New primary school opens in Perth's expanding northern corridor

2/12/05
The new $5.6million Ashdale Primary School was officially opened today in the fast-growing northern suburb of Darch.
Unveiling a plaque at the school this afternoon, Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said the area was booming.
"Ashdale Primary School opened earlier this year with just over 300 students and is expected to have more than 450 students by the beginning of next year," Ms Ravlich said.
"The impressive new primary school has an open plan design, special activity areas for media, music and art and crafts, a canteen and the latest in information and communication technologies.
"For sports classes the students have hard courts for tennis, netball and basketball, as well as cricket nets and an oval."
The Minister paid tribute to the Parents' and Citizens' Association, which has played a major role in planning the new school and designing the uniform and the crest.
"The P&C has already raised more than $10,000 for the school," she said.
"This is a tremendous effort and I thank the parents for their hard work and commitment.
"The money has helped build a cover for the assembly area, as well as provide state-of-the-art equipment for the media centre, book trolleys and white boards."
Ms Ravlich said the Gallop Government was well aware of the population explosion in the northern suburbs and the number of young families moving into the area.
"That is why we are planning to build four new primary schools in the area," she said.
"Work is already well under way for new primary schools in Two Rocks, East Butler, Neerabup and Tapping, which are scheduled to open in 2007."
The Minister said the massive building program was part of the Gallop Government's $1billion plan for new and better schools.
"Over the next four years the State Government will build 39 new schools worth $400million, spend $300million upgrading existing schools, and another $300million for school maintenance," she said.
The Gallop Government is improving the quality of public education facilities for all students across the State.
Minister's Office - 9213 6800