Funding Boost For Victorian Independent Schools

Catholic and Independent school students will enjoy new and upgraded facilities thanks to a $32.8 million funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Education James Merlino today visited St Louis De Montfort’s School to announce the funding, which includes $1.7 million for 12 new classrooms and a new performing arts centre at the Aspendale Primary School.

It’s all part of the Labor Government’s $120 million plan to upgrade Catholic and Independent schools, matching the sector’s contribution dollar-for dollar.

The latest round of funding will provide new and refurbished classrooms to meet increasing enrolment demand at Independent and Catholic Schools across Victoria.

It will also go towards building two new Catholic Schools – $1.8 million for a new primary school in Bass Coast and $3 million for a new primary and secondary school in Greater Shepparton.

The Labor Government is building the Education State so that every community has access to a great school and every Victorian student can get a great education.

On top of the $120 million in funding to improve facilities at Catholic and Independent schools, the Labor Government has invested a record $1.8 billion in government school infrastructure in the past two years.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“One in three Victorian students attend Catholic and Independent schools and today’s funding boost will provide new and improved facilities for schools like St Louis De Montfort’s.”

“We are matching the sector dollar-for-dollar and building modern and fit-for-purpose classrooms and other facilities to meet increasing enrolment demand.”

Quote attributable to Ambassador for Non-Government Schools Capital Funding Nick Staikos

“I’m proud to be part of a Government that is securing the best possible education for students from every school in Victoria, including our many Catholic and Independent schools.”

Quote attributable to Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson

“The staff and students at St Louise De Montfort’s are very proud of their school. Its high quality outdoor learning environment should be matched with high quality infrastructure and buildings and that is exactly what this funding will achieve.”

Schools to receive funding:

• $3 million to start construction for a new Catholic primary and secondary school in Shepparton
• $2.8 million to build new classrooms, arts rooms and offices at Beaconhills College in Pakenham
• $2 million for 16 new classrooms at Padua College in Mornington
• $1.9 million for six new classrooms and tutorial rooms at the St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School in Warragul
• $1.8 million to start construction for a new Catholic primary school in Cowes
• $1.7 million to build 12 new classrooms and a performing arts facility at St Louis de Monfort’s School in Aspendale
• $1.5 million to refurbish seven classrooms and staff offices at St Thomas the Apostle in Cranbourne East
• $1.4 million for new visual arts facility, classrooms and landscaping at Notre Dame College in Shepparton
• $1.4 million for a new two-storey VCE and science building at Mt Hira College in Keysborough
• $1.2 million to build 12 new classrooms and remove relocatable classrooms at Sacred Heart Primary School in Croydon
• $1.2 million to upgrade facilities and classrooms at St Joseph’s Primary School in Boronia
• $1 million for nine new classrooms at St Monica’s College in Epping
• $1 million to refurbish 26 classrooms at Mercy College in Coburg
• $1 million to replace seven relocatable buildings with specialist classrooms at Nagle College in Bairnsdale
• $1 million for a new learning centre at Marist College in Maiden Gully, Bendigo
• $950,000 for new classrooms at St Mel’s School in Shepparton South
• $840,000 to extend the library and build new classrooms at Chairo Christian School in Pakenham
• $780,000 for new classrooms, offices and a sports storeroom at Darul Ulum College in Fawkner
• $730,000 to build four new classrooms at St Anthony’s School in Melton South
• $700,000 to refurbish six classrooms and other facilities at Holy Child School in Dallas
• $700,000 for a new performing arts centre and extended tech wing at Cobram Anglican Grammar School
• $500,000 to refurbish science classrooms and staff offices at Catholic College Wodonga
• $500,000 for a new performing arts facility at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs
• $500,000 to refurbish and extend the theatre at Kilbreda College in Mentone
• $500,000 to refurbish the library and eleven classrooms at Salesian College in Sunbury
• $500,000 to refurbish the theatre at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College in Bentleigh
• $500,000 to upgrade the library and refurbish 13 classrooms at Ave Maria College in Aberfeldie
• $500,000 to upgrade classrooms at Mount St Joseph Girls’ College in Altona
• $300,000 to upgrade classrooms at St Dominic’s School in Broadmeadows
• $150,000 for three new classrooms at St Michael’s School in Traralgon