Mindarie and Neerabup areas to have 'schools in houses' next year

6/11/96

Innovative thinking, combined with support from local communities in the northern suburbs, means that two new 'schools in houses' projects will be in the Mindarie and Neerabup areas next year.

Education Minister Colin Barnett announced the projects today which will see two primary schools established using the 'schools in houses' blueprint trialled successfully in Ellenbrook this year.

The decision comes after lengthy consultation with parents, the local community and developers and will provide children in Mindarie and Neerabup with new primary schools, years before enrolments would have justified the building of a permanent school.

Then Mindarie school will be built at the corner of Savona Grove and Rio Marina Way, while the Neerabup school will be in Mist Place. Both schools are due to open for the beginning of the 1997 school year.

"The school at Mindarie is expected to begin with about 100 primary and 20 pre-primary students, while the one at Neerabup should open with about 70 primary and 15 pre-primary students," Mr Barnett said.

"Both schools are expected to be needed for between four and six years, after which permanent schools may be required depending on population increases in the areas."

The new schools will each consist of six houses. Three of the houses will be used for two primary classes, one will accommodate two pre-primary school classes, one will be a library resource centre, while the sixth will be the staff and administration building.

The schools will also have a small covered area and reticulated grass grounds for use as a play area.

"Each of the houses used for classrooms will have fewer internal walls than normal houses so that teaching spaces are comparable to conventional schools," Mr Barnett said.

"Heavy duty fittings will also be installed where necessary to accommodate their use by children.

"The 'school in houses' concept has already proved very successful and extremely popular with children, parents and teachers at Ellenbrook Primary School which opened this year.

"The concept is by no means a second-best option. They have everything you would expect in a new permanent school."

Mr Barnett said that once the school buildings were no longer required for school use, they could be easily converted into comfortable homes.

Media contact: Justine Whittome, (09) 222 9699