ACT Minister for Education and Training Joy Burch today attended Franklin Early Childhood School on its first day of operation to welcome students and staff at the $30.1 million state-of-the-art facility.
Franklin is the latest addition to the highly successful early childhood school model introduced in 2009, offering both schooling and childcare to young children from birth to Year 2. It will cater for around 300 students from Preschool to Year 2, and offers a 120-place childcare centre operated by Anglicare.
“Franklin is the first purpose built early childhood school in the ACT and I’m sure students, parents and staff will be delighted by this new state-of-the-art facility,” said Ms Burch.
Meanwhile, the growing number of families in North Gungahlin will also benefit from a second new school, Neville Bonner Primary School, which also welcomes its first students today.
“Students are also enjoying Stage 1 of the $48.1 million Neville Bonner Primary School, and when Stage 2 is completed the enrolment capacity of the North Gungahlin region will increase to 818 student places.”
This year, approximately 5,200 students are expected to start Kindergarten across ACT public and non-government schools, and more than 400 new teachers have commenced in permanent or casual employment in the ACT public school system.
“This first day of a new school year is a proud moment for every parent, and I wish all ACT students an exciting and successful 2013.
“The ACT consistently tops the nation with our education results across primary and secondary stuents, and through the ACT Labor Government’s ongoing investment in education I am confident we will maintain these high standards.”
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