The grand opening ribbon was cut at Kurmile Primary School this week to the excitement of Officer’s young students and teachers.
The event saw the Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, South Eastern Metro MP Lee Tarlamis and Pakenham MP Emma Vulin attend the official opening of the town’s brand-new school.
The day started with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, with speeches from principal Sharon Mitchell and Mr Carroll.
The ribbon was cut with school captains and a plaque unveiled to commemorate the occasion.
Ms Mitchell, in a 2023 interview published by the Victorian School Building Authority, said great education was when everyone comes together.
“So when we’ve got our students and their families, our staff and the wider community all collaborating, listening to each other and sharing knowledge – that’s when great things happen in our school. And that’s when our students really thrive,” she said.
The principal said her vision for the school was to create a dynamic learning environment, “where our students are supported to build the skills, knowledge and attitude that they need to become leaders in their community”.
Ms Mitchell said she had been in the education industry for around 15 years, with ten of those in a principal role working across a variety of school contexts in Gippsland and southern Melbourne.
“The most rewarding thing I believe in the job that I do is seeing the growth in everyone, whether it’s in kids, that lightbulb moment happens for them and they’re able to achieve – or whether it’s staff as they learn new skills or a new way of doing things.”
Kurmile Primary School is the work of just under two years of construction with the school to help facilitate the much-needed education for the children of fast-growing Officer.
