My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is for the minister to open the new facilities at Glenallen special school in my community. My electorate of Glen Waverley is home to some of the best schools in our state, and one of these schools is Glenallen special school. The school looks after students with physical disabilities and severe health impairments while providing learning programs for students with a broad range of intellectual abilities.
This incredible school, like every special school, is a place where some of Victoria’s best work is on full display. The teachers are compassionate and empathetic and, most importantly, they are committed to delivering the best care and education for kids with special needs. I want to give a big shout-out to the teachers, the carers, the teachers aides and everyone at the school who does such an excellent job and a big thankyou to principal Michael Cole and assistant principal Jennifer Healey and the school councillors for all the work that they do.
As part of the Andrews Labor government’s proud legacy of investing in and funding upgrades to every single special school in our state, Glenallen School received $7.988 million for modernisation upgrades in the 2020–21 budget, and I would like to give you a special shout-out, Deputy Speaker, for your advocacy on this project. This is on top of $700,000 in the 2018–19 budget and $2 million in the 2016–17 budget. The government stands on our record of fully funding and delivering the school’s modernisation master plan. Previous upgrades included refurbishment of the student toilets in both the junior and senior school buildings and upgrading the pool change rooms, which has made an unbelievable difference in being able to get the students from change rooms and into the pool there.
It is great to see the completion of this promised upgrade to Glenallen. As with countless other schools across Victoria, this government is ensuring an opportunity for all by investing in our education system. I had the pleasure of visiting Glenallen last week for the national tree planting day last Friday, and I thank Mardi Scott from Waverley Toyota and Phil Ryan from the Mazenod Panthers for organising this brilliant event. I hope that the minister can join me at Glenallen special school for the official opening. I look forward to the minister’s response.
Minister’s Response:
As the Member for Glen Waverley has mentioned, Glenallen School has been the worthy recipient of various funding allocations from the Victorian Government since 2016: $7.988 million in the 2020–21 State Budget, $700,000 in the 2018-19 State Budget, and $2 million in the 2016–17 State Budget. I am pleased that the current upgrade and modernisation program at the school is now complete; these works included a new hydrotherapy pool with adjacent change rooms, a new space for the therapy area including sensory room, occupational therapy area, physiotherapy gym with associated staff offices plus a new covered bus and carport pick-up area.
I thank the Member for his invitation to visit Glenallen School. I was pleased to join him on 21st August to officially open the School’s new facilities, and see first-hand the amazing work of their teachers and supporting staff.
Hon Natalie Hutchins, MP
Minister for Education
