Source : Perth Now news
The name of a new primary school under construction in Perth’s northern suburbs has been announced by the State Government.
The $44.2 million school taking shape in Banksia Grove will be known as Boola Bidi Primary School.
The name, which translates to “many pathways” in the Noongar language, was chosen following consultation with the local community and a Noongar place-naming process facilitated by cultural consultancy Moodjar.
Construction on the school began last September, with the facility being built on vacant land off Grandis Boulevard, near Joseph Banks Secondary College and Grandis Park.
Until now, the project, first announced in January 2025, has been known as Banksia Grove West Primary School.
Once completed, Boola Bidi will be able to accommodate 590 students from kindergarten to Year 6, including about 50 students in its education support program.
The school’s foundation principal Trudy Jones said the name “beautifully reflects” the school’s vision of “one school, many pathways”.
“As the third primary school in Banksia Grove, the usual suburb and street-based naming options had been used, which gave us a unique opportunity to honour the land on which our school is being built,” Ms Jones said.
“Working with Moodjar, led by Dr Len Collard, and through extensive community consultation, we explored Noongar language, local history, country and community voice to develop a name with genuine meaning and connection.
“Our school will bring together early childhood, primary and education support within one connected community, where every child belongs and every family is a valued partner.”
Director of Moodjar, Dr Len Collard, described the naming process as a positive collaboration and said he looked forward to continuing to work with the school in the future.
“Kia, the cultural method used to create the naming of Boola Bidi Primary School was a wonderful opportunity to honour the Whadjuck Noongar sense of place where Boola Bidi stands,” Dr Collard said.
“This is a modern demonstration of how the Whadjuck traditional owners and State Government, through the Department of Education, mutually collaborated following the tracks of knowledge, using the language and culture to name Boola Bidi — many pathways.”
Boola Bidi will have two double-storey classroom blocks, dedicated science and art rooms, a single-storey education support centre and outdoor hard courts.
Plans also include an administration building, library, staff rooms, covered assembly area, music room and canteen, as well as a dedicated early childhood block with a specialised play space.
The education support program will feature a therapy room and sensory room, as well as a covered area for bus drop-offs.
WA Education Minister Sabine Winton said the new school would help relieve enrolment pressures on nearby Grandis Primary School and other schools in Perth’s fast-growing north-east corridor.
“As both Education Minister and Member for Wanneroo, I know how important it is for families to have quality schools where they live, and for students to learn in comfortable and modern environments,” Ms Winton said.
“I know this new school will benefit the community for generations to come and look forward to seeing its doors open to students next year.”
Boola Bidi Primary School is expected to open in time for the start of the 2027 school year.
