Three primary schools to close

8/7/05
Falling student enrolments have forced three public primary schools to close at the end of the year. The schools are Midland, Wattleup and Marvel Loch.
"It is never an easy decision to close a school," Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said.
"But the youngsters at these schools are being disadvantaged because their school numbers are too small to deliver an effective teaching and learning program."
There are currently 11 students enrolled at Marvel Loch Primary School, 43 at Midland Primary School and 76 at Wattleup Primary School.
"Attending a larger school will not just provide greater educational choices for these students but better social opportunities as well," Ms Ravlich said.
The Minister said the decision to close the schools had been reached after extensive consultation with the local communities.
"All the students will easily integrate into nearby primary schools. Transport is available for the students at Marvel Loch to travel to nearby Southern Cross," she said.
"It is anticipated most of the students from Wattleup Primary School will enrol at South Coogee Primary School, while parents of students at Midland Primary School can choose between Midvale, Woodbridge, Swan View and Clayton View Primary Schools or Moorditj Noongar Community College."
With the exception of Swan View Primary School, each of these schools has had more than $20million spent on their redevelopment in recent years.
A relocation allowance of $250 per student is available to the parents of children enrolled at the schools at the time of closure, if they re-enrol their children at another Government school for Term One, 2006.
Minister's office: 9213 6800