More than one million students – including 84,000 preps – have returned to classrooms this week across Victoria as 14 new schools open their doors as part of the Victorian Government’s school building boom.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today officially opened the new Riverbend Primary School and welcomed its first students.

The school will cater for 575 students and includes three learning neighbourhoods, outdoor play courts, a performing arts and physical education building, and a sports field.

Riverbend Primary School has more than 110 students starting this year, including 44 Prep students, and is one of 14 new schools opening in 2021.

Every new Victorian primary school opening from 2021 will have a kindergarten on-site or next door, reducing the burden on parents and ending the dreaded double drop off. This includes all 10 primary schools opening this year.

The Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre, which opened at the beginning of 2020, is located next to Riverbend Primary School and has the space for 99 four-year-old kindergarten spaces.

In the past five years, the Victorian Government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1,600 school upgrades – creating more than 10,000 construction jobs.

The Government is now ahead of schedule on its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022.

For more information on the Victorian Government’s school building boom, visit www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“The first day of school is a big day every year – but particularly after the year we had last year. I thank every teacher, student and parent for their efforts last year and wish them well for the year ahead.”

“We’re building new schools across the state so every child has a great local school and a best start in life – wherever they live.”

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“We’re building more new schools than any other state, anywhere else in the country – that’s good for children in Werribee and their education, and it’s good for jobs.”