Ipswich West Special School celebrates opening of new building

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard has joined Minister for Education Grace Grace to officially open the new learning and administration block at Ipswich West Special School today.

Ms Howard said the new building provided six new classrooms and specialist spaces.

“This fantastic new building also provides space for a dedicated administration area, which includes a staff room and reception areas, executive offices and a conference room,” Ms Howard said.

“The new building also provides a home economics room and outdoor learning area which, I am advised, is planned to become a café in the future, plus a multi-purpose room and a therapy room.”

Ms Grace said the $8.8 million construction project would provide Ipswich West Special School with the facilities it needed to cater for the area’s growing demand for special school education.

“I am thrilled to see this new development at Ipswich West Special School, which ensures that all students with disabilities, including students who use wheelchairs, can now attend this growing and inclusive school,” Ms Grace said.

“In 2018-19 the Palaszczuk Government is delivering an infrastructure program across the State valued at more than $923 million.

“This investment is also helping to drive the Queensland economy and is supporting an estimated 2676 full-time jobs through the delivery of important infrastructure projects right across the state.

“This project at Ipswich West Special School supported up to an estimated 23 full-time jobs.”

Ipswich West Special School Principal, Renae Somerville, said the whole school was very excited to be using the new building.

“Living through a building and construction project is always challenging, and it’s great to now be in a position to celebrate the outcome,” Ms Somerville said.

“We are excited to now have the space and facilities to cater for our existing students, plus many more students as enrolments increase at our school.

“Ours is an inclusive, community-minded school and the whole school community is enjoying this new building and the extra resources it has brought for our school.”

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Media contact: Scott Chandler – 0439 578 472