IT’S all systems go at St Mary’s Primary School with construction of the new junior hub nearing completion.
School principal Kate Quin said four current classrooms had been refurbished and incorporated into an eight-classroom contemporary learning space complete with internal learning streets, wellbeing spaces and offices.
“We are only six or seven weeks away from completion and the staff and students are very excited about the move into this amazing facility,” Ms Quin said.
“The hub will house two junior year levels and will be a fantastic addition to our current school facilities.
“It has been cleverly designed to seamlessly connect the indoors with outdoor areas and learning spaces and to complement existing infrastructure onsite.
“This was all made possible in November 2021 when Member for Mallee Anne Webster announced that St Mary’s would receive funding through the school capital grants program.”
Ms Quin said the school had grown significantly since its humble beginnings in High Street Swan Hill in 1919 and now offered a large after-school-care program.
“The school has always taken pride in strong family partnerships and welcoming environment,” she said.
“The establishment of @ 2 Murlong St is testimony to this commitment.
“The service provides care for school-age children in the Swan Hill area between 7am and 8.30am and 3.25pm and 6pm.
“It also provides vacation care during holiday periods.
“From only a couple of students per day, the program now cares for around 40 to 60 students daily, before and after school, and employs 10 part-time educators.
“We are the only before-school service operating in Swan Hill and have up to 20 children join us from 7am each morning.
“They enjoy the family-like atmosphere and the personalised care provided by our wonderful band of educators.
“Afternoons see up to 60 children access the service and an average of 45 children utilise the vacation program on a daily basis.”
The school also has Shamrock Park Kindergarten operating on its grounds, which promotes a smooth transition to primary school for prep students.
“St Mary’s is certainly a one-stop shop providing for the educational needs of many families in the community,” Ms Quin said.
