BOOST FOR LOCAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

BOOST FOR LOCAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Main Image

The Allan Labor Government is ensuring that every Victorian student can learn in the best facilities – with dozens of local, low-fee Catholic schools to receive funding to upgrade classrooms and build new facilities, including in Kilmore.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced St Patricks Primary School in Kimore is one of 67 projects at 65 Catholic schools across Victoria which will share in more than $243 million to expand and modernise existing facilities or build new schools.

The school will receive $3.6 million to construct four new classrooms, including a breakout space and amenities to increase its capacity to meet enrolment demand.

St Mary’s College in Seymour will also receive $3.6 million to upgrade the science building and expand capacity to meet enrolment demand at the existing school.

St Mary MacKillop College in Swan Hill will receive $6 million towards the construction of a brand-new Secondary campus, including general learning spaces, specialist areas, amenities, and administration spaces.

St Joseph’s College in Echuca will receive $6 million to construct a multipurpose learning centre, including a double-court stadium and learning areas.

St Joseph’s School in Hopetoun will receive $886,000 to upgrade existing facilities at the school.

St Francis of Assisi in Wodonga will receive a total of $9.6 million to expand capacity to meet enrolment demand. This will include the construction of a secondary Baranduda campus, including general learning areas and specialist learning areas.

St Anne's College in Kialla will receive $3.6 million towards the construction of new learning areas and staff workspaces to meet enrolment demand at the existing school.

These projects are being delivered through the Catholic stream of the Labor Government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools – which helps schools upgrade and expand their facilities, ensuring families have the best learning environments for their children.

Non-government schools are an important part of Victoria’s education system, with more than one-third of Victorian students studying at Catholic or independent schools.

Government schools can apply for funding through several streams.

Visit https://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/school-funding-programs to learn more.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll

“Thousands of Victorian kids go to a low-fee Catholic school every day – and we’re making sure those kids are learning in the best environments.”

“We’re supporting our low-fee Catholic schools to expand, build new classrooms and open new campuses.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“It was wonderful to be able to visit St Pat’s this week and share the news. Congratulations to Principal Michael and the team for all their hard work in securing this funding.”

Quote attributable to St Patrick’s Primary School Principal Michael Bourne

"I was delighted to receive the news in person that the school has been successful in the grant. This will enable St Patrick's to build an additional four classrooms and bathrooms. This investment will be a great support for all of our community in providing additional primary school spaces in the area. I am very grateful for the state government's support for our school, which is part of the northern growth corridor.”