17/11/04
An innovative, state-of-the-art primary school in Ellenbrook has been officially opened today by Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter.
Mr Carpenter said the $5.2million school replaced Coolamon School, a school established in leased offices to provide educational facilities while enrolments grew.
"Arbor Grove Primary School is a fantastic community facility that will cater for many families who have settled in the Ellenbrook area in recent years," he said.
"It is part of the $217million the Gallop Government has spent on building new schools, an increase of more than $38million or 21 per cent on the previous Liberal government."
Attending the opening, local MLA Jaye Radisich said the new school provided wonderful, modern educational facilities for students.
Ms Radisich said the foundations for a vibrant school community had already begun at the school, which has been open for less than a year.
Arbor Grove opened its doors at the beginning of term two this year, with an enrolment of 308 students from Kindergarten to Year Seven.
"Ellenbrook is a rapidly expanding community, and it is fantastic that the Gallop Government has been able to meet the education demands for young families in the area," Ms Radisich said.
The new school features 12 classrooms, three Early Childhood Education classrooms, an education support classroom, a purpose-built art and craft room, a library resource centre, an undercover area including a performing arts area, a dental therapy unit and canteen and administration and staff facilities.
Multi-purpose courts and playing fields are also provided and a new playground is currently being installed.
Mr Carpenter said the school had the latest in computer technology, including a wireless network and notebook computers.
The school also offered specialist learning programs for music, physical education and Italian.
The Minister said education in the expanding Ellenbrook area was a high priority for the Gallop Government, which recently announced its plans to build a $22million middle school.
"Planning for the multi-million dollar middle school is under way and construction is expected to be completed by January 2007," he said.
Mr Carpenter said the Gallop Government's responsible economic management and four years of balanced Budgets enabled the recent $27.2million educational investment in Ellenbrook to go ahead.
"The previous Liberal Government had five deficits in eight years, running down the State," he said.
"In contrast, the Gallop Government's strong financial performance has enabled us to increase the Education and Training budget by more than $1.551billion, or 26.5 per cent."
Minister's office: 9213 6800
