GEORGE Street Primary School have had a big week of excitement and creativity after the school was announced as a recipient for a $1.5 million government grant last week to upgrade the playground, fencing and toilet facilities.

The latest round of the government’s Schools Upgrade Fund delivered $48 million in vital infrastructure projects for Victorian public schools.

George Street Primary School were one of the lucky recipients, granted the $1.5m that will refurbish the toilets, replace the playground, and supply and install fencing around the school oval.

Recently appointed George St Principal, Brad Smallman said the teachers, parents and students have been very grateful to have been chosen as a rural, country school for the grant and were excited for the projects ahead.

“The school and the community are delighted to receive the funds,” he said. 

“State education is a fantastic opportunity for all kids to develop - I’m really passionate about it, and this type of grant will only further enhance what we have here.

“I grew up in Colac, and then spent 20 years in Geelong, so it is great to be reminded of my country roots and what rural education is about.”

Amidst the excitement of the upcoming projects, George St students from prep to Year 6, and school mascot ‘George the Dragon’ completed their own school ‘upgrade’ on Monday, where they painted three new cubby houses purchased locally from woodwork trade students at the Hamilton District Skills Centre. 

“We used the money we had raised to get the cubby houses in,” Mr Smallman said. 

“It was led by the student voice; this was their initiative and we said we could make it happen.”

With the design and precure stage estimated to be completed early next year, and the project to begin construction by March 2025, the final project of the school’s playground, fence and toilet facility upgrade is hopeful to be complete by June 2026.

“It will take time because it is a big project,” Mr Smallman said. 

“The Victorian school building authority are the ones we work closely with the school in designing the project, directed by the federal and state government.”

Mr Smallman also said that he has many plans in mind for the school’s upgrades, with a main focus on inclusivity and safety.

“More colour and more shade would be great in the playground, and as it was built 20 years ago - we want better safety,” he said.

“Safer fencing, and all-accessible toilets will also be a focus for the upgrade.

“It’s about making it a safe and inclusive place for everyone.”