Pervasive Stench Sends Primary School Principal Into Action

The Age

Wednesday January 31, 2007

JEWEL TOPSFIELD

WHEN Philip Nye became principal of Chirnside Park Primary 18 months ago, the school's toilets had a stench to match their 26 years' service.

"The toilets are in the main building, so the smell permeated through the whole building," he said. "It was a bit of a concern in that a basic need of the school wasn't met."

He got the money for a toilet refurbishment from the Federal Government's Investing in Our Schools program and now raves about the "glorious" result.

"I spoke to the children about the colour scheme they would like, because it's their toilets," he said.

"The girls' toilet has the most bright pink walls you have ever seen in your life, while the boys' looks like a ray of sunshine, with two walls of the most vivid yellow."

Mr Nye said the children were over the moon about the makeover, which had given the school a new lease of life.

"Because the children had input into the toilets, it means they will certainly care for them."

Mr Nye said he was a fan of the Investing in Our Schools program, although he also praised the fund-raising efforts of parents and friends' committees.

He said the state of school toilets was a common cause for concern among principals.

© 2007 The Age

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