Ellenbrook to have new primary school

7/7/97

After a very successful 18 months in the innovative 'school in houses' project, children in the northern Perth suburb of Ellenbrook are to get a new permanent school.

Education Minister Colin Barnett today announced a new primary school, costing about $3.5 million, would be up and running in mid-1998 with an expected enrolment of 240 primary and 40 pre-primary students.

Children in the area have been attending Ellenbrook Primary 'school in houses' since the start of last year, the first of its type in Western Australia. The school was built to accommodate a small population of students until the area had enough children to support a permanent school.

Mr Barnett said the rapidly-growing Ellenbrook subdivision meant there were now enough students to support a brand new school.

"I am delighted that the Ellenbrook 'school in houses' project has been so successful and that the children have enjoyed their early years of education in such an innovative environment," he said.

"I am sure that some will even be a little sad to leave their school, but the promise of a new school that will take education in the area into the 21st century is very exciting."

Mr Barnett said the houses used in the 'school in houses' project had been built without internal walls to allow for classroom-sized areas. When vacated, the houses will be developed and sold as permanent residences.

"The new Ellenbrook Primary School will have 12 classrooms. Two pre-primary classrooms, all the latest furniture and equipment, including provision for up-to-the-minute access to technology, a library/resource centre, undercover assembly area, sports store and administration centre," he said.

"A shared oval and hard court playing areas with the Shire of Swan will also be developed to make this a great school for the students of today and the future."

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699