The Berry Street School, relaunched last Wednesday, provides education for young people who have difficulty fitting into mainstream education. 24129
By Melissa Meehan
NOBLE Park relaunched its Berry Street School last week and staff and students were joined by representatives from local government, community service organisations, local businesses, schools and supporters to celebrate the occasion.
The relaunch followed extensive refurbishments paid for by Investing In Our Schools grants through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
The renovations included installing new toilets, classroom upgrades, staff rooms, woodwork room and a new computer network and computers.
The Berry Street School provides education for young people unable to attend mainstream education for a variety of reasons.
Principal Emma McCarthy gave an emotional speech at the celebration, fighting back tears as she spoke about her students.
“Every one of our kids wants a future, and education can help them,” she said. “We take them seriously.
“We have a serious commitment to them and this refurbishment allows us to offer them things that kids in mainstream schools take for granted.”
Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus reopened the school officially on behalf of Federal Education Minister Julia Gillard.
“Quality education is one of the greatest gifts we can give young Australians,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“It allows our students to achieve personal success and contribute to national strength and prosperity.”
