Building A Better Place
Newcastle Herald
Tuesday July 1, 2008
ST Joseph's Primary School at Merriwa has finally started its long-awaited renovations.
Builders who are putting in long hours estimate that it should be finished by August this year. "The renovations are going to make the school a better place to be," principal Mrs Helen Whale said."The new building project will give our school's physical environment a real community feel about it. "The classrooms will flow out onto a common area which incorporates outdoor learning opportunities."The current school building is very small and the administration area is inadequate for today's needs. "The school buildings are very old and the new additions will allow us to bring the school into the 21st century without losing any of the old world charm."Students are excited about the renovations, especially the combined kindergarten and Years 1 and 2 class because they will get a new classroom.Currently staff are using the old withdrawal room in quite cramped conditions to house resources, the principal's office and staff room. The new administration block will contain a sick bay, disabled toilet, interview room, secretary's office, principal's office, staff room, duplicating room and server room. The site manager for LA Commercial Mr Chris Potts said that the renovations would make the school a safer place to be and encourage more enrolments. "It will make the school a better learning environment with more facilities for the school and students," Mr Potts said."The school will have new verandas and more shelter areas so the students can still go outside when it is raining and be protected from the weather." The funds for the renovations were secured from the Commonwealth Block Grant Authority and the Catholic Schools Office. The school community and its Parents and Friends Association are very grateful for the funding.The students and staff are very proud of the great school they attend. They look forward to the completion of the renovations and the wonderful learning environment they will provide.
© 2008 Newcastle Herald