New primary school officially opened in Burekup

4/6/99
One of Western Australia's newest primary schools, built in Burekup and already boasting a colourful history, has been officially opened today.
Education Minister Colin Barnett visited the new $1.34 million River Valley Primary School this morning to meet with principal Norm Chapple, students, staff and parents at a school assembly to celebrate the development of the school.
River Valley Primary School is the successful amalgamation of the former Burekup and Roelands primary schools.
Burekup Primary School was forced to close at the end of term one in 1997 because of white ant infestation and damage to the main school building.
The school was relocated to operate independently on the Picton Primary School site while decisions were made about its future.
After discussions with both local school communities, it was decided to bring the Burekup and Roelands students together in a new school on the Burekup site.
Mr Barnett thanked the valuable input from both school communities and said that by combining students from both towns, the Education Department had been able to educate local children in modern, state-of-the-art facilities.
"It would have been impractical for a new school to be built for only 65 Burekup school students, so it's a credit to both communities that they looked into the future and chose the best option for the long term benefits of both Roelands and Burekup," he said.
Mr Barnett said it was rewarding to be opening a school for which local people had lobbied so hard.
"I know how much this school means to the communities of Roelands and Burekup and it gives me great delight to visit the school and officially open it today," he said.
The new school, which caters for 99 students, has four classrooms, one pre-primary classroom, a library, administration centre and covered assembly area.
The old Roelands Primary School building is now being managed by the Shire of Harvey.
Media contact: Justine Whittome, (08) 9222 9699