The bells will ring for the first time this week at six new schools in communities that need them most - welcoming more than 4,000 Victorian kids to their new school grounds.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today welcomed students to Pakenham's brand new Kuyim Primary School, named after the Bunurong word meaning kangaroo, where 525 students will attend from prep to grade six.
Kuyim Primary School is one of 81 new schools that has been built as part of the Allan Labor Government's 100 new schools initiative - with 19 more on track to open next year, bringing the total to 100 new schools by 2026.
The Labor Government is helping families with cost-of-living relief at the expensive start of the school year - with the $400 School Saving Bonus to ease the cost of uniforms, textbooks and other school essentials for each student.
The School Saving Bonus is just one of the ways we're making sure Victorian kids get the most out of their school day - there are also free school breakfast clubs, discounted student travel, affordable school uniforms, glasses for kids and free swimming lessons available to families.
Kuyim Primary School joins five other new government schools opening this week, including Mirniyan Primary School Clyde North, Turrun Primary School Clyde North, Wulerrp Secondary College Clyde North, Barayip Primary School Tarneit and Wirrigirri Primary School Wollert.
The kindergarten at the new Boollam Boollam Child and Family Centre next to Kuyim Primary School will open in Term 2 this year.
Every Victorian primary school that has opened since 2021 has a kindergarten on-site or right nearby, making drop-off and pick-up easier for families and helping children make a smoother transition into primary school when they start.
More than one million Victorian students are heading back to school this week after the summer holidays - with around 77,000 of them starting Prep and 80,000 beginning secondary school.
The 100 new schools are part of the Labor Government's $16.9 billion investment in school infrastructure over the past decade. In addition to new schools, more than 2,200 school upgrades have been delivered in the past 10 years, improving educational facilities and supporting more than 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.
For more information, go to schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/new-schools
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"The first day of school is an exciting time for families. In Victoria, every child - no matter where they live - has access to a world-class education at no cost in a Victorian government school."
"Investing in schools is an investment in our kids' future, which is why we have the largest school building program in the country with the biggest investment in our state's history - and with these six new schools opening we're on track to building 100 brand new schools by 2026."
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"We're delivering more kindergarten places for local families across Victoria to expand access to early education and help our kids learn, thrive and grow."
As stated by Member for Pakenham Emma Vulin
"I am thrilled to welcome the very first students to their brand-new school, Kuyim Primary School. Our local Pakenham families will benefit from the Allan Labor Government's ongoing investment in one of Victoria's fastest-growing outer suburbs."
