GOVERNMENT FUNDING HELPS SCHOOL COMPLETE MASTER PLAN

A new chapter in the history of Holy Spirit School at New Farm started today with the official opening of four refurbished classrooms and library resource centre.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Training, Bonny Barry, said the new facilities would further enhance the student learning environment.

“These new facilities will ensure the Holy Spirit School continues its long tradition of educational excellence,” Ms Barry said.

“The school opened in 1930 with seventy-nine students and has grown to be a registered InternationalSchool with a wide-ranging cultural mix.

“Holy Spirit School has carried out a number of projects in recent years, including the development of a new playground and a multi-play area and air conditioning all its classrooms.

“This refurbishment is a tribute to the enthusiastic and hard working school community who have worked hard to achieve this result.

“Our Government has been delighted to help meet the growing needs of the school by supporting this building project with funding of almost $462,000.

“I would like to congratulate the school community for its contribution of $70,000 towards the project. This is a tremendous effort and demonstrates the great school spirit.”

The Holy Spirit School is continuing to grow, with enrolments rising from 188 primary students in 2007 including 19 Prep children.

Ms Barry said the State Government had provided $46.8 million in capital assistance to non-state schools in 2006-07.

“This is in addition to our special $100 million one-off allocation under the Tomorrow’s Schools infrastructure program,” Mr Welford said.

“Our Government will continue to work to provide the very best learning opportunities for every young Queenslander.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 32371000 or 0419 734 985