Docklands Primary School’s in, at last!

By Meg Hill

Docklands Primary School’s first 200 students walked through the school gates on January 28 – the day the school officially opened with a visit from Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Education James Merlino.

It has been a long time coming for local families waiting for a school in their own suburb. Foundation principal Adam Bright said the school would work to become a part of the community.

“We were really excited to welcome students and families into the school and open the doors officially,” he told Docklands News.

“A lot of planning went into the school and its opening so to finally have that opportunity was really exciting and the first day went really well.”

“I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity to link in with our community. Lots of our families have talked to us about Docklands not having a primary school, and now this means a lot to the community for families who can now live and go to school in Docklands.”

Mr Bright also said the opportunity at Docklands Primary School was unique in that it was an opportunity to build a culture “from scratch”.

The three-storey vertical school has a capacity for 525 students and includes a library, music and arts rooms, a competition-grade indoor court for basketball and netball, and outdoor learning terraces.

A co-located kindergarten has also been built on-site which will open this term with space for 66 kids, delivering both sessional and integrated kindergarten programs for three- and four-year-olds.

Thirteen other new schools opened in Victoria on January 28, in what Minister for Education James Merlino said was “the biggest school building boom the state has ever seen”.

“Fourteen brand new schools are opening their doors for the very first time today. That is the most number of schools opening since at least post-war in our state’s history,” Mr Merlino said at the Docklands opening.

“This is indeed a day of celebration and a few tears as well for I know a few parents here at Docklands Primary School handing over their little preppies to the excellent staff here at Docklands Primary.”

He also commended the design of the school, which he said reflected Docklands well.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the new school year was more important than ever after 2020.

“The first day of school is a big day every year – but particularly after the year we had in 2020. I thank every teacher, student and parent for their efforts last year and wish them well for the year ahead,” the Premier said.

“We’re building new schools across the state, so every child has a great local school and a best start in life – wherever they live.” •