The Education Directorate, on behalf of Farrer Primary School, is seeking community feedback on a proposal for a school boundary fence.

The Farrer Primary School leadership has requested a boundary fence to improve student safety and mitigate vandalism of school property.

Feedback is invited on:

• the fence line
• placement of gate access points and
• out of hours access.

To have your say, complete the feedback form or email your feedback to ACT.Education@act.gov.au

Feedback is open for six weeks until 11:59pm, Sunday 29 October 2023.

Farrer Primary School has experienced an increase in vandalism and property damage. In 2022, the school’s cost for repairs exceeded $5000. This included replacing broken windows, basketball hoops and cleaning more than 30 incidences of graffiti at the school.

A fence would reduce the risk of destruction of school property, ensuring the school’s facilities can be maintained for students.

This year, the school’s courtyard will be upgraded to enhance external learning areas. The Education Directorate is installing a new shade structure over the courtyard and the school is funding a new playground.

The fence will enclose these areas, protecting them from damage and maintaining the facilities for students and the community.

Farrer Primary School is close to three roads. A boundary fence would enhance the safety of students and mitigate the risk of students absconding onto busy roads.

The preliminary plan

The below preliminary plan proposes where a fence would be installed. The proposed fence would be a standard 2.1 metres high.

Schools are shared community assets and continued community access to outdoor spaces and play equipment outside of school hours, including the appropriate placement of access points, will be considered through the consultation.

The Education Directorate is committed to achieving a balance between the needs of the school and the wider community.

Feedback is invited on the fence line, placement of gate access points and out of hours access.

We will use your feedback to design a fence that is accessible and useful for the school and Farrer community.

The final decision on the fence design will be made by the Education Directorate. The ‘What We Heard’ report to be developed and discussed with the school leadership, Board and P&C. A decision is then made by the Education Directorate. The report will be made available here and on the school website.

It is anticipated that final designs and construction timelines will be provided in term 1, 2024.