• Ferntree Gully, Belgrave Mail
• Mount Evelyn Mail
• Ranges Trader Mail

By Tania Martin

9th March 2010 02:00:57 AM

 Purchase this photo from Star Photos

Monbulk MP James Merlino with Monbulk Primary School students, Aidan and Paige unveil a plaque to celebrate the opening of the school’s new classrooms.

---

MONBULK Primary School students now have more room to move, following the refurbishment of six classrooms.

As part of the State Government’s Better School’s Today program, the school last year cashed in on a $500,000 grant.

Principal Ray Yates said the money had gone towards turning six under-sized classrooms into four that could now meet the national standards.

The new rooms were officially opened last Thursday (4 March) with the help of Monbulk MP James Merlino.

Mr Yates said the school had also managed to save enough on the renovations to install electronic whiteboards throughout the school.

He said the rooms had gone from 48 square metres to 73, which was the Australian standard.

“We have gone up by a 50 per cent increase...it’s been great,” Mr Yates said.

Mr Yates said the teachers were also thrilled with the new rooms.

“They think the rooms are wonderful and it makes them feel more appreciated,” he said.

Mr Merlino said education was the State Government’s top priority and it was great to see stage one of Monbulk Primary School’s refurbishment complete.

But he said this was only the first step with a new art centre on the way and a link between the town’s community hub and the school currently underway.

“There are a couple of more celebrations to for this school precinct but today (Thursday) we are officially opening the classrooms,” Mr Merlino said.

Under the Federal Government’s education revolution stimulus spending splash, Monbulk Primary School has received $2 million for an arts complex.

Mr Yates said the school was expected to sign the tenders for the project this week.

He said it would feature art facilities, a music and after schools areas.

“We have also agreed to provide space for an outreach program for the Dandenong Ranges Music Council,” Mr Yates said.

---

Popular Stories