Neil, Mary-Anne O'Neill MP, Theresa and Carolyn Male MP

Staff and students at Pine Rivers Special School celebrated the official opening by, Carolyn Male MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Education and State Member for Pine Rivers, of new $1.99 million facilities at the school.

Carolyn Male MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Education, said the four classrooms, therapy area, staff planning area, withdrawal areas, toilets for students and staff, laundry, storage rooms and covered outdoor learning area had been a welcome addition for the 2009 school year.

“It’s always good to celebrate the opening of a new facility and to know what a difference it makes for staff and students,” Carolyn Male said.

“The new block and amenities have been built in a funding arrangement between the State and Commonwealth Governments, with just over $1 million coming from the State Government and $900 000 from the Federal Government.”

“It has added a new level of space, comfort and efficiency for staff and students alike.”

Mary-Anne O’Neill MP, State Member for Kallangur, praised the staff at Pine Rivers Special School for their hard work and commitment to giving their students the best educational outcomes.

“They have a passion for inspiring their students to achieve and that often means going above and beyond what’s expected of them,” she said.

“Since February 2001, the State Government had provided almost $3 million to Pine Rivers Special School for capital and minor works, including $1.134 million for an administration block and early childhood development unit in 2007, for which the Commonwealth provided a capital grant of $450 000.”

Carolyn Male said that under the Australia Government’s recently announced Building the Education Revolution initiative, the school will receive $850 000 through the Primary Schools for the 21st Century program for a new hall and $125 000 through the National School Pride initiative to install life skills areas.