09 Feb 2016 North Central Review (Kilmore), Melbourne (General News) PLANS for the expansion of the Wandong Primary School grounds moved a step closer to reality with the announcement of a government commitment to purchase adjacent land giving the school more room to grow. The school is expected to grow by almost 100 students over the next 10 years, and the Victorian Government has commenced negotiations with the landholder of the adjoining land to secure the site for the schools future. There are presently 371 students enrolled at Wandong. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, visited the school to make the announcement on behalf of the Minister for Education James Merlino. Mr Merlino was scheduled to visit the school but was called to an urgent meeting with the Victoria Police task force that is investigating the recent spate of school evacuation hoaxes. Ms Symes said that the news of the acquisition was a fantastic outcome for the Wandong community. I commend principal Rhonda Cole and the teachers and support staff for their commitment to their students and families, Ms Symes said. Ms Cole and the school council have worked hard over the past three years to achieve this great result. The school has been seeking this result for some time. For Rhonda Cole, the announcement caps off a successful start to the school year. Wandong PS enrolled 70 foundation students for 2016 and Ms Cole was awarded a Mitchell Shire Australia Day Certificate of Appreciation at the Wandong Australia Day ceremony. Her work as a member of committees and working parties involved with the L. B. Davern Reserve, the Wandong War Memorial and the Wandong stadium earned her the recognition. The school will also receive $99,662 in equity funding this year through the Education State program. Ms Symes said that Wandong Primary was a great example of how Victorian children are being supported to reach their full potential. The Wandong school was first established on the site in 1882 with the removal of the school from Lightwood Flat to Wandong. The two acre site has not changed much since those days. Minor additions were made to the school until 1968 when a new two roomed school was erected. The Education Department purchased adjacent land and in October 1990, new brick buildings fronting Affleck Street were opened. The current negotiations, the first in close to 26 years, will again see the school expand to serve the needs of the growing community. Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)