School’s $3.5m grants windfall

Alex de Vos
Torquay’s St Therese Primary School is set for a $3.5 million expansion with Federal Government and Catholic Education grants.
Acting principal Peter Teggelove said the money would pay for a 500-square-metre multi-purpose hall, four new classrooms and a “contemporary” learning centre incorporating a library and computer lab.
Mr Teggelove said the funding injections would benefit the school and the community.
“The multi-purpose hall will not only be used by the school but also the Torquay community for assemblies, sport and social gatherings,” Mr Teggelove said.
“We’re also looking forward to replacing some old, rundown classrooms.”
The Government announced on Tuesday that St Therese Primary School would receive $2.5 million as part of a Primary Schools for the 21st Century Program.
Last year the Catholic Education Office allocated $950,000 for the school’s new classrooms.
Mr Teggelove said the school’s 10-year plan for the multi-purpose hall and learning centre would be replaced with a new 18-month master plan.
“Originally it was a 10-year project, which we’ve had in place for about two years, but, thanks to the funding we’ll be able to open the new facilities in 18 months,” he said.
Mr Teggelove expected work to start next month.