New school at Glen Iris (Bunbury) to be named Picton Primary School

11/8/95

A $3.5 million school being built in the new Bunbury subdivision of Glen Iris will be called Picton Primary School.

Education Minister Norman Moore made the announcement today during a tour of the site in Ince Street, near the border of Picton and Glen Iris.

Though the new school is technically in Glen Iris, the name recognises the historical links with the current Picton Primary School which it will replace.

The new Picton Primary School is part of a substantial State Government commitment to providing quality education facilities.  It is one of four primary schools - worth a total $14 million - currently under construction in the State.

Mr Moore visited the site to meet students and other members of the school community.

"The new school, which is being constructed by local builder Devaugh Pty Ltd, will cater for substantial population growth in this area.  It will have the capacity to cater for up to about 325 students," Mr Moore said.

"Construction is on schedule and the new school is due to open in Term 2 next year with about 200 students."

The concrete slab has been laid and currently steelwork is being erected.

The school will have nine teaching areas, pre-primary facilities, a library, music and art/craft rooms, canteen, covered assembly area and administration block.

Other features will include an automatically reticulated grassed oval, cricket practice wickets, and hard courts overmarked for basketball, netball and tennis.

Designed by architects Sasha Ivanovich & Associates, who have a Bunbury offce, the school will replace the current Picton Primary School which has buildings dating from the early 1900s.

Mr Moore said the area was rich in history with the old Picton Primary School's predecessor being little more than a shed built in 1861 by William Forrest on his land near the Preston River.

Transportable buildings currently at Picton Primary School will be relocated by the Education Department when students move to the new school.

Mr Moore said he hoped the local community would become involved in the new school and that the children would benefit from the marvellous new facilities.

Media contact:  Anabel Gomez 321 1444 or pgr 480 5325