A NEW primary school in Brabham that will accommodate up to 540 students from kindergarten to year 6 has been officially opened by Education Minister Sabine Winton and West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti.

The new $39.9 million Maarakool Primary School was built to help ease enrolment pressure from the nearby Brabham Primary School.

The school’s design features five classrooms, shaded play spaces for kindergarten and pre-primary students, and two double-storey teaching blocks with 13 general classrooms.

It also includes an inclusive education classroom, science and art classrooms, a library resource centre, a covered assembly area with a music room, outdoor play spaces and hardcourts, and a spacious administration block and staffroom facilities.

In 2024, the school leadership team developed a community engagement strategy that included ongoing consultation with traditional owner families, Elders, and Aboriginal artists to infuse First Nations histories and cultures into the school’s design.

Foundation principal Anika Blackmore shared her enthusiasm for leading the school’s establishment and its future role in the community.

“We are thrilled to offer a forward-thinking learning environment designed to inspire creativity and build strong community ties. Our focus is on fostering innovative and holistic learning programs while remaining deeply engaged with the families we serve,” she said.

“We look forward to seeing our students build connections with each other and to see them energised and thriving as they engage in the range of academic and non-academic programs our team have carefully crafted.”

West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti said she had always been focused on ensuring local students and their families had access to great education right here in the community.

“So, it’s very exciting that another school in the electorate is open to cater for this growing catchment.

“The new school looks incredible and I’m sure students will love coming to school and learning in these state-of-the-art facilities.”

Education Minister Sabine Winton said the state government was committed to providing quality public schools in Western Australia so students can have the best possible learning experiences.

“We also want to ensure the needs of families in expanding areas, such as Brabham and its surrounding areas, are met.

“While this is a new school, it is already special to the community, with Maarakool meaning 'with our hands', symbolising children, staff and families working together to create experiential learning.

The state-of-the-art primary school was designed by Bateman Architects and constructed by Universal Constructions in the Brabham Estate, developed by Peet in collaboration with DevelopmentWA.