When Education Minister James Merlino visited the school at the beginning of June, he said he would look at immediate steps to help the school, which was placed on a “very difficult site with cramped conditions”.

However, on Friday a Department of Education and Training spokesman could only confirm options to address enrolment pressures would be in place at the beginning of the 2018 school year.

Representatives from the department visited the school in recent weeks to talk about the need for temporary measures as the school waits for funding for a new facility to be built on a Wollaston Road site purchased at the beginning of 2016.

School council president Jay Everall said better parking, a suitable sick bay and having more than one toilet for more than 30 female teaching staff were immediate priorities that could be addressed.

“We’re happy now there’s been some identification of the most pressing issues, which is great,” Mr Everall said.

“We’ll be looking forward to having those rectified very soon.

“It’s important that not only are we operating in a safe environment, but also that all the kids and teachers have got access to the relevant things they need.”

The department spokesman said progress was being made on the project.

“The Victorian government has already purchased the land for the new site and will finalise the documentation needed for new buildings shortly,” the spokesman said.

“This includes work with the project architects and school community on designs for the brand new Warrnambool SDS.”

The spokesman also said works to improve the condition of the school’s outdoor areas would begin this term.

SDS assistant principal Sue Fraser said she hoped measures to alleviate overcrowding would be in place by the beginning of next year to enable a smooth transition.

“It’s really important that we do have those things in place by the start of the new school year because our student cohort continues to grow,” she said.