The school will receive more than $1.36 million towards the construction as part the Building Grants Assistance Scheme.

Principal Mark Pauschmann said the total cost of the project would be about $2.7 million, with tenders soon to be called, and construction starting in the next three months.

“The kids can’t wait, but one of the things we teach here is patience,” he said.

The facility will feature music rooms, a room for seniors to use in bad weather, an outdoor amphitheatre and a larger multipurpose room, with adjustable walls according to needs. 

“It will allow for the teaching of dance and drama, but it will also be flexible enough to have a lecture theatre or to use for students doing exams and hold large exhibitions,” Mr Pauschmann said.

“[So far] we’ve been using classrooms that weren’t designed for that purpose.”

Mr Pauschmann said the project had been in the works for about four years and he hoped community groups could also use the facility.

Announcing the funding yesterday, member for Orange Andrew Gee said growth in schools was important.

“When people think about coming to the country, the first thing is ‘where am I going to work?’ and the next thing is ‘where am I going to send my kids to school?’,” he said.

“The performing arts program is growing and growing and this will take it to the next level.”