Dandenong North Primary School in Melbourne’s south-east is naming its new gym in honour of two long serving leaders.

Kevin Mackay – who has been a principal at the school – and Jenny Mackay – who has been assistant principal – are retiring.

The couple’s teaching careers have spanned 60 and 45 years respectively, with more than 70 years combined spent at the school, leaving a lasting impact on generations of local children.

The school has decided to name the new gym ‘Mackay Gymnasium’ in recognition of their combined service to the school and the community.

Together, the couple has helped the school bring out the best in kids from more than 50 diverse backgrounds.

The new gym is being delivered as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s school modernisation and upgrades program and is scheduled for completion at the start of next year.

Paul Hilton has since been appointed Acting Principal for Term 4 after previously serving as assistant principal at the school.

In the past eight years, the Labor Government has invested $12.8 billion in building new schools and more than 1,850 school upgrades, creating around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries.

The Government is now ahead of schedule in opening 100 new schools by 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024 – ensuring every student can access a great local school and a quality education no matter where they live.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins

“Kevin and Jenny Mackay have made such a huge contribution to both Dandenong North Primary School and the community – so it’s great to see the gym being named in their honour.”

“The couple should be enormously proud of their achievements – just as the school clearly is.”

Quote attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams

“It’s wonderful for Dandenong North Primary School to recognise Kevin and Jenny Mackay through the naming of the gym. The couple deserve this honour for their long service to the school, as well as to the community.”

Quote attributable to Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region Lee Tarlamis

“Teachers like Kevin and Jenny make such a profound difference to the lives of their students. This is a fitting acknowledgment for their outstanding contribution to teaching and to Dandenong North Primary School over many years.”