Upgrade for one of WA's oldest schools

A Western Australian primary school that first welcomed students the year the pencil was invented, opened its new library today.

Heritage-listed Highgate Primary School, which opened on November 1, 1895, has received $1million of improved facilities including the new library and upgraded car park facilities.

Education Minister Liz Constable said the upgraded library would provide students with the very latest technology and complement the strong literacy and information based learning focus at the school.

"The previous library was housed in converted classrooms and this new facility, with additional space and increased opening hours, is a great enhancement to the school's learning environment," Dr Constable said.

Additional improvements at the school, one of the oldest in WA, included the replacement of the existing car park, upgrading the power supply, an additional storeroom and a paved courtyard.

The Minister acknowledged the strong parental, school and community involvement in the creation of the upgraded facilities.

"Over recent years a dedicated group of parents has given their professional service and advice for free, to help develop a comprehensive plan for the school upgrade," she said.

"The school has also made a significant financial contribution to the cost of the upgrade."

The new facilities at WA's most central inner-city school were designed by Oldfield Knott Architects and built by CDP Group.

Minister's office - 9222 9699