Left: Alex, Angus, Dale, Lara, Meg, Charli, Tyler and in the front Ivy and Gabby celebrate their new school building with Adam Whitworth, Rodney Woods and Rob Mitchell.
By Mara Pattison-Sowden
GLADYSDALE students were glad to move into their new building last week, the second BER building completed in as many months in the valley.
Subjected to delays that have plagued Federal Government BER projects across the state, the completed building would be a significant asset for Gladysdale Primary School.
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell officially opened the new Prep to 2 Learning Centre and Library on Monday 6 June.
Principal Garry Lewis said the $925,000 building was “a great facility for a school our size.”
“Students, staff and parents were extremely excited to finally open the new building and look forward to seeing it develop into an exciting learning facility for our school community,” he said.
Mr Lewis said the school play equipment had to be moved for the new building to take its place, which was at the cost of the school.
But to the delight of the school, the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise stepped in with the funds for the playground.
Yarra Junction Bendigo Bank branch manager Adam Whitworth and UYCE director Rodney Woods presented the school with a cheque for $5729 for the playground reinstallation project.
Mr Lewis said in addition to the new facility, students now had access to a new reading recovery room, computer lab, music and art rooms and education support room.
Mr Mitchell congratulated the school on its new facilities and spoke of the benefit to both the school and local community.
“It has been fantastic to see the principal, school staff, parents and tradespeople working together to deliver these important projects,” he said.
“Now that they are completed, teachers and students in our local schools will be teaching and learning in the 21st century facilities that they so richly deserve.
“I am also delighted that this particular project has supported the employment of six workers.”
