Community & Business
10 September, 2023
School celebrates with new fence win
A NEW security fence will be prioritised at Atherton State Primary School after $1.1 million was allocated to the local school in the 2023 State Budget.
Over the past few years, the local primary school has become subject to break-ins and vandalism, causing anxiety within the community.
The school’s P&C president Emily Larcombe said the funding would help create a safer, brighter future for all students attending.
“We want to make sure our students feel safe at school. We want our teachers and staff to have security in their workplace and not be worried that their classrooms aren't safe over the weekends or school holidays,” she said,
“Our main priority is to improve the school fencing to stop the thoroughfare of people cutting through from the bridge to Woolworths straight through the school to Armstrong Street.
“This will greatly decrease the opportunistic crime occurring out of school hours and ensure our school is a safe place for our children during school time.”
Principal Helen Foulger said the school community welcomed the State Government’s investment in strengthening security for the school.
“The new fence and other security measures will greatly enhance overall school security and the safety and wellbeing of students and staff,” Mrs Foulger said.
“Sincere thanks to the State Government, Shane Knuth MP, the Atherton Primary School P&C, Atherton Police, PCYC- Outside School Hours Care and school staff for their significant support and contribution towards making this project a reality.”
Member for Hill Shane Knuth said he was pleased to work with the local school, P&C and Atherton Police to lobby the Minister to get a win for safety at the school.
Mr Knuth thanked Education Minister Grace Grace for recognising the need to keep students safe.
