During a visit to Red Bend this week, Federal Member for Calare John Cobb announced that the school will receive $554,798 in funding under the Capital Grants Program to replace the existing library and general learning facilities.

The announcement comes after the recent completion of the school’s multi-purpose hall and is part of a series of developments Red Bend has undergone over the past few years.

Deputy principal Stephen Dwyer said the school was thrilled with the news of the grant to build a new library.

“It’s wonderful news,” he said.

“It’s part of the final stage of our building masterplan.”

The current library is undersized and clumsily placed with the building cutting across what will be the main campus courtyard.

As part of the development, Mr Dwyer said the old library and technology centre will be demolished to open up the courtyard area and allow for greater flow for students moving between classes.

The new library will be developed in the old school hall which is currently not in use now that the school can use the new multi-purpose hall.

“We’ll be converting the old school hall into the new library resource centre,” Mr Dwyer said.

“The grant is for the redevelopment of that space.”

The new library resource centre will include a variety of learning spaces for small and large groups, as well as recreational spaces and will feature the latest technology to enhance digital learning.

The new facility will also be utilised by boarders and for after school study sessions which run every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

“The new centre will assist in the delivery of the homework program,” Mr Dwyer said.

“It will help in the students’ learning activities; it’ll be a wonderful space.”

During Mr Cobb’s visit to the school earlier this week, principal Brother Michael took him on a tour of the school and explained how the new facility would provide a much better learning space for students.

“The new library will provide an improved space for students to study in especially with more students signing up for after school study sessions to avoid distractions at home,” Mr Cobb said.

“The new library will not only be much bigger but will also act as a resource centre benefiting students from year 7 to year 12.

“The Coalition government are committed to ensuring every student in Calare has access to the latest technology as it continues to emerge as an effective learning tool.”

The library redevelopment will take place throughout 2016 with the aim to be completed at the end of the year.