The Patch Primary School celebrated a major milestone on Thursday, 5 June, with the official opening of its new school buildings and outdoor learning spaces. The intimate ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino, around 30 guests including current and former school councillors, student leaders, school staff, and representatives from the building and architectural teams.
The school principal Jim Burnside described the journey to the opening day as “amazing” and “well worth it.”
“It’s been a year and a half in the making, but I believe it was four years ago when we first got told the funding was going through for this big build. It’s been really exciting for the whole school community,” Mr Burnside said.
“Each of the new spaces is huge, not just in size but in the way they feel, with a real nature vibe. We wanted the aesthetic to fit in with our surrounding gardens and Fern Gully. The classrooms and Arts Centre have these beautiful green high ceilings that give a canopy feel, which complements our strong focus on nature-based learning.”
Mr Burnside acknowledged the collaborative spirit that got the project through challenges.
“A lot of the school community was involved, school council, parents, students, staff, and everyone was so supportive through the tougher parts of the build, like when classrooms had to move temporarily into other spaces. The community understood that these short disruptions were going to be worth it,” he said.
He praised the contributions of government and contractors.
“Daniela has made multiple visits and has always put her hand up to support us. The VSBA and Deval were fantastic with meetings and guidance. But really, Amity builders and Craig Tan Architects impressed me most, they finished ahead of schedule, in January instead of February, letting us start the school year with a fresh, beautiful space – it’s given 2025 a really positive start,” Mr Burnside sid.
The school’s former principal Michelle Rayner, who retired after 30 years at the school, shared insight into the multiple projects that make up the redevelopment.
“The projects have been multifaceted, a new one-two hub with four classrooms, because the old buildings had rot and leaks. Craig Tan Architects connected the new build to the landscape and school grounds, including new bleachers and a garden designed to fix stormwater issues,” Ms Rayner said.
She said the involvement of student in the process has been very important.
“We involved students in designing the indigenous plantings for the garden. They planted these last spring, and many plants have already grown above their guards. It’s been great seeing students as co-creators of these spaces, tying in science, geography, and horticulture with hands-on learning,” Ms Rayner said.
She also reflected on the transformation since construction began.
“Last year, this whole area was fenced off and full of mud and portaloos. It was tough for staff and students to navigate. But now, it’s fresh and clean with new markings and pathways, a real delight for everyone. The kids were inconvenienced for about a year, but it was all worth it,” she said.
Monbulk MP Daniela De Martino spoke warmly about the significance of the new spaces and the school’s community.
“I was really struck by the representation of First Nations culture here, it’s probably the strongest I’ve seen in any school. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making today happen,” Ms De Martino said.
Ms De Martino praised the many hands involved.
“I want to thank Jim Burnside, the student leaders, as well as Deb, Ange and the builders. It takes a village to create something as wonderful as this,” she said.
She said the environment shapes behaviour and learning.
“The spaces are calm and beautiful. I know from teaching experience how much the space influences how students interact. This school is just phenomenal,” she said.
Ms De Martino also praised the community’s patience during the long project.
“I spoke to a builder who said people often can’t wait for construction to start, then can’t wait for it to finish. That was certainly true here, and the result is absolutely phenomenal,” she said.
“This school has fabulous teachers and a beautiful environment. I’m proud our government values education because it opens doors for kids’ futures.”
