By Christine de Kock
STATE Member for Footscray Bruce Mildenhall has gone in to bat for Footscray West Primary School.
Mr Mildenhall has asked the State Government to put aside funds in the 2006 state budget for the second stage of the primary school’s upgrade.
The school, built in 1915, missed out on the funds in the last budget.
“I ask Education Services Minister Jacinta Allan to review and confirm the priority of the second stage of the Footscray West Primary School refurbishment in the lead-up to the 2006 state budget,” Mr Mildenhall said in parliament.
“The school received $995,000 for stage one of the redevelopment in 2004. The second stage of approximately $2.3 million is eagerly awaited by the school community.”
The first stage of the refurbishments included the construction of three classrooms, a new toilet block and the extension and refurbishment of two existing classrooms.
The second stage will include a gym and drama room, the extension and refurbishment of seven classrooms and a state of the art information technology room.
Mr Mildenhall said Footscray West Primary School was a leading primary school in the area and experienced steady and strong growth.
“It is known for its innovative programs in core curriculum areas, but it also has a strong reputation in performing arts and sport particularly.
“I request the minister closely examine the merits of the redevelopment.
“This is an outstanding school … which has augmented this building program with a first-rate fundraising exercise.”
Principal Jeanette Fielding welcomed Mr Mildenhall’s support.
“Our community was very disappointed when we did not receive the funding this year,” she said.
She said the school planned to make both the gym and the drama room available to the community.
“We’d also like to open the computer room to the community.
“We might offer parents use of the facility to take computer lessons after hours.”
The school recently received $20,000 from the State Government for construction works, which included roof maintenance.
