From School Council

Help Us Secure Funding For Our Toilet Upgrade

Dear Ormond Primary School families,

You may have seen recent reporting in The Age on the condition of school toilets across Victoria. School Council and the Principal have been working on this for some time, and we want to update you on where things stand and how you can help.

Where things stand

Ormond's toilet block is officially rated Poor, with a condition score of 2.98 out of 5, the lowest of any school in Glen Eira on the government's own published data. The school applied to the Victorian School Building Authority for funding to fully refurbish the toilets, based on independent quotes for the full scope of work. The outcome of the grant application will be known in late September. 

The School Council President and Vice-President recently met with our local State MP, Nick Staikos, to seek his support for our funding application. Securing the funding would enable us to fully refurbish the toilet block. This is about more than appearance: families and students have raised genuine condition and safety concerns, and many children are avoiding using the toilets altogether during the school day.

How you can help

Local advocacy genuinely makes a difference to which projects get prioritised. We're asking every family who can spare five minutes to contact Nick Staikos' electorate office before the September decision, to let him know this matters to our community.

• Email: nick.staikos@parliament.vic.gov.au
• Phone: (03) 9579 7222
• Office: 723 Centre Road, Bentleigh East VIC 3165

A short, genuine message is more effective than a form letter, but we know it's easier to act when you have something to start from. Feel free to copy, adapt, or personalise the example below.

Sample email

Subject: Support for Ormond Primary School toilet upgrade

Dear Nick,

I'm writing as a parent at Ormond Primary School to ask for your support in fully funding the school's toilet block refurbishment. I understand the school's toilets are rated Poor, and that a decision on further funding is expected in September.

My own child [has mentioned avoiding using them during the school day / has told me they are uncomfortable using them, delete as applicable]. This is a genuine wellbeing and safety concern, not just a matter of appearance.

I'd really appreciate your support in advocating for this funding. Thank you for everything you've already done for local schools, and I hope Ormond Primary can be next.

Kind regards,

[Your name]

Our Student Representative Council recently conducted a toilet survey with classes, ensuring students had a direct opportunity to contribute their perspectives. Feedback consistently highlighted concerns regarding the poor condition of the existing toilet facilities, with many students reporting that the current state of the toilets discourages them from using them during the school day. This feedback further demonstrates the need for refurbishment to provide safe, accessible, and welcoming amenities for all students.

Thank you for your support. The more voices Nick's office hears from, the stronger our case.

The Ormond Primary School Council

Jacqui Warfe

President