Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace has today announced the names for two new primary schools coming to Ipswich and Redland Bay.
Following comprehensive community consultation, the $160 million state-of-the-art schools will be named Bellbird Park State School (Ipswich) and Scenic Shores State School (Redland Bay).
The community consultation process considered the input and feedback from local schools, community members, members of parliament, local government representatives, and other stakeholders.
Enrolments are now open, and Foundation Principals Sue Hendriks (Scenic Shores SS) and Roger Sheehan (Bellbird Park SS) are working with the local community to establish the schools.
The consultation process to develop school logos, uniform designs, and school colours will begin shortly.
Both schools are scheduled to open with all year levels from Prep to Year 6 from Term 1, 2024. It will take the total number of schools built and opened by the Palaszczuk Government since 2015 to 27, with more to come.
Quotes attributable to Education Minister Grace Grace:
"Announcing the official names is a very exciting milestone for new schools, and I know the community is thrilled that the first students will be walking through the doors just 5 months from now.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to giving Queenslanders access to a world class education, no matter where they live: that's why we've opened 25 new schools in our fastest growing communities since 2015.
"These new schools will take that total to 27, with even more to come. All up it's an investment of more than $3 billion in new schools for our youngest Queenslanders."
Quotes attributable to Member for Redlands, Kim Richards:
"Scenic Shores State School will be an incredible addition to our community in our growing southern Redlands region.
"The school's new name celebrates its unique location on our wonderful Redlands Coast.
"Opening in Term 1 of 2024, construction is well underway with ADCO Constructions moving at the speed of light on site, and Principal Hendriks and her team are busy planning for an exciting start to 2024 for students and families in our community."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bundamba, Lance McCallum:
"I look forward to welcoming students and staff to our brand-new Bellbird Park State School at the start of Term 1 next year.
"This new school continues our commitment to delivering more world-class education for our local community, backed by record numbers of frontline staff.
"Foundation Principal Roger Sheehan continues to work hard to assemble his teaching and administration teams, and together they will provide our local children with the very best start in life."
Quotes attributable to Sue Hendriks, Foundation Principal Scenic Shores State School:
"The name of this beautiful new school reflects the local environment and was a popular choice among the school community.
"The community consultation process has provided an exciting opportunity for the school community to be involved in decisions regarding their school name and also involved consultation with First Nations' Elders and representatives.
"I look forward to collaboratively creating a school full of learning, laughter and kindness.
"We can now start working with the school community on the establishment of uniforms, logos, school signage and enrolment processes for commencement of the 2024 school year."
"This is an exciting time for the community, and I know students and their families will welcome this wonderful new facility to the Redland Bay area.
Quotes attributable to Roger Sheehan, Foundation Principal Bellbird Park State School
"The official naming of the school is an important milestone in bringing the new school to fruition.
"The naming of our school allows us to continue to build our identity within our community and build strong trusting relationships with families in the Bellbird Park area.
"I am looking forward to continuing our work with the school community to ensure every student has the opportunity to flourish.
"With the naming of our school, we can now focus on building a high performing team here to support students, with quality teaching and learning and a focus on belonging to our community."
