Hinterland schools return for Term 1, and looking forward to a successful year
By Kirra Livingstone
WHETHER it’s tears and tissues or sheer relief, school is back on in the hinterland, with teachers across the region welcoming hundreds of new students to class.
From musical productions to personal growth, building on academic success and a focus on specific disciplines, each school has a dynamic goal-setting agenda.
Glasshouse Christian College Principal, Mike Curtis, said the school was prioritising students’ academic, emotional, physical, social and spiritual endeavours.
“In 2024, my primary goal is to implement a strategic plan that places the comprehensive development of students at the forefront—addressing academic, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual aspects,” he said.
“My vision is to foster a sense of belonging for every student, nurturing their confidence in a challenging yet supportive environment that encourages them to excel and become their best selves.”
The College is welcoming 150 new students with an overall enrolment of 1173 students.
It also welcomes 11 new staff including High Ability Coordinator, Head of Industrial Technology and Design, three Primary Teachers, three Secondary Teachers, one Teaching Assistant and two Library Assistants. Mr Curtis said the school was extending the Honours program into middle school with the initiation of the Horizons program introduce URSTRONG, to teach primary school students how to develop respectful friendships; introducing a garden club and aiming to start up a German club. The school has 17 past students join the team and this year welcomes back former Arts Captain, Erin Holland as a primary teacher.
Beerwah State High School principal, Lyn Thomas, said the school was welcoming 900 students to its 2024 classes.
Ms Thomas said the school was focused on continuing to support students to create ‘Success for all’ through impressive academic results.
“Last year 100 per cent of Yr 12 students graduated with a Queensland Certificate of Education or a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement, and our highest ATAR score was 96.80,” she said.
“That student has now accepted an offer to student Biomedical Science at the University of Qld.”
Some Hinterland schools have seen an increase in student numbers, whereas others have maintained a steady number of enrolments.
The Landsborough State School has grown in size in 2024, and is expecting around 310-315 students.
Beerwah State School is welcoming a new cohort of prep students, and is still accepting enrolments for all year levels. Landsborough SS told GC&M News that the school was looking forward to performing The Little Mermaid for the biannual musical production this year.
The performances part of its Performing Arts program, where every student takes a part in the production.
“It is something both students and staff look forward to with great enthusiasm and excitement,” principal, Selina Barry, said.
Landsborough is also welcoming a number of friendly faces to the school’s staff team, including a new ICT technician, a new head of department for curriculum, and four new teachers.
Beerwah State School will continue to prioritise English as literacy hugely impacts the future success of students.
“Beerwah State School’s philosophy is to support students to be their very best and to set them up to lead a life of choice and not chance,” the school said.
Beerwah SS will welcome Ms Eastley and Mrs Marks to their teaching team.
Good luck to students this week!
kirra@gcnews.com.au