Official opening of Clarkson primary school

26/10/94

The $4 million Clarkson Primary school - serving one of the fastest-growing local government areas in Australia - has been officially opened today.

Education Minister Norman Moore officiated as part of Education Week, and the ceremony marked the start of a week-long family festival which involved the school and the community.

Mr Moore said Clarkson was a fine example of how a school could become the focus for the development of community spirit in a new suburb.

"The parents at Clarkson were quick to get involved and have taken part in rich and varied education programs using visiting experts," he said.

"The school is also frequently used as a meeting area for the growing community and shares the oval with hockey, basketball and soccer teams which use the school as their base."

Mr Moore said the population growth of the Wanneroo Council region had been dramatic.  Enrolment in years 1 to 7 in State Government schools in the area had increased from 254 in 1989 to 1,076 in February this year.  Nearly 70 per cent of these students were at Clarkson.

The school, which opened its doors to 354 primary and 73 pre-primary students at the start of 1993, more than doubled its enrolments in the first year.

Numbers grew so quickly the Education Department advanced plans for an extra block of seven classrooms, which were completed in time for the start of the 1994 school year.

The new classrooms were filled from the day they opened and subsequently nine transportable general classrooms and one temporary pre-primary room had been brought to the school.

There were currently 765 primary and 104 pre-primary children at Clarkson.  Pressure on the school would be relieved when the new Merriwa Primary School opened in 1995.

Mr Moore said many of the difficulties which might have been associated with such enormous growth in such a short time had been avoided because of a co-operative attitude from students, teachers and parents.

"The Education Department is working hard to ensure the least disruption and appreciates this community co-operation.  I congratulate the staff, parents and students for the effort they have put into getting the school established and running smoothly," he said.

Media contact:  Ross Storey  321 1444 or 222 9595