Fostering success through three key principles
SMITHFIELD State High School is a school proud of its achievements and high quality education.
The school is, in the words of Principal Barry Courtney, “in the business of changing lives”.
“We provide opportunities for success to all our students and prepare them for the future
He says the school is forwardthinking and provides quality outcomes for all students.
“We work collaboratively to produce successful twenty-first century learners, with highly experienced staff in all subject disciplines.”
The school aims to foster success through applying three key principles: “high expectations in all that we do”; “quality teaching and learning in every class, every day”; and “personal and collective responsibility for our actions”.
Operating as an independent public secondary school, Smithfield State High School also has a unique partnership through the Tropical North Learning Academy, with Trinity Beach State School and James Cook University.
Together, they offer quality, seamless education for the local community, from early years right through to university and other adult career pathways.
Smithfield State High School offers James Cook University Learning Academies for highperforming university aspirants.
The academies aim to drive a culture of ambition and success, with an expectation of high academic achievement.
Participating students are supported in developing the attributes of a lifelong learner.
In addition to its academic endeavours, Smithfield State High also offers specialist pathways for talented and accomplished musicians through its Jazz and Contemporary Music Academy, including receiving mentoring from world-renowned musicians, as well as regular performance opportunities across the region.
The school’s digital enterprise offers a Certificate IV course in Digital and Interactive Media and the opportunity to be a part of 101.9 Coast FM — a community radio station first established 20 years ago by a group of Smithfield State High senior students.
Specialist pathways and programs are also available for aspiring and accomplished soccer and baseball/softball players through the school’s sporting academies.
Mr Courtney, who has been in education for 40 years, says the school’s commitment to improvement, innovations and quality partnerships extends beyond the school itself.
“We also work as closely as possible with other schools in order to lift student outcomes across the region,” he says.
“The job is challenging and always exciting, but what is best is watching that moment when a student says ‘thank you’ to his or her teacher for all they have done for them.” For more information about Smithfield State High School, including enrolments, phone 4058 4333 or visit smithfieldshs.eq.edu.au.