ROSEWORTHY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Mr PICCOLO (Light) (15:05): My question is to the Minister for Education and Child Development. Can the minister please advise what investment has been made by the state government in the newly redeveloped Roseworthy Primary School to assist the outstanding support that parents and the community give this school?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Education and Child Development) (15:05): I would like to thank the member for Light for this really important question. Again, I need to repeat this: there is no question in his local community about his commitment and his advocacy for his schools and for so many organisations that he represents. I just want to say that in this place.

I was very pleased today to officially open the redeveloped Roseworthy Primary School. This is a school whose history goes right back to 1863. There is no question that this is a school built for the future, not the past. We have brand-new classrooms; a new administrative area; flexible and outdoor learning areas; and new technology that is integrated with the classrooms and other areas in this great school.

It is also a 21st-century school that has been designed to be environmentally sustainable. There is renewable energy available throughout, solar panels and rainwater tanks to capture and use water and upgraded landscaping in playing areas. In fact, when I was having a look at the rainwater tanks, the principal of the school, Matt Saunders, pointed out to me a new feature of the school. He advised me that this is the first time we have done this in the state—ensuites. This is a school that now has ensuites onto its classrooms, which is a fantastic idea, because it means you can always keep an eye on the kids and you lose less class time. Anyway, I thought that was an interesting point.

There has been significant investment by both the state government and the federal government. Our contribution is about $2.6 million, which brings it to a total of nearly $5 million. However, there is also a real and lasting investment—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Members on my left, I do not know what you are laughing at but can you please keep the noise down.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Minister.

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: —being made in the children of Roseworthy by parents and other community members. I want to acknowledge the 70 community volunteers who regularly support our leaders and our teachers in that school community, reading to them, assisting with excursions, etc.

Although I was not able to stay for the morning tea, would like to thank the school for welcoming me so warmly and, in particular, the children, who behaved beautifully and showed outstanding manners at all times. This is a great school in a great community. It is more than just a school. Small schools are super schools, and this is a great example of one.