THE message from education minister Peter Collier on officially opening Carey Park’s new $1.15 million Child and Parent Centre was clear – “the days of chalk and talk are over.”
Bunbury educators, local politicians, community representatives and parents joined Mr Collier at the centre, attached to Carey Park Primary School, this morning.
In a speech addressing the gathered he spoke of the centre’s benefits to the entire community of Carey Park and surrounds.
“[The centre] is a tremendous step forward in terms of where we are going, not just in education but in a generic sense in terms of developing opportunities not just for the children but for the associated families in that community – that is the whole essence of the child and parent centres,” Mr Collier said.
Alongside the official announcement the benefits of the centre were already evident, as children played in sandpits and on chalk boards as the adults spoke.
The centre will focus on early childhood development and support for parents, offering a clinic, playrooms and a classroom.
Investing In Our Youth Inc executive officer Carmen Gregg helps manage the centre.
Mrs Gregg told the Bunbury Mail that supporting local parents was a priority.
“I guess what we are saying is [that] we are really valuing parenting and the good work that parents do,” Mrs Gregg said.
“We want parents to feel like this is their space, because it is one of the hardest jobs they will ever do... each and every one of them want the best for their child.”
The centre also offers child health checks, playgroups and parenting classes.
Carey Park is one of 16 sites across the state to gain on-school centres, at a cost of $50 million.
During a press conference following the opening Mr Collier stressed the need for education to adapt within an “increasingly complex society.”
“There are a significant number of students that come to school with English as a second language and a lot of social issues – there’s drug abuse and an enormous amount of social dislocation and we as a government have to make sure we address that and not just be opening up a textbook and reciting facts.”
For more information on centre’s services contact Annette Owen on 9721 6991.
