New school Springs up

PREMIER John Brumby officially opened the award-winning Pakenham Springs Primary School yesterday (Wednesday).
Children have been running through the school’s corridor for almost a year but it didn’t stop the community from celebrating.
Parents flocked to the opening, as well as local MPs, councillors, representatives from other Pakenham schools and Cardinia Shire acting chief executive Fiona Hodges.
Education MP Bronwyn Pike and Childhood and Early Development MP Maxine Morand were also in attendance.
Principal Colin Sloper said his school, which was recently recognised as the best designed primary school in the state, was an outstanding facility which provided flexible learning.
The school is unique with a kindergarten, occasional childcare centre and maternal health care facility also on the site.
Mr Brumby said the fully-integrated hub provided a great support system for its pupils.
“For the children of Pakenham Springs, this great new hub means they will receive support during one of their most important developmental stages – the transition from kindergarten to primary school,” he said.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Ronald said Pakenham Springs Primary site was first earmarked as a location for a school in 1973, when the land was owned by his family.
He paid tribute to Mr Sloper for getting the school up and running.
“Without his dedication and support this integrated hub wouldn’t have worked so successfully,” Cr Ronald said.
The Brumby Government contributed $3.5 million towards the construction of Pakenham Springs, including a $1.2 million grant to the Cardinia Shire to build a children’s centre.
Pakenham Springs’ inaugural students were presented with medallions as a memento for yesterday’s opening.