Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Clayton South Primary School

Meng Heang TAK (Clarinda) (19:20): (930) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is for the minister to provide the latest update on the upgrades and modernisation of Clayton South Primary School. All Clarinda district families should have a great local school to send their kids to, and that is why we are upgrading and modernising Clayton South Primary, so students can get the world-class education that they deserve. Funding for planning is the first step in the major $12.45 million upgrade for Clayton South Primary School, which includes the rebuild of the main classroom wing and a new playground, building on the $391,000 we have already provided to the Clayton South Primary School, a great local school. My good friend the member of Mordialloc was there at the announcement with the principal at the time. This was a really exciting announcement from the last budget and an important announcement, because we want young Victorians to have what they need for success in the classroom.

The budget invests in upgrading schools across our state, including Clayton South Primary School, and includes other important cost-of-living measures for school families. With the recent rise in the cost of living, covering supplies and extracurricular activities can be hard for families doing it tough. Uniforms, camps and excursions all add up. That is why we are providing a one-off school saving bonus to help cover the costs. The $400 bonus will help to make sure that our kids have everything they need for the school day, supporting families with children at government schools and eligible families at our non-government schools who need it most.

We are also tripling our free Glasses for Kids program, making sure that even more young Victorians can be at their best in classrooms and beyond. And because we know that learning is not limited to the classroom, we have also invested $6 million to extend our Get Active Kids vouchers, providing up to $200 to help eligible families with the cost of sport club registration, uniforms and equipment. We will continue to make sure that our local families have access to the best school facilities, supporting kids to do their best in the classroom and ensuring world-class spaces for our kids and their hardworking teachers in Clayton South, across Clarinda and across Victoria. I commend the minister and am looking forward to his response.