Official launch of Riverside Primary School Mandurah

30/8/96

Education Minister Colin Barnett has officially opened Mandurah's newest school - the Riverside Primary School.

In front of more than 700 students, teachers and parents this morning, the Minister said the school was a crucial addition to the rapidly developing Mandurah region, one of the fastest growing areas of Western Australia.

"Housing developments to the east and north of Mandurah mean the new Riverside Primary School already has a large number of student enrolments and this is predicted to increase in the next few years," Mr Barnett said.

"The school opened at the beginning of last year with 440 students and this year has more than 650 students and 36 staff."

The Minister said Riverside Primary School was built at a cost of more than $3.5 million and included 12 permanent classrooms, pre-primary facilities, a library/resource centre, a covered assembly area and sporting facilities.

"The School also has in place a range of special programs to support student learning, such as First Steps, a language program focussing on writing and personal development, a teacher development program to increase knowledge of science and PEAC, a program for students requiring academic extension," Mr Barnett said.

"I extend my congratulations not only to the school and its staff, but the local community, which has worked in partnership with the school to improve student learning."

Mr Barnett also acknowledged the assistance of the City of Mandurah which had jointly funded with the Education Department the grassing, reticulation and bore costs, the hard tennis court and cricket wicket.

"I am confident the school has a very positive future ahead and will play a major role in the development of education in the Mandurah region."

Media contact: Justine Whittome (09) 222 9699