Education Minister Peter Collier with students at the opening of Anne Hamersley Primary School.
Camera IconEducation Minister Peter Collier with students at the opening of Anne Hamersley Primary School. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

New Ellenbrook school one of best – Collier

Montana ArdonThe Advocate

STUDENTS and teachers at Ellenbrook’s Anne Hamersley Primary School became part of history on Friday when Education Minister Peter Collier officially opened their new school.

“It’s sensational,” he said.

“You look around and it’s unique; the touching finishes are second to none. This is one of the best schools I’ve seen.”

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Mr Collier said the school honoured the endeavours of local pioneer Anne Hamersley and her family, which included horse breeding and the development of the cheriton orange variety.

“While acknowledging the past, the school features the latest in education facilities, with specialist classrooms for art, science, music and for children with special needs, and modern information communication technology.”

The Dunnett Drive school in the suburb’s Annie’s Landing area is one of WA’s 445 independent public schools.

“From the outset, parents and the community have helped define the directions the school should take, and Anne Hamersley has already seen a high level of input,” Mr Collier said.

State Opposition leader Mark McGowan, who also visited the school on Friday, said he was disappointed the Government had not included a pre-school childcare centre.

“I’m not critical of the Government at all for building a new school in Ellenbrook; as you know there’s been many new schools built here,” Mr McGowan said.

“But these opportunities (to provide child care) at a school like this could’ve been taken.”

The Opposition recently launched EduCare, a policy that would enable pre-school childcare sites in all new government primary schools.

“EduCare will make it far easier for thousands of West Australian families to balance work and family life, especially for parents who start work before school and finish well after,” he said.

But Mr Collier said it was not necessary in all schools.

“Over 100 schools around the state already provide pre-school childcare,” he said.

“However, in some communities it’s not necessary.

“It has to be based on demand and if there’s no demand, then there’s no use providing it.”

The Education Minister also confirmed Ellenbrook North Secondary School was still on schedule to open in 2018.

“Construction has commenced on the new secondary school,” he said.

“I’ve opened four schools over the past four days, that’s a reflection of the growing population, and I’ll continue to do so.

“I’ll open another four next year, and ideally, another four the following year.”