Kelly O'Dwyer (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Educational opportunity unites all Australians. We have a shared hope and desire for our children and the generations thereafter. Education enables us to develop our full potential, have the widest possible choices for our future and contribute fully to our community.

Last Wednesday, I represented the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education, Senator the Hon. Scott Ryan, to officially open the refurbished science classrooms at Oakleigh Grammar in my electorate of Higgins. Oakleigh Grammar is a tribute to the faith, vision and love of its founders and supporting community. Oakleigh Grammar's Greek heritage lives on today and was most apparent at the celebrations last week attended by many dignitaries of the Greek Community and the Greek Orthodox Church.

The refurbished physics, chemistry and biology facilities at Oakleigh Grammar show exactly what can be achieved by a school with strong leadership and a clear vision for the future as provided by the Principal, Mr Mark Robertson, and his team. The Australian government provided $623,000 for the refurbishment through its Capital Grants Programme. The school community worked together to raise the remaining $257,856 to complete the project, led by their Management Committee President, Mr Angelo Sardellis. It is wonderful to see a school community celebrate with such pride and enthusiasm its refurbished science facilities. I congratulate Oakleigh Grammar and its community for this wonderful achievement.