New 'school in houses' project to be built in Ridgewood

17/9/98

The very successful 'school in houses' concept is about to be seen in the northern suburb of Ridgewood, where it will provide an exciting alternative for the education of young children from kindergarten to year three.

Education Minister Colin Barnett announced today that a joint initiative between the Education Department and Town and Country Land Holdings would see the project built at Jenolan Way, adjacent to a site for a new Government primary school proposed in the future.

The 'school in houses' would open for the beginning of the 1999 school year and would relieve pressure on enrolments in the early childhood years at Merriwa Primary School.

"Enrolments at Merriwa Primary School have increased quite significantly and there are now more than 449 children in kindergarten to year three at the school," Mr Barnett said.

"The new project will give parents a choice of where to send their children for kindergarten to year three - either to Merriwa Primary School or the 'school in houses' project in Jenolan Way - which will be a part of the primary school and will be managed by the same principal.

"The Jenolan Way site is likely to be more convenient for families living in Ridgewood. Eventually, it will be replaced when enrolments justify building a new permanent school in the area."

Mr Barnett said the 'schools in houses' concept had been successful in Ellenbrook, Mindarie and Neerabup. The Ellenbrook school had been replaced with permanent facilities and a new $4 million primary school was being built in Mindarie.

"The concentration on the early childhood years at both locations will allow new initiatives in curriculum delivery to be developed and implemented for the benefit of all students," the Minister said.

"The Joondalup Education District will now progress the project and inform parents of the choices that will be available to them from next year. I am confident these additional educational facilities for the families of Merriwa and Ridgewood will be welcomed."

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699