Around 875,000 Queensland students head back to school today for the start of the 2023 school year.
Education Minister Grace Grace marked the first day back visiting South Rock State School; one of the four new schools opening its doors for the first time today.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said South Rock State School at Yarrabilba in Logan was one of four new Queensland state schools welcoming students from today – with the others located in Ripley, Augustine Heights and Palmview.
“The start of the school year is always a very exciting time, and it’s especially exciting for our new school communities,” the Premier said.
“This beautiful new school community has welcomed around 100 foundation students and staff, with numbers to grow as the community grows and will provide enrolment relief to Yarrabilba, Logan Village and Cedar Creek State Schools.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said Queensland schools were welcoming almost 875,000 students through the gates to start the year including the 400 foundation students of the four new schools.
“More than 571,000 students will attend Queensland’s 1,262 state schools in 2023,” Ms Grace said. “They will be guided by more than 55,000 teachers and 19,000 teacher aides from Day 1,” Ms Grace said.
“I’d like to give a special shout out to 44,000 new preppies who are starting their very first day of school too.”
Education Minister Grace Grace is looking forward to another school year.
“For state schools this year I’m looking forward to the introduction of our new disability funding model, and our continued rollout of 40 times faster internet by the end of the year.
“The first week of the 2023 school year will also see teachers receive their first increased pay backdated to July, following the certification of the new enterprise bargaining agreement.”
South Rock State School Foundation Principal Aaron Jones said students and staff were very excited to show off their new school.
“It has been a privilege to work with the local community over the past year as we developed this impressive new school,” Mr Jones said.
Aaron Jones is the foundation principal of South Rock State School.
“We are fortunate to have had the support of the local Traditional Custodians as well as our neighbouring school communities and I know this will continue into the future.
“Our foundation students and staff are so excited to be here today and are loving the amazing facilities. We’re all looking forward to building a strong and supportive school community with our focus always on quality education.”