As thousands of children across the region returned to school after the summer break, two new primary schools in Greater Geelong opened their doors to excited students for the first time.
Charlemont’s Yirrama Primary School and Armstrong Creek’s Biyala Primary School welcomed their first students this week.
Premier Jacinta Allan, who toured Yirrama Primary School with Education Minister Ben Carroll on Wednesday, said every family deserved a great local government school in their area and that she was proud to see the two Greater Geelong schools now open.
“Labor promised 100 new government schools, and today (28 January), that promise is delivered,” she said.
“What’s the number one way to help families fight the cost of living? Investing in great, affordable, public services.”
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the new schools provided families more choices in growing areas where to enrol their children.
“What an exciting day for families in Charlemont, with a brand-new government school officially opening its doors,” she said.
“It feels especially special to be welcoming local students into two new schools across our growing communities.”
Minister for Education Ben Carroll said 19 new schools opened across the state this week, marking the most schools to open in a single year.
As Victoria’s youngest students started their primary school journey, the state government is again rolling out Prep bags and free books.
The bags included books and learning activities that featured this year’s theme of ‘reach for the stars’.
Mr Carroll said the bags included five books selected by a panel of experts, a bus-shaped holder for the Youth Myki, which provides free travel across the state.
“Reading is a great way to expand a child’s vocabulary and their understanding of the world while also spending valuable time together as a family,” he said.
The state government’s Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund will also be available from this term with increased payments.
The fund aims to support more than 190,000 eligible students a year to attend camps, sporting programs, excursions, graduations and more. Eligible students will receive $400 from this year to participate in core school experiences, which is an increase from the prior $154 for primary students and $256 for secondary students.
