Philanthropic partnership supporting education in Doveton
News bulletin: 15 September 2009
The State Government is joining with the Colman Foundation to create a supportive learning environment for Doveton children.
In this historic partnership, the Colman Foundation is donating $1.8 million towards the construction of a new Prep to Year 9 school on the current Doveton Heights Primary School site.
The Colman Foundation, which assists children from low income families, will also contribute $500,000 annually for the provision of early childhood services on the site.
This is the first long-term investment by a philanthropic organisation in a single Victorian government school.
“This historic partnership with the Colman Foundation signals an exciting time ahead for the Doveton community, who can look forward to a brand new Prep to 9 school and a range of early childhood services in the one location.
“The combined investment of $28.9 million in State and Commonwealth funding, plus this boost from the Colman Foundation, will deliver state-of-the-art facilities to support young Victorians towards a better future,” Minister for Education Bronwyn Pike said.
Under the Doveton building project, Endeavour Hills Secondary College and Doveton Heights, Doveton North and Eumemmerring primary schools will amalgamate on the Doveton Heights site.
Construction of the new school and children’s centre will begin later this year and is expected to be completed in 2011.
Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand said co-locating schools with early childhood services, including maternal and child health facilities, helped to ensure Victorian families had access to the services they need most.
“We all know that a child’s early experiences have a profound effect on their future social, emotional and educational development and that is why combining these services is so important.
“We also know that many Victorian families are juggling their work and family commitments and that is why we are providing integrated, quality early years services to support the health, learning and development of young children,” Ms Morand said.