A roof over kids’ heads

Matthew Coyle (principal) and James Merlino with school captains Taylor Krysko and Felix Gladkoff. 165613_01

Families in Ferny Creek are one step closer to getting updated facilities for their children.
Victorian Minister for Education, James Merlino, visited Ferny Creek Primary School on Friday 3 March to announce the school will receive $285,000 from the School Pride and Sports Fund to build a roof for the school’s netball court.
Ferny Creek has limited covered outdoor space, which makes playing outdoor sport a challenge in poor weather.
The new room will create an additional play space and shelter for students, and help them to stay active all year round.
Mr Merlino said the initiative would be a coup for the school.
“This new roof will allow teachers and students at Ferny Creek Primary School to enjoy playing netball come rain, hail or shine,” Mr Merlino said.
“I congratulate those who have been selected as school leaders.
“I hope they do their best to set a great example to the other students at Ferny Creek.”
The $16 million School Pride and Sports Fund helps to strengthen community pride in schools and build sporting facilities for students.
The fund forms part of the Education State target of increasing the proportion of students taking part in physical activity five times a week.
During his visit, Mr Merlino also helped Principal Matthew Coyle hand out leadership badges to Year 6 students selected to represent their peers and set a good example.
Taylor Krysko and Felix Gladkoff were appointed as school captains, and Mera Pringle, Maebh Manello, Vanessa Bateman, Martha Box, James Clarkson, Charlie Eames, Leuwin Robbins Davis and Nick Whyman were appointed house captains.
Emma Harbourd and Lilly Murray-Finlayson were made visual arts captains, and Jida Saxe and Caitlyn Phillips were made performing arts captains.