- Minister for Education
Students in one of Victoria's biggest growth areas have a brand-new school to learn in thanks to the Andrew Labor Government, as they join more than one million of their peers in going back to school for 2020.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards today officially opened the new $20.1 million Casey Fields Primary School and welcomed its first students, who will be in Prep to Year 6.
Casey Fields Primary School includes a performing arts and physical education building, complete with a competition-grade gymnasium, along with state-of-the-art learning spaces and administration areas.
The school was designed by architecture firm Architectus and built by construction company ADCO Constructions. The school is co-located next to Livingston Family and Community Centre, allowing local children to make a smooth transition from pre-school and helping parents ditch the dreaded double drop off.
Casey Fields Primary School is one of 11 new schools opening in 2020, alongside Beveridge Primary School (new campus), Botanic Ridge Primary School, Davis Creek Primary School, Elevation Secondary College, Grayling Primary School, Homestead Senior Secondary College, Keysborough Gardens Primary School, Lucas Primary School, Mirripoa Primary School and Riverwalk Primary School.
2020 also marks the first year in the state's history that more than one million students will attend school in Victoria across 1,543 government, 498 Catholic and 222 independent schools. More than 81,000 Preps will start school in 2020.
Under the Labor Government's school building boom, 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every child can access a great local school where they can achieve their best. The Labor Government has invested $6.1 billion to deliver more than 1,400 school upgrades and supporting more than 7,500 construction jobs for Victorians.
And from day one of this school year, students at all Victorian government schools will be required to switch off their mobile phones and securely store them from the first bell to last bell during each school day.
This policy will remove a major distraction from our classrooms, so teachers can teach and students can learn in a more focused, positive and supported environment. There has been positive results in a number of schools in Victoria that already have similar policies in place.
As stated by Minister for Education James Merlino
"Our thoughts this year are especially with those returning to schools in bushfire-affected areas. We're giving students and staff the support they need, and I wish all everyone heading back to school this year the very best."
"Whether it's building a world-class education system or creating opportunities for every Victorian, we're making sure that every student can make the most of school and get the best start in life."
As stated by Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards
"This will be an incredible local school that will provide the community the first-rate education facilities they deserve."
