Legana Primary School has nearly doubled its student numbers in its first year, welcoming close to 200 students this year compared to 120 when it opened.
Education Minister Jo Palmer visited the school to mark the one-year milestone, praising the rapid growth in one of greater Launceston’s fastest-growing areas.
“With its state-of-the-art classrooms, undercover sports court, library and Lego wall, the school is providing students with the education facilities they need and deserve,” Palmer said.
The $33.7 million facility has quickly become a community hub, establishing partnerships with local aged care facility Regis.
Residents visit the school for gardening, reading and art activities, while the school choir performs at the facility each term.
“We also know children do better at school when their families are involved and engaged in their education, so it’s great to see the school establish its first School Association,” Palmer said.
The school features an onsite dental clinic run by the Department of Health, which has provided more than 1,280 appointments to 664 children in its first year.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said the clinic was delivering essential services close to home.
“With everything from routine check-ups to urgent relief of pain delivered onsite, the clinic is helping children stay healthy and avoid preventable oral health issues,” she said.
Principal Liz O’Donoghue said building the school’s culture from scratch had been challenging but rewarding.
The school now has 42 kindergarten students enrolled for next year.
“We have worked really hard to engage with our community,” O’Donoghue said.
The facility also provides outside school hours care from 6.30am to 6.30pm, supporting working families in the West Tamar region.
