Wider community benefits from school funding

St Therese Catholic Primary School in Torquay, Victoria is celebrating the completion of the school’s upgrade as a result of $150,000 in National School Pride (NSP) funding, under the Building the Education Revolution (BER).

Located on one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road, the school now has enhanced facilities through the upgrade of classrooms and the redevelopment of the playground area. The funding was also used to upgrade Information Communication Technology (ICT) and to install shade sails and water tanks.

“The school community feels very privileged to have such wonderful playground facilities, that also provide sun protection to students,” St Therese School Principal, Ms Pauline Audley, said.

“The installation of water tanks complements the school's environmental curriculum and the new tanks will be put to good use in the irrigation of the students' vegetable gardens.”

“The upgrade of ICT equipment has allowed for a more flexible use of school computer equipment, enabling wider use by students and enhancing their learning outcomes,” Ms Audley explained.

The school was also successful in their application for Primary Schools for the 21st Century funding of $2.5 million.

This funding is being used to construct a multi-purpose hall and a senior learning area and resource centre, incorporating sustainable building principles. It is also the school’s intention to also use the new facility for before and after school care programs, and the project is generating a lot of community interest.

The BER projects underway at the school have also had an impact on the wider local community through the employment of local tradesmen.

A Werribee building firm, the Nicol Group, has been working with St Therese School to deliver their projects. The Nicol Group also have four other BER projects underway, representing about 30 per cent of their current workload. As a result, the firm has employed an additional 10 employees. Subcontractors and suppliers have also benefitted from the BER works.

The architect for the St Therese School projects, Law Architects, currently has eleven BER projects, and have employed an additional eight people.

Prior to the announcement of the BER, the company was looking at downsizing due to a decline in their workload. Law Architects has indicated that they are very happy with the job support BER has provided.

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