FIRST STEPS 1991 - 1992 THE DREAM BECOMES REALITY

By the end of September 1991, the school was registered with the Education Department and the Memorandum and Articles, signed on 8 October, were completed and sent away for endorsement.

With the school registration now complete, the committee were still in need of a suitable venue for which to commence the school. Ray and Thyra Mallett owned a property on Kidgell Street that boasted a lovely historic home set on 3 acres. Upon hearing of the need for a venue for the newly formed Christian College, the Malletts approached the committee to offer their Kidgell Street property for lease and the Steering Committee gratefully accepted their generous offer.

Despite the tireless efforts of all involved, the site would not be ready for school to commence.

The Assembly of God (AOG) Church came to the rescue, generously offering their building as a temporary site for the school while the upgrades to the Kidgell Street property were being completed. For the first few months, classes were held in ‘The Shed’, with a long walk to the amenities block, no formed play space, no administration buildings and limited space for classes.

Cooloola Christian College held its first Commencement Service on 31 January 1992. The service was a time of reflection and thankfulness at the recognition of God’s great faithfulness.

On 3 February 1992, fifty-seven children (Preschool to Year 7) and two teachers attended their first day at Cooloola Christian College.

1992

57 STUDENTS

PRESCHOOL TO YEAR 7

2 TEACHERS

MARK HODGES & JOANNE SCHUMACK

Miss Shumack taught the lower grades and five little preschoolers in ‘The Shed’. When the weather was fine and sunny, the doors remained open to allow the fresh air to flow, however when it was raining, the doors were closed, banging together making a great noise!

At one time a wayward snake made an appearance on the window. The students quickly alerted Miss Shumack to the visitor and called Mr Hodges to attempt to relocate the reptile. His attempts were unsuccessful. It was quite some time before the children would sit anywhere near that window.

Mr Hodges took his upper Primary classes in the church hall. At the end of the school week, all of the desks, chairs and equipment were stacked up for the weekend’s church activities. It was a significant undertaking for the church to have a school operating on their premises.