Teachers around Queensland are being celebrated today as the Palaszczuk Government delivers on its commitment to give children the best start in life, by continuing to invest in education.
Education Minister Grace Grace today enjoyed morning tea with the 10 teaching staff at Fortitude Valley State Secondary College to personally deliver her thanks and celebrate World Teachers' Day.
"Queensland teachers are dedicated and passionate professionals, who make a positive difference for students every day of the school year," Ms Grace said.
"Today is an opportunity for us to say thank you to all 70,000 teachers working in state, Catholic and independent schools for the important role they play in giving Queensland children the best start in life.
"Their expertise, hard work and perseverance is truly appreciated and I think the whole community recognises their efforts in laying the foundation for a brighter future for Queensland.
"The theme for this year's World Teachers' Day in Queensland focuses on how teachers are at the heart of learning.
"That's why I'm pleased to say we have delivered more than 4,800 new full-time equivalent teaching jobs in Queensland state schools since 2015.
"And in this year's State Budget we added another 1000 teachers and 200 teacher aides.
"So, we have a new wave of young teachers influencing the profession, along with experienced teachers to mentor and pass on their pearls of wisdom."
Ms Grace said Fortitude Valley State Secondary College (FVSSC), the first state high school to be built in the inner city in 50 years, was the perfect location to celebrate World Teachers' Day.
"While there may not be any students here yet, the teachers and staff here are working feverishly to prepare for the first intake of 130 students in grade 7 here next year," Ms Grace said.
"This is one of eight new schools that will be delivered next year, with another four to be opened in 2021.
"Construction at the FVSSC site has supported more than 300 jobs and is due to be completed next year.
"I look forward to watching the school grow and develop in the coming months and years."
Fortitude Valley State Secondary College Principal Sharon Barker said the college was thrilled to welcome Minister Grace for a site tour and morning tea.
"It's an honour to have Queensland's Education Minister here at our college as we celebrate World Teachers' Day today," Ms Barker said.
"I'm so impressed with the calibre of teaching staff that have already joined our team here at Fortitude Valley State Secondary College.
"They come from a broad range of backgrounds and a wide variety of educational settings and this will add an extra dimension to the learning experience we will be able to provide for our students."
