MEDIA RELEASE
2007

JAMES MERLINO
Member for Monbulk
Minister for Sport Recreation and Youth Affairs
Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs

VICTORIAN SCHOOLS PLAN ON TRACK AS THE BASIN PRIMARY SCHOOL PROJECT ANNOUNCED

The Basin Primary School is one of the 16 schools across the state set to receive between $300,000 and $500,000 for modifications and upgrades under the Better Schools Today program.

James Merlino, member for Monbulk said the school would receive $400,000 to reconfigure seven classrooms to five in one block and reconfigure three rooms to 2 in another block.

"This is fantastic news for The Basin Primary School, as it will transform the look and feel of the school and improve teaching and learning opportunities. This will convert classrooms which are up to a century old into modern functional teaching environments," Mr Merlino said.

"This shows that the Brumby Government is getting on with the job of rebuilding, extending or renovating every school across Victoria, as we promised to do under the $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan."

"We are creating modern and innovative teaching spaces and facilities that reflect the high quality learning practices taking place in Victorian Schools."

Better Schools Today Projects in the 16 schools will include new classrooms, refurbishment's to existing classrooms, libraries, science areas, staff areas, toilets, extending a gymnasium to include music rooms, remodeling entrance foyers and reconfiguring spaces into flexible learning areas.

"This project is an important renovation for The Basin Primary School, It will make a significant difference for students and teachers," Mr Merlino said.

"Every student deserves to go to school in high quality spacious classrooms in which they feel comfortable, enthusiastic and ready to learn."

Mr Merlino said the Brumby Government continued to make education its number one priority.

"We have an extra 8,000 teachers and staff employed in our schools since 1999, record low average class sizes and record investment in school buildings."

ENDS.