous generations), we cannot be
afraid to change to meet the needs of kids who live in 2010,” Mr Arnel said.
Nestled in the Goulburn Valley in Country Victoria, Numurkah is
situated a 20 minute drive north of Shepparton. With a town
population close to 4,500, Numurkah’s economy relies mainly on
farming. Mr Arnel speaks highly of the benefits the building works
are providing to the local community.
“The project has been equally positive for our local business
community,” Mr Arnel explained.
“The contract was awarded to our local builder. In turn, the
majority of jobs created have gone to local contractors and
tradespeople with young people from our area being employed as
apprentices.”
“The BER has achieved everything we have wanted and has
importantly fulfilled the goals of the Government Stimulus Package,”
Mr Arnel said.
The school community is particularly proud that their new
facilities will be on display when they celebrate the canonisation
of the schools founder, Blessed Mary MacKillop in October 2010.
The projects at St Joseph’s are running smoothly, with all
projects due to be completed by January 2011.
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