Construction of two new public schools for 3,000 North-West Sydney students gathers pace
Release date: 07 November 2024
North-West Sydney students will soon begin learning in new public schools built by the NSW Labor Government, as construction of the permanent Melonba High School and Melonba Public School reaches key milestones, with capacity for up to 3,000 students.
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Londonderry Prue Car visited the neighbouring construction sites of Melonba High School and Melonba Public School, along with Melonba High School Principal Leon Weatherstone and Melonba Public School Principal Larissa Maraga.
Works on the schools are progressing, with roofing and walls already installed on several of the buildings.
Melonba High School, once complete, will include 97 classrooms catering for up to 2,000 students, including specialist classrooms for science, wood and metal workshops, performing arts, textile, hospitality and kitchen spaces, multi-media and visual arts classrooms and three specialist support classrooms.
It will also feature a new library, canteen, administration facilities, hall, outdoor activity areas and shared on-site parking for high school and primary school staff.
Melonba High School students are set to move into the new permanent school buildings from Day 1, Term 1, 2025.
2025 enrolments are now open for children from Years 7 to 9, with expressions of interest also open for Year 10. Families can make inquiries at the school’s web page here.
The new Melonba Public School is also set to open on Day 1 Term 1 2025, initially in the temporary facilities currently being used by the temporary high school.
Melonba Public School is also now accepting 2025 enrolments for students from Kindergarten to Year 6, with more than 100 students enrolled so far. Families wanting to know more can visit the school website here.
Once completed, the permanent Melonba Public School will cater for up to 1,000 students with 44 classrooms, three specialist support classrooms, a new library, canteen, administration facilities, hall, outdoor activity areas and on-site staff parking. There will also be covered outdoor learning areas (COLA), outdoor play areas including sports courts and outdoor landscaped learning areas.
The new public primary and high schools at Melonba are just part of the NSW Labor Government’s commitment to addressing the school infrastructure backlog left after 12 years of neglect by the Liberal and National government.
This includes a record $3.5 billion investment for 24 new and 51 upgraded primary and high schools in Western Sydney.
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Londonderry Prue Car said:
“It has been fantastic to see the permanent Melonba High School and Melonba Public School coming to life.
“For too many years North-West Sydney families had their educational needs ignored by the former Liberal National Government.
“We are committed to delivering world class schools for the hardworking families of Western Sydney.
“Delivering these schools is part of our long-term plan to repair the state’s public education system, and I am delighted to see that thousands of students will soon be able to attend these schools in their local area.”
Melonba High School Principal Leon Weatherstone said:
“It has been a delight to work with our community to build Melonba High School into what will be a thriving learning hub that prioritises student engagement. I appreciate the support that we are being provided from parents and the community.
“Our students in Years 7 and 8 have demonstrated remarkable adaptability to school routines and show genuine enthusiasm for their education. The progress on our permanent school site is nothing short of astounding.
“We have quality facilities in our current temporary school, but we can’t wait until we move into our permanent school next year for the next exciting stage of our journey.”
Melonba Public School Principal Larissa Maraga said:
“I am impressed with the progress that has been made on the Melonba Public School site. Seeing the permanent school take shape and witnessing the plans come to life is amazing.
“The state-of-the-art facilities promise to provide an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and creatively.
“I am excited by the opportunity to lead high quality education for our future students, who along with staff and the school community, forge a bright future for Melonba Public School of learning, growth and belonging.”
