24/10/02
The new $1.16million teaching block at Byford's Marri Grove Primary School was officially opened today by Education Minister Alan Carpenter.
Mr Carpenter said the move of staff and students from transportable classrooms to the new teaching block had brought immediate benefits through the use of collaborative processes in teaching, planning and learning activities.
"The sharing of space, resources, staff and learning materials has provided a co-operative learning environment for students and teachers," he said.
"We are committed to providing our children with the best possible educational outcomes and projects such as this can greatly enhance a child's learning experience."
Roleystone MLA Martin Whitely said it was encouraging to see the successful product of extensive collaboration between the Department of Education and the school community in the wonderful new facilities.
"Parent representation on planning groups has been an important component in the design and siting of this new teaching block and I congratulate them for becoming involved," Mr Whitely said.
Mr Whitely said the new teaching block was one of a number of new school facilities parents had collaborated on. Others included:
- new playground equipment;
- improvements to the undercover assembly area;
- additional parking;
- school security upgrades; and
- improvements to canteen facilities.
"It is through partnerships like this that we can achieve the best outcomes for both the students and teachers," Mr Whitely said.
Marri Grove Primary School, which has 296 students, is 10 years old.
Marri Grove expanded considerably in 1998 when Oakford Primary School was closed under the Local Area Education planning process and the majority of its students transferred to Marri Grove.
Mr Carpenter said funding was allocated in the 2001-02 financial year to provide the school with a new teaching block, five general learning areas, one activity area and staff and student toilets.
The school community also contributed to the project to install roller doors to the covered assembly area and to refurbish the school's canteen.
"Principal Neil Holloway tells me future class formations will enable the school to consider innovative practices including multi-age groupings and higher levels of collaborative planning," Mr Carpenter said.
"In addition, the provision of sophisticated computer resources ensures all students have opportunities to develop appropriate information technology skills."
Architects Jones Coulter Young and builders JM & ED Moore completed the project in June.
Minister's Office - 9213 6800
