At a public hearing in July 2017, assistant principal Ros Smith said there were many issues to address at the school, such as a limited capacity for whole-school occasions, “non-existent” disabled access, and asbestos in the music room.

“It is essential that we are able to provide our students with a range of opportunities and support them in achieving education outcomes which are not hindered, but enhanced by our rural, isolated and very strong community,” she said. 

Principal Bruce Campbell said St Marys as a community is thankful to have this needed work happening.

”The majority of the work that currently happening is on our oldest buildings, completed in August 1948 and opened in 1949 making it seventy years this year that the new school was completed.

“It is important to our community that we maintain the historical aspect of the site and at the same time provide the modern facilities that are expected of a school in 2018,” he said.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff announced the commencement of construction on the facilities on January 27.

The improvements will include upgraded music and performing arts facilities, support areas, amenities, and administration areas, alongside a new canteen which will provide catering facilities for school functions.

“It is great to announce the commencement of a $5 million makeover of facilities at St Marys District School, which has seen growth in enrolment numbers since extending in 2015,” he said.

Mr Rockliff said the state government is “building our next generations future” through investment into Government School infrastructure and through it’s school extension program.

Construction will be undertaken by 6ty architects and Fairbrother builders, with the upgrades expected to be completed by December 2018.

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