4/2/08
The 2008 school year starts today with the highest number of new public schools opening in Western Australia for 30 years.
Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said 11 new schools would open their doors to students in 2008, more than in any school year since 1978.
Mr McGowan said there were seven new primary and four new secondary schools opening over the coming months, worth a combined total of $170.1million.
Primary schools opening today included Bletchley Park Primary School in Southern River, Ellen Stirling Primary School in Ellenbrook and Hocking, South Halls Head and Waikiki Primary Schools.
In addition, more than 640 students will return to new and upgraded primary school facilities at Bullsbrook District High School.
New secondary schools included Cape Naturaliste College in Vasse, Gilmore College in Kwinana, Wiluna Remote Community School and Atwell College.
In March, 160 students in Years Four to Seven will relocate to the new primary school facilities on the Mount Barker Senior High School site.
“We are committed to building a world-class education system,” the Minister said.
“That means giving students the best schools with the best facilities, including classrooms equipped with the latest in computer technology.”
Mr McGowan said the Carpenter Government was spending $1.41billion during the current term on school infrastructure projects across WA.
“We are spending $1.41billion on new schools, upgrades to existing schools and school maintenance during this term; and have built, planned and announced 65 new schools since coming to Government in 2001,” he said.
Minister's office - 9222 9111
