With the opening of a $5.2 million school upgrade at Woodend Primary School, a $16 million construction undertaking to deliver new gymnasiums at four schools has been revealed.

The significant new facilities at Woodend Primary School include spaces for science, technology, arts, engineering and mathematics (STEAM) and a new covered outdoor learning area for sport, class activities and community events.

The new modern spaces are the latest upgrade for the school, which opened in 1995 with 52 students as part of a large housing development. It now has around 640 students and has built a vibrant connection with the local community.

The $5.2 million project was completed in April this year and includes a new music education area, upgrades to the food technology space, gymnasium and library, and an updated main entrance to enhance street presence.

Meanwhile, construction will soon ramp up on new gyms for the Brahma Lodge, Hillcrest and Ingle Farm East primary schools and The Pines School at Parafield Gardens.

Each school will get a $4 million multipurpose gym that can also accommodate large gatherings, such as school assemblies, and potential use by the wider school community.

Other capital projects under way at public schools include a $15 million redevelopment at Pimpala Primary School at Morphett Vale, a $5.5 million project at Nailsworth Primary School and a $19.3 million two-stage development at Seaview Downs Primary School.

Woodend Primary School Principal Steve Freeman said, the new facilities and purpose-built spaces at our school have lifted the whole community – the teachers, the students and the families. You can feel the difference.

“It has greatly improved our offerings to students, and the enthusiasm from the students has been incredible. They love the new facilities”.

“I’ve had students say to me ‘I never thought I could do that’ after performing in front of an audience in the new music space. It is helping to build their resilience and improve their confidence”.

“The work has also extended the school’s connection with the community by giving us new spaces to share”, Freeman said.