Nationals appeal primary’s school case

DEPUTY Leader of the Nationals, Emma Kealy, and Nationals Candidate for Bass, Brett Tessari, visited Wonthaggi Primary School last week as the school ramped up their bid to secure desperately-needed funding.

Both were quick to praise the incredible work of the teachers and staff at Wonthaggi Primary amidst failing, inadequate and subpar facilities.

As teachers scrounge to continue providing a first-rate education and high-quality learning, Wonthaggi Primary School Council President, Caroline Moore is ensuring no child is left behind.

In their appeal for $20million to create connected spaces, and cope with the ever-increasing influx of students, the master plan is not only about upgrading the facilities and bringing them in line with other schools but also addressing safety concerns on all fronts.

Students Axel, Boyd, Louie and Billie were on hand to speak openly and honestly with Emma and Brett about their experiences and what having upgraded facilities would mean to them, and future generations during a round table.

“The facilities haven’t changed in 40 years,” Brett explained drawing on his experience as a child meeting up with his friends and cousins who attended Wonthaggi Primary.

The first public school with an outdoor pool, Brett recalled many summers spent at the only pool in town, and the importance of community water safety.

“The school dates back to 1911 and there are significant failings, not least of which is the fact that one set of toilets are simply unusable - forcing children to cross to the other side of the school to go to the toilet,” he said.

“I can see firsthand that the Wonthaggi Primary school is in need of an upgrade and that is why I’m lobbying for investment to fix the outdated facilities.”

Mr Tessari took the case to The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Member Melina Bath who has raised the matter in State Parliament.

“I have called on the Education Minister to provided funding for the school to ensure that it has modern and acceptable facilities, not the least of which is working toilets,” Ms Bath said.