From Principal Steve

BPS FACILITIES UPDATE

There is plenty happening around Brighton Primary School as we continue to invest in improving our facilities for students, staff and families. Several significant projects are progressing, while others have recently been completed.

Prep–2 Bathroom Project

Our Prep–2 Bathroom Project has reached an exciting milestone, with the tender process now complete and a builder appointed. Pleasingly, the project is within budget and includes all of the planned works.

Construction will commence during the first week of the Term 3 school holidays, with the project anticipated to be completed by early to mid-December. We are looking forward to seeing this significant upgrade to our Prep–2 facilities take shape during Term 4. Thank you for your patience.

Prep–2 Playground Project

We are also continuing to progress the Prep–2 Playground Project. Following the initial tender process, which unfortunately resulted in quotations above our available budget, we have refined the design and scope to ensure that we achieve the best possible outcome for our students while remaining financially responsible.

A number of playground companies have recently visited the school and provided updated quotations. These proposals are currently being carefully reviewed, with a focus on delivering a high-quality, engaging and durable playground that provides excellent value for the school.

Solar Panels & Battery Storage

School Council has approved a significant new solar and battery system for Brighton Primary School. The project will install a 99.96kW solar system comprising 196 solar panels, together with 48.24kWh of battery storage on the gymnasium roof.

A special thank you to our School Council members for their support of this project and, in particular, to Ralfas, who undertook considerable research and worked closely with the school as we considered the various options and proposals.

With our electricity bills typically ranging from approximately $3,000–$5,000 per month, we expect this investment to deliver significant financial savings to the school over the longer term. These savings will ultimately allow more of our resources to be directed towards teaching, learning, and supporting our students.

Just as importantly, the project will substantially increase the amount of renewable energy generated on site and help reduce our carbon emissions. This is particularly relevant to our students, with climate change, sustainability and reducing our environmental impact regularly raised as important issues by our Grade 5 and 6 students. It is pleasing to be able to demonstrate through our actions that we are listening to their concerns and investing in a more sustainable future for our school.

Structural engineering assessment and other preparatory work will occur before installation, with the solar and battery system expected to be installed later this year.

New Drinking Fountains

Many families will have already noticed the new student drinking fountains that have recently been installed around the school. These are a welcome improvement to our grounds, providing students with better access to fresh drinking water throughout the school day.

It has been great to see the fountains already being well used by students.

New External Fence

Parents will also have noticed our new external fence, which has now been installed. The new fencing is another important improvement to our school environment, enhancing the safety, security and presentation of our school grounds.

Together, these completed and upcoming projects represent a significant investment in the safety, sustainability and quality of the learning environment at Brighton Primary School.

Thank you to our School Council, Facilities Committee, staff, VSBA and members of our school community who have contributed their time, expertise and support to these projects.

With best wishes,

Steve