The first day of the 2019 school year was extra special for the students of Spring Mountain State School as they took their seats in the state’s newest school.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for Jordan Charis Mullen welcomed the students and their parents to the new $40 million facility.
"A new school year signals a new beginning, and I’m thrilled to be visiting our newest Queensland state school to kick off a new year of learning and growth," the Premier said.
"This new school, one of 10 built under the $1.52 billion Queensland Schools Public Private Partnership, further demonstrates my government’s commitment to giving every Queensland child a great start no matter where they live.
"This year we’re investing more than $400 million to build eight new schools in some of our fastest growing communities across the state, all of which will be open in 2020.
"Construction of these new schools will support up to 1240 jobs and will deliver on the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to not only create jobs but also provide high quality educational facilities for Queensland students."
Across the state some 830,000 students are heading back to school this week, the state’s highest ever overall enrolment count.
Around 560,000 of the students are enrolled in one of the state’s 1241 state schools, with the remaining 270,000 enrolled at Catholic or Independent schools.
Ms Mullen said the new school would serve the growing community well into the future.
"Spring Mountain students will enjoy state-of-the art new facilities including 30 modern classrooms, music and science rooms, a resource centre and a multi-purpose hall," Ms Mullen said.
"The school also features an administration building, canteen and uniform shop, facilities officer’s room and a large oval for sport and physical education.
"I know this school will become the hub of this emerging new community here in Spring Mountain."
Ms Grace said the first day back at school is a great time to also celebrate the contribution of teachers, teacher aides, principals and other school support staff.
"As well as being a special day for students, their parents and carers, the first day of the new school year is also a day to celebrate our educators and support staff who do a tremendous job educating our next generation," she said.
"The Department of Education has already recruited more than 800 additional teachers for the new school year and will employ around 200 more during the year as part of the Palaszczuk my government’s commitment to employ more than 3,700 extra teachers over four years.
"With the increase in enrolments the department is also employing more than 200 additional teach aides."
Spring Mountain State School Principal Cherie Moore said she was honoured to be leading the new school with the support of a team of talented and passionate teachers and supportive families.
"The staff and local community have been involved in the development of this new school from the beginning and it is incredibly rewarding to see our discussions, vision and decisions become a reality," Ms Moore said.
"I’m very excited for what our first year will bring for our students and community, and I know that our staff, parents and students are all eager for the journey ahead."
Delivering new schools and education infrastructure is a priority for the Palaszczuk Government and these include a new state secondary college in Brisbane’s inner-north at Fortitude Valley; new high schools in Calliope, Coomera, Mango Hill, Yarrabilba and Ripley Valley Providence; a new primary school in Ripley Valley Providence; and a new special school at Caboolture.
