“We are all excited about the new buildings and equipment,” St Patrick’s School Principal Rob Unsworth said last week.

“The school community is over the moon knowing the children will have fresh, contemporary and ecologically sound learning spaces.”

New classroom equipment will include interactive whiteboards and wireless computers.

“Children will be able to move lap top computers around to do research without requiring cables,” Mr Unsworth said.

Events moved quickly for the Catholic school of 50 students when the opportunity arose to gain funds. The school principal and parents formed a building committee and worked on plans with Albury architect Rob Pickett during the first week of the holidays.

Construction of the buildings including three new classrooms, a tuckshop, staff room and a big covered outdoor learning centre connecting the complex, will start on June 31. Work is expected to be completed by February 2010 in time for the new school year.

“The school hall will be refurbished and used for functions as it is currently divided into three classrooms,” Mr Unsworth said.

The good news came on Wednesday when Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education Julia Gillard announced the second round of the Australian Government’s Primary Schools for the 21st Century funding.

The funding injection is one of three in the Rudd Government’s $14.7 billion Building the Education Revolution.

Sharing in the windfall are Brocklesby and Burrumbuttock Public schools which have each received $250,000 for new libraries. Gerogery Public School gains $250,000 for a new classroom, and Walbundrie Public School, $250,000 for a new library.

Walla Walla Public School will receive $250,000 for a new centre for outdoor

learning and classroom facilities.

A sum of $850,000 has been granted to Table Top Public School for a new library.

Among the independent schools, St Paul’s Lutheran Primary School at Henty has received $850,000 for the construction of

general learning areas.

The Scots School Albury has received $2 million for the construction of a

multi-purpose hall.