ACT school and community set to benefit from $3 million funding investment

Kaleen Primary School in Canberra is abuzz with activity after the announcement of Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21) funding under the Government’s Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan.

P21 is a key element of the Building the Education Revolution (BER). Kaleen Primary was one of 5,215 schools to receive a share of $9.2 billion allocated in the first two funding rounds of P21. 

The school is building a new multipurpose hall, and renovating a number of existing class rooms.

Principal of Kaleen Primary School, Grace Dunlop, is looking forward to the construction of the new stand-alone multipurpose hall, which will include change rooms, student amenities, a kitchenette, proper storage facilities and a covered walk way that links to the rest of the school.

“The new multipurpose hall will provide extra teaching space for the arts program – two woodwind bands, a whole school drama program and the establishment of singing groups – and enough space for the whole of the school to gather including parents and visitors”  Ms Dunlop said.

“It will also provide a place for the community to play netball and basketball.”

The introduction of smaller class sizes at Kaleen has resulted in spaces originally used for specialist teaching, such as music, art and Japanese, now being turned into much needed classrooms.

P21 funding will allow for comprehensive renovations and refurbishments of two existing classrooms to match recent upgrades of similar classrooms.

A more efficient design will expand the area into four new class spaces and a shared computer area.

The ongoing work will see many carpenters, electricians and plumbers busy in the coming months.

“National School Pride and P21 funding is a very welcome investment for our school of 449 students, teachers and community.” said Ms Dunlop.

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