Official opening of Little Grove Primary School, Albany

12/9/97

Albany's newest school, Little Grove Primary School, was officially opened today, in front of more than 200 students, staff and parents.

Education Minister Colin Barnett said he was delighted to open the $3.5 million state-of-the-art school in front of the whole school community at the assembly this morning.

He said the enthusiasm of the local community had played a key role in the Government's decision to invest in a new primary school in the Albany district.

Mr Barnett said Little Grove Primary School accepted its first students at the beginning of this year and now had 189 students from years one to seven and 31 children in combined pre-primary and kindergarten programs.

He said that by all indications, students numbers at the school would continue to grow strongly.

"Little Grove's excellent buildings include modern classrooms, a library/resource centre, art/craft and music areas, a covered assembly area, canteen, an administration area and associated recreation areas," the Minister said.

"I am pleased to see the covered walkway which will shelter students from extreme weather conditions. After visiting the school during its construction last year, I was happy to approve an extra $27,000 to build the covered area to the library/resource centre."

Mr Barnett recognised the efforts of staff and the parent community to develop a school identity quickly and said he was pleased that general community interest in the school was strong.

"Already in its first year, the school is offering a wide variety of specialist programs for students in the areas of physical education, language and environmental studies," he said.

"Fibre optic cabling will soon be installed throughout the school to allow for access to up-to-date information technology. The plans the school has to use remnant vegetation on the school grounds in science, society and environmental studies is very interesting and I wish them well in all of the school's endeavours."