By NICOLE VALICEK
CONSTRUCTION has started on the first dedicated P-12 Autism School in the west.
Works on two new major school projects in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs – the Jennings St P-12 School for Autism in Laverton and Laverton P-12 College have started.
Minister for Education Martin Dixon turned the first sod on the construction of the new $12 million autism school, and also kicked off works on the $4 million third and final stage of Laverton P-12 College’s construction project last Wednesday.
“Melbourne’s West is growing rapidly and the Victorian Coalition Government is committed to providing exceptional schools for families,” Mr Dixon said.
“These two new schools are vital to meeting demand in Melbourne’s booming West, and to ensuring that students have access to the best possible facilities.”
Mr Dixon said the new $12 million autism school – with a working name of Jennings St P-12 School for Autism – would be the centrepiece of the Coalition Government’s autism education plan in the West.
“Students with autism have a range of needs – some benefit from attending mainstream schools, while others find an autism specific school like Jennings St best meets their needs,” Mr Dixon said.
“This new school will provide a supportive and specialised education for students with autism, and will work closely with surrounding schools to support their students with autism as well.”
Mr Dixon also visited the adjacent Laverton P-12 College to formally begin construction on the school’s new gymnasium and sports field – a $4 million project.
The new building will include a full sized basketball court, two learning and teaching spaces, change rooms and storage area.
“This is the final piece of the puzzle for Laverton P-12 College – completing construction on a project which began in 2008.”
“These new facilities will make a big difference to the Laverton school community, and will complement the school’s focus on exercise and healthy living,” Mr Dixon said.
Member for Western Metropolitan Region Bernie Finn said the autism specific school in the western suburbs would be a great development for the community.
“This is a very exciting day for Children with Autism in the Western Suburbs and their families.
“On behalf of those children, I offer my most profound gratitude to Minister Martin Dixon and the Napthine Government for making this possible,” Mr Finn said.
