Schools proud of award successes

Northern Region State School of the Year winners Aitkenvale State School have one of the most diverse cohorts in the region, with 68 per cent of students either indigenous of refugees and many speaking languages other than English.

Principal Judd Burgess said it was an honour to have won the award and recognise the change of culture within the school.

“It’s really a testament to the hard work of our teachers to change our school from a place that wasn’t being productive into a really good place of learning,” he said.

“It’s been a great turnaround for our school and our school community.”

Aitkenvale State School has students from 26 different nationalities, and Mr Burgess said the high expectations of teachers for the students’ learning and behaviour created the positive change.

“For us to have made those improvements is a testament to the fact that it doesn’t matter where you’re from, learning happens,” he said.

“We’re all very excited; it made the end of our term one to remember.”

Mundingburra Deputy Principal Jodie Sewer said it was an honour to be recognised for the school’s hard work in the region.

“It’s a really big collaboration between teachers and a celebration of student work,” she said.

“It’s not just our leadership team, it’s our teachers and the processes they put in place; it’s a team effort and we’re all improving together.”

Minister for Education Grace Grace said the Showcase Awards were the most prestigious education awards in the state.

“It is incredibly significant for these schools to be recognised for their contribution,” she said.

Regional winners receive a $ 1000 development grant and each regional commendation recipient will receive a $ 500 grant, and progress to the state finals against the state’s top schools.

State finalists will be announced on July 30.

NORTH QUEENSLAND REGION SHOWCASE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOLS WINNERS:

The Network Ten Showcase Award for Excellence in the Early and Primary Years

Winner: Mundingburra State School ( improvement through collaboration)

The QUT Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education

Commendation: Thuringowa State High School ( whole- school inclusive reform)

The Showcase Award for Excellence in Industry Partnerships

Winner: Thuringowa State High School ( advancing education for a global tropics future)

The Teachers Mutual Bank Showcase Award for State School of the Year

Winner: Aitkenvale State School