Contribution to our schools nothing short of amazing

LAST year, for the first time, I ran in the Queensland State Election as the endorsed Labor candidate for Coomera.

While I was not successful at the polls, my campaign provided me with the chance to talk to many people in my electorate. Coomera is a huge and rapidly growing area with no end of specific needs.

One of the main issues I encountered was schools in this electorate and in particular the opportunities available to students. I was interested in what the community had to say about our public education system and how parents in each school area often struggled to ensure their children were able to have opportunities, in not just scholastic endeavours, but also the extra-curricular activities, which can come at such additional cost to average families.

This year, I decided to join one of the local school P&Cs to see what I, as a community-oriented citizen, could contribute. Not having children myself, I was cautious in my approach, being naive as to what a P&C actually did and how it operated. At my very first meeting, not only was I warmly welcomed (understandably with a touch of curiosity/caution), but I was able to see how this – and I am guessing, most – P&C’s operate.

I am truly amazed at what they contribute to the school and especially to the students in the way of varied activities and adventures. I found the staff to be extremely enthused for their individual areas and projects and they are well supported by their principal, Ross Wallace.

This school has been operational since 2009, growing rapidly over the past nine years, and has what I can only describe as a wonderful P&C. They have assisted with funding for many student events and trips and, more recently, enabled installation of airconditioning at the school.

At the last meeting I attended, one of the teachers, Lee Johnson, gave a presentation on a trip he was arranging for around 20 students to go to Borneo in 2019. Now, this is no sightseeing trip to play with the orangutans, though I am sure some time will be spent with these enchanting, endangered creatures. No, the school has chosen to partner with Camps International to offer students enrolled at Ormeau Woods State High School the opportunity to go to Borneo in 2019. This lifechanging expedition will allow students to live alongside rural communities and work on projects such as helping to build classrooms, community centres, teaching children, combating deforestation and protecting wildlife.

Lee Johnson has already secured some sponsors to assist with this extraordinary experience for these students, although more funds are needed.

So here is my ask of the Gold Coast community. I ask that those who are able to assist, to please contact Lee and show support for this great opportunity for the Ormeau Woods students.

I know that there are many schools in the Gold Coast, each exploring similar projects and adventures, but I am asking you to support this cause. To honour all supporters, the students wear OWSHS shirts with the logos of major sponsors also displayed.

Lee can be reached on 5540 9222, or ljohn374@eq.edu.au