Canberra's Newest Government School Welcomes Eager Students in Strathnairn
Excitement filled the air in west Belconnen as Strathnairn School, the Australian Capital Territory's 93rd government educational institution, opened its doors for the first time this week. Families who have been watching the construction progress for years are now settling into classrooms for orientation sessions, marking a significant milestone for the growing community.
Early Morning Enthusiasm and Community Building
For the Mwangi family, who recently relocated from Sydney, the school opening represents both educational opportunity and community connection. "Every day you wake up and something new has happened," said Christine Mwangi, whose children Kaya and Liam are enrolled in kindergarten and Year 1 respectively.
The siblings demonstrated their enthusiasm by waking at dawn on Monday, preparing themselves and their lunches by 6:30am in anticipation of their first day. Through orientation events, Ms Mwangi has already begun forming connections with neighbours who are also parents in her children's classes, highlighting the school's role in fostering community relationships.
School Facilities and Ongoing Development
Currently accommodating 105 students across two preschool groups, two kindergarten classes, and one each of Year 1 and Year 2, Strathnairn School represents just the beginning of educational development in the area. Founding principal Nicole Nicholson noted that the preschool is already at capacity, reflecting the substantial number of young families moving into the region.
While early primary year classrooms are operational, construction will continue throughout 2026 to complete additional facilities. Education Minister Yvette Berry confirmed that a canteen, single gymnasium, more classrooms, and enhanced playspaces will be finished in the second half of the year.
Future Capacity and Educational Vision
Once fully completed, Strathnairn School will have capacity for 780 students from preschool through Year 6, with an additional 130 children enrolled in the early childhood education centre. The Y organization will operate the early learning centre, before and after school care, and eventually the canteen services.
Principal Nicholson sees unique educational opportunities in the ongoing construction, suggesting that students will have front-row seats to community development. "I just think there's so much opportunity around this area for the children to learn about how a community develops and grows," she remarked, anticipating many eager young observers watching construction progress from their classroom windows.
Broader Educational Expansion in the ACT
Strathnairn School represents part of a broader educational expansion across the territory, with construction already underway on a new primary school in Whitlam scheduled to open for early primary students in 2027. This development reflects the ACT government's response to population growth and the increasing demand for quality educational facilities in expanding suburban areas.
The opening comes as families across Canberra prepare for the new school year, with Strathnairn School offering modern facilities including a library space that has particularly impressed parents who watched the construction from outside. Zach Mwangi noted that the completed school was more substantial than anticipated, highlighting the quality of the finished educational environment.
