Onslow students to benefit from new primary school

18/10/02
Educational opportunities will be greatly enhanced for Onslow primary school students with the announcement today that a new $7million school will be built to replace the existing dilapidated Onslow Primary School.
Education Minister Alan Carpenter delivered the news today, saying that the new school funded by the State Government would be built for the start of the 2005 school year.
"This is part of the Gallop Government's strategy to increase school retention rates in the State by improving the delivery of education in rural communities," Mr Carpenter said.
"We are committed to ensuring our children are provided with the best possible education resources and facilities, particularly in our vast regional areas."
At present, there are 85 primary students in Years K-7 and 19 secondary students at the school, with more than 60 per cent of the enrolments comprising indigenous students.
"The existing permanent facilities at the school are old, dilapidated and have a detrimental impact on the effective delivery of education," Mr Carpenter said.
"The specialist facilities and toilets are accommodated in transportable buildings, most of which have been located at the school for many years.
"The buildings are also prone to flooding during the cyclone season.
"The new school will be built on the high land on the western side of the existing school site to avoid future flooding.
"In addition, the school will be provided with the latest technology to allow students to use the Internet and other computer-based learning technologies.
"We want to provide students with better facilities and the relevant resources to help facilitate their commitment to continuing their education."
Mr Carpenter said an architect would be appointed later this year to enable consultation with the school community and preliminary planning to commence.
Minister's office: 9213 6800