Murray Bridge South Primary School, SA celebrates new facility

Murray Bridge South Primary School’s new Covered Outdoor Learning Centre (COLA) couldn’t have come at a better time as South Australia sweltered in temperatures of more than 40 degrees.

On Friday 20 November the school organised a ‘gala day’ to celebrate the completion of the new COLA that was funded with $520,000 under the Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21) element of the Building the Education Revolution. The day was a great success bringing students, parents and the community together. The idea behind the day was to provide students with an opportunity to run their own enterprises including stalls selling second-hand books, bric-a-brac, games and puzzles, along with food stalls, BBQs, a maze and a water slide.

‘Previously this area was a mixture of asphalt surfaces, a little un-even and exceptionally hot in summer. Now it is protected and bright and well used by the students. Every parent I spoke to on the day commented on the COLA,’ said Principal Kevin Lee.

Murray Bridge South Primary School, established in 1962, has seen many changes over the years with many of the former students returning as parents, grandparents and staff. In 1988 a fire destroyed buildings, including the library and classrooms, and a great amount of student and teacher work and resources.

The school also received $1.98 million for a new Multipurpose Hall under P21 and $150,000 for refurbishment under the National School Pride program. The new hall features many sustainability features including insulation, energy efficient lighting, recycled grey water, shading and water tanks. Previously the school had no indoor space that could hold the entire school, so the new building will enable assemblies to be held indoors in all weather. The building will also be used widely for school projects, Physical Education, performances and for the community.

‘The refurbishments around the school included things such as painting, re-roofing the canteen and new floor covering in some well-used junior primary wet areas,’ Mr Lee said.

‘The new gym will be used for our PE program, and we are looking towards holding assemblies and some whole school performances in the space in the future.’

Construction company Axis Building Group is responsible for building the new hall and is working with local tradespeople where possible.

‘At the moment they are approaching pouring the slab and all of the plumbing work has been completed by local people. I expect this will continue during construction,’ Mr Lee commented.

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