By Jessica Micallef
An elected Liberal government will commit $6 million to complete stage two of construction at Holy Trinity School in Sunbury.
The new school, which will open at the beginning of the 2019 school year, has an expected enrolment of 500 students from Sunbury and surrounding areas.
Stage one of the construction, which included classrooms, a multipurpose court and a grass play area, is still under construction and is expected to be completed by February 4.
School principal Krystine Hocking said stage two of the development will include a two-storey building, performing arts centre if possible, work spaces for teachers and students, a community centre for before and after school care and a tennis court.
Ms Hocking said she was grateful for the funding.
“It’s a very generous offer,” Ms Hocking said.
“It’s all about the kids, that’s the main message I am trying to get across.”
The announcement comes after the state government last month promised $400 million to build new schools and upgrade existing ones if re-elected at Saturday’s election.
The opposition announced it would match Labor’s pledge by spending $100 million every year for the next four years to build and upgrade non-government schools.
Opposition spokesman for education Tim Smith welcomed the funding.
“That’s why we’ve announced a $400 million Catholic and Independent Schools Capital Fund, and we’ll be happy to provide $6 million of that to construct Holy Trinity School in Sunbury.”
Liberal candidate for Sunbury Cassandra Marr said continuing the school’s construction was vital for the area.
“Students who will attend Holy Trinity will greatly benefit from modern and contemporary facilities,” Ms Marr said.
