Enrolments have opened at the Northern Territory’s newest school, Zuccoli Primary School, which will open its doors to its first students in Term 1, 2020.

After extensive consultation with the local community by the Palmerston school’s inaugural principal, Carolyn Edwards, it has been decided Stage 1 of the school project will offer classes from pre-school through to Year 4.

The project’s second stage, currently under construction, is expected to be complete by Term 1, 2021, at which time the school will also offer Years 5 and 6.

When construction is complete in Term 1 2021, the $30 million school will have capacity for 432 primary school students and 88 preschool students.

The Territory Labor Government fast-tracked construction of the new government school last year to cater for enrolment demand in Palmerston, the NT’s fastest growing region.

Stage 1 of the project, due to be completed by Term 1 2020, includes a pre-school and eight primary school classrooms with capacity for more than 200 students.

Stage 2 of the project includes an additional eight classrooms, an administration building and a library, along with facilities to be shared with the adjoining Mother Theresa Catholic School, including science, home economics and music rooms, a multipurpose hall and a sports oval.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“The Territory Labor Government fast-tracked this new primary school for Palmerston by two years to cater for growing demand in the Northern Territory’s family capital.

“Zuccoli Primary School Principal Carolyn Edwards spent last term talking to families in Zuccoli and surrounding suburbs and has advised that the greatest demand for classes when Stage 1 opens is in the early years up to Year 4.

“This will significantly ease enrolment pressures at surrounding Palmerston schools.

“Unlike the CLP, who ripped $135 million from the education budget and sacked teachers and support staff, the Territory Labor Government is creating jobs for teachers and investing in the futures of our Territory children.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Brennan, Tony Sievers.

“Palmerston is the fastest growing city in the Territory for families and the Territory Labor Government is investing in the vital infrastructure our city needs to support our population.

“The state-of-the-art new Zuccoli Primary School will support more than 500 local children and their families when complete in 2021 and will serve our city for many years to come.

“This school is an investment in Palmerston’s greatest asset: our kids.” 

Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144