Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): There is no doubt that this has been a school year like no other for students across the state and in my home electorate of Northcote.

As we support teachers, students and families during this difficult period, we have also been continuing our record investment in local schools, with exciting projects in the works, underway or completed right across the Northcote electorate.

The $3.16 million modernisation of Northcote Primary School has just been completed, including a refurbished school hall, staff room, art room, meeting room and reception as well as a new canopy walkway and main entrance.

Students at Thornbury High got to see their brand new gym and performing arts centre open at the start of the year, while Preston High is also set to benefit from their recently completed new performing arts centre.

Early in the year I was honoured to join students at Bell Primary to open their new library, bathrooms, classrooms and shared learning spaces—absolutely stunning!

Construction is underway for a new senior school building at Fairfield Primary and I’ve been watching the construction happen through picture updates. When complete, this $7 million project will allow for an extra 200 students.

Incredible projects are also in the pipeline for Alphington and Wales Street primary schools. With designs for both projects being finalised, I know our teachers, students and parents are excited to see the next steps underway shortly.

Thanks to the Andrews government’s $2.7 billion building works package, students at Preston South Primary School will also soon benefit from an upgrade and modernisation project as part of a $14.63 million funding boost to transform the school.

Over the last two years we’ve seen more than $40 million in capital works delivered for schools in our suburbs, ensuring our students have the modern amenities they need to thrive. I’ll keep working to deliver even more for our local schools!

I also wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge our incredible teachers, students and parents.

I know many families and students are facing unique challenges during these difficult times—from adapting to remote learning, to being away from friends and juggling the responsibilities of working from home with children. It has been really tough.

But I have been blown away by the creativity, adaptability and resilience of our entire school community as we work together to drive down case numbers.

Truly, staying apart has brought us together. I look forward to visiting these schools and celebrating their incredible new learning and play spaces soon.