Jumping for joy

By Tania Martin
KALLISTA Primary School was a big winner last week amid a massive $11.19 million state and federal government cash splash for the region.
In the past month Kallista has received more than $3.3 million towards its long-awaited upgrade.
Principal Barbara Rose said the cash injection was “fantastic”.
The school has been fighting for an upgrade for more than five-years.
Monbulk MP James Merlino last Tuesday announced a $2 million cash boost following the release of the 2009-10 State Budget.
The school also received $75,000 last month under the Federal Government’s National School Pride program, plus an extra $1.27 million was allocated last week (4 May) under the Primary Schools for the 21st Century initiative.
Ms Rose said at this stage the plans for the upgrade were still not finalised.
“We are hoping to fix the lighting and the roof,” she said. “We also want to keep away from the traditional classroom structure and move towards more open-plan interactive learning spaces.”
Ms Rose said the $75,000 federal money would be used to build a kitchen for the school’s kitchen-garden program.
“We have been waiting for a long time for this … it’s great it’s finally happening,” she said.
Ms Rose said it was fantastic to see both arms of government working together.
“It means we can get the money and do the work all at the same time instead of working in stages,” she said.
Mr Merlino said both state and federal governments were working together to ensure education was a top priority.
He said the Kallista cash would go towards the construction of new classrooms and administration areas.
“Kallista will now have buildings that match the quality of its educational program and support its great connection to the community,” Mr Merlino said.
“This is really exciting.”
Other schools in the region to cash in on the federal money last week included Emerald Primary School with a $3 million injection, Ferny Creek and Menzies Creek primary schools both scored $2 million each, and Dandenong Ranges Steiner School was allocated $850,000.
Emerald Primary School principal Mark Carver welcomed the funds.
He said the cash was a step forward for the school as it fights for a major upgrade.
The school also received $200,000 under the first round of federal money.
Mr Carver said the $3 million would be used to create a new sub-section of the school.
“We will build six new classrooms to form either a middle, junior or senior section with modern facilities,” he said.
Mr Carver said the $200,000 would be used to knock down several walls in the main corridor to create two big areas for an art room and a library.
“It is fantastic news for the school and hope this is just the first phase of a major upgrade,” he said.
For more State Budget coverage see pages 8 and 9.