MEMBERS STATEMENTS: WERRIBEE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Mr PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (09:41:35): I wish to update the house on my recent visit to Werribee Primary School to announce funding of $275 000 from the Andrews Labor government to replace the roof of the school’s administration building. While this might seem like a small project, it will make a very big difference. In June this year the school wrote to me about the leaky roof outside the school’s main reception area. I am thankful for the prompt attention of the Minister for Education, the Deputy Premier, for allocating funding as part of the Andrews Labor government’s $10 million school pride and sports funding program. In many ways pride promotes achievement. A sense of pride instils a sense of confidence, including, I believe, in one’s own potential. I was delighted to surprise the wonderful teachers and students at the school, who were so excited that I felt I needed to explain that the money was for the school and not for their personal accounts. But one of the moments that will stay with me is of Ayan and Hiba, the school captains, proudly guiding me on a tour of their school—and believe me, watch out for these two young ladies; they are going places. In front of a group of adults they spoke confidently and articulately, pointing out school projects, classrooms and where they played. The girls explained that ‘Respect, Resilience, Responsibility’—the school motto—gave them the confidence that they need to succeed. I congratulate Werribee Primary School on this investment and boost to their school pride.