The principal of Gregory Hills Public School Alison Rourke says staff, students and parents have been eagerly anticipating the grand opening of the new school.
“Teachers are thrilled about the contemporary classrooms and resources that will enhance their teaching and inspire their students. Students can’t wait to explore the new facilities and embark on their learning adventures,’’ Ms Rourke said.
“Parents are equally enthusiastic and confident that this new environment will provide their children with exceptional opportunities for growth and success.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns, along with education minister Prue Car and local MP Sally Quinnell – who is also a teacher – are today officially opening the new, permanent facilities.
The multi-million-dollar Gregory Hills Public School includes 44 classrooms, four support classrooms, a new library, communal hall, as well as staff, sporting and recreational amenities.
This week, more than 400 students from Kindergarten to Year Six began learning in the suburb’s first permanent public school.
The school has the capacity to meet the area’s future enrolment growth demands for more than 1,000 students.
“Opening the new, permanent, public primary school for Gregory Hills is a fantastic day for our local community,’’ says Sally Quinnell, pictured above.
“The students of Gregory Hills and surrounds have waited so long to have their own public primary school, and I am so proud to be part of a government that has delivered the essential public education infrastructure our community deserves.
“I want to thank everyone in the community who advocated for this school. Now that it has been delivered, the sky is the limit for our local students,’’ Ms Quinnell said.
To meet the growing community’s need for a public high school in the short term, the temporary primary school site will now be repurposed to cater for students of the new Gledswood Hills High School from Day 1, Term 1 in 2025.
Planning and community consultation on the new, permanent, Gledswood Hills High School is currently under way, with results of local feedback to be made public over the coming months.
“For years this site was just a vacant block of land, as promises of a new school were left unfulfilled by the former government,’’ says Mr Minns.
“One of my first visits when I became Labor Leader was to meet with parents in the Gregory Hills community and hear from them about the absolute necessity of this school.
“I was proud to return last year to turn the sod on this project, and I’m thrilled to be back to see the doors finally open for this community.’’
