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A FRESH START AFTER 101 YEARS AT ST PATRICK’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
101 years after it first opened, St Patrick’s Primary School has been completely transformed with the support of $2.1 million from the Albanese Government’s Capital Grants Program.
Member for Ballarat Catherine King today officially opened the school’s new facilities, marking the completion one of the biggest upgrade projects ever undertaken by a primary school in the Ballarat Diocese.
The reception area has been transformed to create an open and welcoming space where parents and community members can wait or meet, and staff now have line of sight to both the school entrance and into the school hallways.
The hallways have been widened to reclaim unused space and create new meeting spaces where students can undertake independent learning while still being supervised by their teachers. The previously vinyl floors are now carpeted to create a quieter, more calming environment.
Every single classroom has been refurbished and retrofitted with improved acoustics, hearing loops and transparent, retractable doors to facilitate flexible learning.
Additionally, an old tuckshop space has been turned into the school counsellor’s office which was previously in a less private and accessible area.
Child safety has been front of mind throughout the design process with improved disability access including ramps and tactiles, and the addition of electronically locking doors.
Outside, the upgrade included the construction of a brand new multipurpose space which is being used for after school care, school assemblies and PE on rainy days. Fittingly this space has been named The Madden Hall after beloved long term teacher, Clare Madden, who had a deep connection with the school community and a love of music.
And in a nod to the history of the site which was a dairy and foundry before it was a school, the back courtyard has been paved with bricks that were reclaimed from an old building which was demolished as part of the upgrade.
This extensive upgrade will support the learning of the 250 current students and many generations to come.
More information about the Capital Grants Program can be found at: www.education.gov.au/payments-and-grants-schools/capital-grants-non-government-schools.
Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:
“This upgrade is a great example of bringing an old building into the modern era to best serve its purpose.
“Congratulations to the principal and former principal, the staff and everyone involved in this huge project. It’s been a mountain of work, but it’s really paid off in the end.
“I’ve no doubt that the St Patrick’s students love their new learning and play spaces and that they can now be even more proud of their beautiful school.”
Quotes attributable to Principal Ben Shields:
“Everyone who walks through our new spaces is struck by how welcoming, engaging, and thoughtfully designed they are. The combination of heritage and modern design creates an inspiring environment for all learners.”
“This transformation enhances not only our physical spaces but also the learning experiences of our students, supporting their growth in a dynamic and engaging environment.”
"We are incredibly grateful for the generous grant support that has made this refurbishment possible. It is an investment not only in our school’s facilities but in the future of every student who walks through our doors."
28 March 2025
