New and improved programs, resources and facilities will greet almost one million students heading back to school this week thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas welcomed local students in Werribee electorate to a new school year, and encouraged them to access first-rate local school facilities and get a great education.

The Labor Government has invested $2.5 billion to build and upgrade even more schools to give kids the best start in life. The school building boom has delivered more than 1,200 school upgrades, 56 new school projects – including 11 brand new government schools opening this year – and supported more than 5,000 construction jobs across Victoria.

This year new schools will open in Plumpton, Officer, Tarneit, South Melbourne, Beaumaris, Richmond, Armstrong Creek, Bannockburn, Hamlyn Heights, Torquay North and Epping North.

In 2018, reforms will kick in for the Excellence in Teacher Education with higher quality teaching and status of the profession, and increased support for principals’ mental health and wellbeing, including health checks.

The roll out of programs such as Breakfast Clubs, the Navigator and LOOKOUT re-engagement programs, as well as the Australian-first Doctors in Secondary Schools, will mean students continue to receive the support they need to learn and thrive. This year students will also get more say in shaping the direction of their school, with student representatives joining on secondary school councils with full voting rights.

In 2018, approximately:

• 972,700 students will attend a Victorian school
• 620,400 students will attend a Victorian government school, up from 603,500 students last year
• 543,200 primary and 412,200 secondary students will start school
• 80,200 preps will start school, including 56,000 in government schools
• 72,900 Year 7s will start school, including 40,700 in government schools
• 56,000 library bags will be given to preps starting at government schools to provide information.

There are 1532 government schools, including 1124 primary schools, 79 primary-secondary schools, 244 secondary schools, 81 special schools and 4 English language schools throughout Victoria. There is 2246 government, Catholic and independent schools in Victoria.

Quotes Attributable to Member for Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“The start of the school year is an exciting time as principals, teachers and families in Werribee prepare to return to school for another year of learning.”

 “Whether it’s achieving excellence, building a world-class education system or creating opportunities for every Victorian – we’re making sure that every student can make the most of school and get the best start in life.”