Open soon for juniors

Downlands unveils new precinct

A PRESTIGIOUS private school in Toowoomba has previewed its new junior precinct at a public opening.

Downlands College flagged earlier this year it was building a new space for younger students ahead of a new cohort of year four pupils next year.

Outgoing Downlands principal Stephen McIllhatton said he was thrilled to have the new precinct opened in time for 2019.

“There is no doubt the junior school at Downlands is flourishing,” he said.

“The new Years 4-6 precinct is a spacious, light-filled and colourful addition to our college which is going to impress all with its educational design and innovation.”

Mr McIllhatton told The Chronicle in July that an overwhelming demand for more junior students had prompted the move.

“We decided in 2017 to introduce classes of Years 5 and 6 students and that has continued,” he said at the time.

“Because of the fact that many of those children have siblings in the senior years, the parents asked when we were going to introduce Year 4.

“I have an application with the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board to be granted from 2019 to run a Year 4 strand as well.

“I suspect we are at capacity for enrolments.”

The school previewed the precinct to community members yesterday.

Photo: Downlands College OPENING SOON: Toowoomba's Downlands College has given community members a sneak preview of its new junior school precinct ahead of its use by students in 2019. The new junior school precinct will host year four, five and six students from next year.