Eltham Primary School | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

After much planning and big expectations, the new buildings at Eltham Primary School are starting to take shape with a completion date set for the first day of Term 2.

The buildings have been in the pipeline for more than two years and the school finally had its dream come true last year when they were given the go-ahead.

Demolition of old buildings on the site started in late September and things have been on track since, with the construction of a new library, administration block and computer suite well under way.

Principal Liz Malone is excited about the benefits it will bring to the school.

"The school has taken advantage of the Ministry of Education's computer network upgrade. The whole school has been future-proofed by re-cabling and networking our entire system which ties in nicely with the new building development. We will now be able to teach 21st century children in a 21st century building with 21st century equipment," she said.

It is hoped that each class will be able to spend up to three hours a week in the new computer suite, as well as having access to classroom computers and laptops, ensuring they are never far from technology.

The new library offers the school a fantastic opportunity to cull older titles and purchase new and relevant books to fill its shelves.

"Nothing will ever replace the written word and it is so important for our children to be reading," said Mrs Malone.

The revamped administration block is full of positives, not only for the teachers but for student safety as well. The new placement of the staffroom, with large windows, offers a wide view of the majority of the school's main play areas, meaning that there is always a watchful eye being kept over the students.

The administration block will also be home to an easily accessible PE shed, reading recovery rooms, resource storage and new Prinicipal and Associate Principal offices.

Mrs Malone is confident that the upgrades to the school are going to be positive for the learning environment.

"It will be brilliant when the buildings are finished. It will not only benefit the students, but the local community, as well as the atmosphere at the school will be fresh and new. We are looking forward to the good times ahead and hope that Eltham as a whole will join us," she said.