St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School at Stratford to receive $3.6M towards a new learning centre and administration area

St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School at Stratford is set for a major development with the Australian Government to provide $3.6 million towards the construction of a new two storey learning centre and administration area.

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten welcomed the funding commitment provided by the Australian Government’s Capital Grants Program (CGP) which is allocated through the Victorian Catholic Block Grant Authority (BGA).

Mr Velten said the funding will play a critical role in the modernisation and expansion of St Patrick’s Primary School at Stratford to meet the evolving needs of the growing school community now and into the future.

“The grant will facilitate the demolition of existing multipurpose spaces and administration area and the construction of a new state-of-the-art two-storey facility. This new development will feature a new administration and staff area, a whole school multi-purpose space, three new learning areas, break-out spaces, a collaborative learning space and a bathroom facility upgrade.

Principal, Mr Joel Brayshaw said the project would be transformative for the school.

“The staff, students and wider school community of St Patrick's PS Stratford are thrilled with this announcement.

“The new building will allow St Patrick's to support the growing number of student enrolments and provide state of the art facilities for the students to grow and learn. It is our hope that this new building will foster a community of staff and student collaboration and engagement that will lead to improved student learning outcomes for all.”

Paul Velten said the project was a significant infrastructure investment for the St Patrick’s Primary School and parish community.

“It is testament to the commitment and vision of DOSCEL, the school and parish community to provide excellent education opportunities to families in the growing Stratford district.

When completed, these new facilities will provide the necessary resources and spaces for students to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially.”

“We are most grateful to the Australian Government for its continued support and recognition of the importance of Catholic school capital infrastructure in our diocese through these grants.”

It is anticipated the project will commence in April 2025 with an estimated completion date of June 2026.

*On 5 December 2024, confirmation was received that the delegate of the Minister for Education under the Australian Education Act 2013 approved an Australian Government Capital Grant of $3,600,000 to assist St Patrick’s Primary School at Stratford with the demolition of multipurpose spaces and administration. The construction of two storey facility, including multipurpose space, staff facilities, a lift, a reception, offices and meeting rooms, general learning areas, a deck, break out spaces and refurbishment of student amenities.

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