St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham, will receive $300,000 for the construction of a library and $550,000 to build a multi-purpose hall.

Tinonee Public School, meanwhile, will net $2 million for a new hall and covered outdoor learning area (COLA).

The grants come from round one of the Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21) package under the Building the Education Revolution fund. On top of this, St Joey’s also received $75,000 under the National Schools Pride program.

Principal Justin Hutchens said he was very excited to hear the school’s applications were successful.

“In my 29 years in Catholic schools, I have never witnessed the scale of the work that is about to be undertaken to upgrade so many schools,” he said.

The school plans to construct the new buildings at the back of its grounds, behind the classrooms and overlooking the Manning River.

The hall will include a portable stage and storage for seating and will be a venue for school activities and Parents and Friends Association (P and F) functions.

“It will add a new dimension to our school,” Mr Hutchens said.

The library, which will be attached to the hall, is a much-needed facility. Currently, the school has been making do with the former convent dormitory as its library space.

Mr Hutchens thanked the P and F, the parish and parents for sharing their valued input throughout the application process.

Federal member for Lyne Rob Oakeshott was pleased to see that local primary schools had been pro-active in securing their share of the funding.

“Big congratulations to the teachers who took the time to get their applications in for the first round,” Mr Oakeshott said.

“Also, in the current economic climate, it is a great opportunity for local contractors, tradespeople and suppliers to put their hands up for the work.”

Mr Oakeshott urged these workers to register their interest with the New South Wales Department of Education and Training, which will forward their details to Reed Constructions, the managing contractor for our region.

To register your interest in the construction phase of the P21 projects, local contractors, tradespeople and supplies need to visit https://www.det.nsw.edu/strat_dir ection/schools/ber/registration/i ndex.htm

Mr Oakeshott encourages primary schools that did not receive funding under the first round to apply before Friday for round two and July 10 for round three.