General News
2 September, 2024
Students ready to spread out
Hopetoun’s St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School students and staff are celebrating the news that theirs is one of 67 projects at 65 non-government schools selected to share in more than $243 million funding from the state government.
Principal Cynthia Maiden said it had been four years since the school moved to a three-class model.
The third classroom was established at one end of what was the multipurpose room, dividing the space and limiting the number of students who could gather at one time.
“There have been a few things like beatbox and African drumming, and some wellbeing activities, which we have done in the past,” Ms Maiden said.
“We haven't been able to hold them now because we don't have the space.”
The school is to receive $886,000 to fund the extension of the multipurpose room so it can once again be a gathering space for the 40 students and nine staff.
“It’s very exciting news,” Ms Maiden said.
“We weren't sure - I mean, you apply and hope for the best, but you never know if you will be successful.
“And it is a bit harder, being a non-government school.”
The funds would also cover building a new toilet and amenities block for the students and refurbishing the current facilities for use by staff - a welcome bonus, Ms Maiden said.
“We only have one staff toilet between us so on Tuesday when we're all here there's a line-up to use it,” she said.