Building Education Revolution (BER)

Parents, students and community members,

St Philomena’s School Moree enthusiastically welcomes the news of the Building Education Revolution (BER).

As a Principal, it is an exciting time to be part of such major work in a school, which will bring significant benefits to those who use and share it. Over a period of three years, the Australian Government has committed funding of $14.7 billion to provide new facilities and refurbishments in Australian schools, to meet the needs of the 21st century students and teachers.

Through the BER, the Australian Government aims to:

Provide economic stimulus through the rapid construction and refurbishment of school infrastructure.
Build learning environments to help children, families and communities participate in activities that will support achievement, develop learning potential and bring communities together.

The BER is underpinned by a strong partnership approach between the Australian, state and territory governments and non-government education authorities.

There are three elements to the Building Education Revolution (BER) which are described below and offer opportunities to both Primary and Secondary Schools. St Philomena’s School is involved in elements one and two.

Further information about BER can be found:

by calling the DEEWR Call Centre – 1300 363 079 (local charges apply);
at the BER website: www.buildingtheeducationrevolution.gov.au; or
by sending an email to BER@deewr.gov.au

I hope you enjoy our St Philomena’s School BER story!
Karen Jagers
Principal

The following table describes the three elements of the Building Education Revolution (BER). Additionally it summarises the projects which the school is involved in, giving a brief description.

BER Element

St. Philomena’s School Moree Implementation

Element One:

Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21)

$12.4 billion for all Australian primary schools, K-12 schools (primary school component) and special schools to build new iconic facilities such as libraries, multipurpose halls or classrooms or to upgrade existing facilities.

Construction of a multipurpose hall.

Commencement date will be approximately June 2010.
Completion date will be March 2011.

St Philomena’s School received $2 million for this project. The monetary allocation for this element of the BER was based on Primary (K-6) enrolments.
A highly rated need of the school has been that of having a hall large enough for the student community to gather as a K-10 group.
The new hall will be constructed on the Gwydir Street site, where the current K-2 playground equipment is. This will be relocated and a new area allocated for this purpose.
The hall is currently in the design process by DRA Architects.
The multipurpose hall will hold approximately 600 students, provide a stage area for assemblies and performance, have multiple areas enabling several classes to use the facility at any one time and offer indoor sporting uses.

Element Two:

National School Pride Program (NSP)

$1.288 billion for all schools in Australia, government and non-government, for funding for minor capital works and maintenance projects.

Maintenance Project – Reroofing the school.

Commencement date on site Saturday October 3rd 2009.
Completion date Thursday October 17th 2009.

St Philomena’s School received $200,000 for this BER project.
Conversion of the existing tiled roof to colour-bond will help to eliminate some of the continuous maintenance issues associated with an aging tiled roof.
The contact was awarded to Crawford Constructions, a local company.