During the next stages of development ,17 purpose built educational spaces will be created along with a learning support unit with two classrooms, library and school hall.

Lake Cathie Public School Jock Garven said is was a great day for the school community.

"It is exciting for the school community to welcome the minister and our local MP and for us to officially start the next chapter of the school," Mr Garven said.

"Over the coming months the whole community will be witness to the construction of stages one, two and three of our school which will see 17 new learning spaces created along with a range of other facilities and landscaping.

"In stage two of the project the hall will be refurbished and our existing COLA (covered outdoor learning area) will be enclosed to become an indoor sporting arena. Stage three will include an upgrade to our library and special education classrooms."

Once complete by late 2021, the school will have the capacity to accommodate up to 460 students in permanent classrooms.

Mr Garven said the project will mean more students can attend Lake Cathie Public School and more jobs for the local area.

"We will of course need more teachers and support staff as the school grows," he said.

"The project is expected to take around 18 months depending on weather and really is in response to the community.

"This whole region is rapidly growing and we are keeping up with what the community is asking for.

"The philosophy at our school is that we are celebrating effort as well as achievement because we want a place where all students can achieve their best."

At the turning of the sod on February 12, state education and early childhood learning minister Sarah Mitchell was joined by Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams and education representatives to mark the next steps.

Ms Mitchell said the upgrade will benefit the Lake Cathie community for generations.

"It is fantastic that these works are starting and I am excited for next year when the school community will really begin to see the benefit of these upgrades," Ms Mitchell said.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams - a champion for the school since its inception - said it was great to see the stage of development.

"These new learning spaces are really a reflection of the community and the significant growth in the region," Mrs Williams said.

"The school already has first class facilities but these additional spaces will continue to add even more value to the students and staff at Lake Cathie Public School."

Student captains Lexi Drury and Mitchell Whiting said they are excited about the future for students at Lake Cathie Public School.

"We think this will be really great for all the students who will come to our school in the future," Mitchell said.

"We are a friendly place and with more classrooms we hope that more students will come. I am excited for all the new learning spaces also."

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