Bad weather won't dampen Como Primary School spirits

Dance and sports programs are not being hindered by bad weather for the first time at Como Primary School, thanks to a new $710,000 covered area funded by the State Government.

Opening the new facility today, Education Minister Liz Constable said the school could in future hold major events and school assemblies outdoors.

"The new bigger, more modern and much more functional canteen is a great improvement on the previous one, which was located in the older style hall," Dr Constable said.

"It is also conveniently located in the new covered area, which the students now use as an all-weather eating area."

The Minister said the project also included an upgrade to the gardener's workshop and storage facilities.

"Gardeners' facilities are generally provided as part of new covered areas but due to space limitations, it was decided to instead refurbish the existing gardener's area and extend into the former sports store," she said.

"The works have been designed to complement the existing 1950s architecture while adding a modern edge and it's a credit to the architect and builders that the peppermint tree located behind the building and planted by former student Ina Hutchinson - now 97 years old - was retained."

Dr Constable also paid tribute to former principal Bob Mason for his vision, perseverance and work with the school community to ensure the new covered area eventuated.