Carinity Education Gladstone has reached a major milestone with the opening of Stage 2 of its master plan - a $3.21 million redevelopment that improves learning opportunities for some of the region's most vulnerable young people.
Replacing outdated Science and Technology buildings and the groundsmen's store, the redevelopment features modern facilities where students can explore practical skills in building and construction, metal work, and woodworking in a safe and supportive environment.
For Year 11 and 12 students, the school now offers Woodwork and is expanding to include Industrial Skills, giving them the chance to work with a wider variety of materials.
Junior students also benefit from a greater range of elective options, with projects designed around the CNC machine - a computer-controlled device that automates the cutting, shaping and carving of wood with high precision and efficiency.
It's being used to produce cutting boards, jewellery boxes, small furniture, and even metal barbeque utensils.
Students are also engaging in STEM learning with hands-on activities such as water testing and ginger beer making to explore fermentation, connecting real-world experiences across disciplines.
The new building was supported by $1.4 million from the Queensland Independent Schools Block Grant Authority, with Carinity contributing $1.81 million.
The Hon. Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, said the facilities will make an enormous difference to students' lives.
"These new facilities will provide school staff, teachers and students at Carinity Education Gladstone with better, more modern spaces in which to work, teach and learn," he said.
According to Principal Jane Greenland students can engage in hands-on learning on site that could lead to recognised vocational pathways in the future.
"This gives them hope and a stronger foundation for their future within the local community," Jane said.
"They are producing items such as chess boards, skateboards, furniture pieces, and learning practical skills like wall repairs. It's tangible proof of the confidence and pride the new facilities are inspiring."
Since Carinity acquired the school in 2017, enrolments have grown to 140 students, with 29 on the waiting list.
