Making a splash at Grace Lutheran Primary School with two new pools

Work has started on an exciting addition to Grace Lutheran Primary School in Clontarf - a brand new, state-of-the-art aquatic precinct.

The precinct’s centrepiece will be a 25m swimming pool, supported by a smaller learn-to-swim pool, modern changing rooms, amenities and landscaping.

To preserve valuable play spaces, the new aquatic precinct is being constructed on the current staff car park, with completion anticipated early next year.

First proposed nine years ago, the aquatic precinct has been planned over the last five years and is self-funded by Grace Lutheran Primary School.

“The project has been a long time in the making, and it has been a really exciting journey,” Principal Trudy Moala said.

“I want to acknowledge the effort, persistence and support from many people along the way, in particular, our School Council for their vision, advocacy and support.

“It has been thoughtfully designed to support curriculum, learn-to-swim programs, aquatic education and broader co-curricular opportunities, whilst enhancing community connection and engagement across the school.”

Building water confidence for life

Grace Lutheran Primary School “recognises the importance of water confidence and safety as essential life skills for our students”, Trudy Moala said.

With the new aquatic centre, Grace Primary will “provide a high-quality environment in which these skills can be nurtured for generations to come”.

“I have a passion that young children should know how to swim, especially in Queensland,” Trudy Moala said.

“Children will often have pool parties or friends over to swim, so its important children have strong swimming skills and confidence around water.”

“After COVID, there was also a decline in swimming skill levels in children around 9-10 years of age. We’re very excited to bring these skills back through our program.”

Partnership with Grace Swimming

Grace Swimming, which operates at Grace Lutheran College, Rothwell, will be contracted to run the primary school’s new aquatic precinct.

“Grace Lutheran College has been very helpful and allowed us to collaborate with Grace Swimming staff to discuss coming in as contractors for our pool,” Trudy Moala said.

“Chris Phillips, the head coach at Grace Swimming, is an expert at early learning swimming and has worked with primary schools throughout north Brisbane for many years.

“We are starting with early learning children, two-to-three years old and they (Grace Swimming) will develop children who will go into squads and activities in the College.”

The new aquatic precinct is part of Grace Lutheran Primary School’s response to parent feedback for quality sporting programs.

The school already runs a touch football academy, netball, tennis and running programs, with swimming programs to be added at the time of the pool completion.

“It’s exciting to develop the swimming ability for students to become confident swimmers and safe in the water, right through to advanced swimmers at competition level,” Trudy Moala said.

“I would like to thank the builders who have been exceptional in planning this with us, and for their cooperation and communication.

FIND OUT MORE

Discover more about why Grace Lutheran Primary School is the best Primary School on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Visit graceprimary.qld.edu.au

Phone 07 3283 0011

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Grace Lutheran Primary School and proudly endorsed by Moreton Daily. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Moreton Daily possible.