EDUCATION FEATUREBACK TO SCHOOL
Good students comes in threes
By Kirra Livingstone
HOW quickly time flies.
Fraternal triplets
Indiana, Dakota and Hendrix featured on our front page of our December 2019 Christmas edition, and a little over ve years later they’ve made a return ahead of their first day of school.
The three will be starting at Glass House Mountains State School where they will join their big brother, Maverick, who will be starting Year 3.
We asked the triplets a couple of questions in the lead up to the big day.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Indiana- “An artist.”
Dakota- “A singer.”
Hendrix- “A cleaner.”
What are you most excited about starting school?
Indiana- “I’m excited about the arts and craft activities, like drawing.”
Dakota- “I’m excited to make more friends.”
Hendrix- “I’m excited to be in school with my big brother.”
Don’t forget to send in pics of your kids’ first day of school to reception@ gcnews.com.au to appear in next week’s edition.
AI is here to stay, so best use it
By Kirra Livingstone
A SUNSHINE Coast academic has predicted that AI tools will be ubiquitous in state school classrooms within the next three to five years.
UniSC Curriculum and Pedagogy lecturer, Dr Craig Johnston, said he believed there was a place for AI in classrooms and that schools should investigate how the burgeoning technology can be applied.
“My view is AI is here to stay,” he said.
“Our students at high school and university, they are going to be using AI in their careers in the future.
“We might as well show them how it works, what its drawbacks and limitations are, so that students can use it effectively.
“Schools that are taking a more considered, sensible approach to it all are looking at the way students can use AI ethically.”
AI websites are largely blocked on Queensland Government-run state schools’ internet browsers, limiting students and teachers from using them as a resource to enhance teaching and learning.
Private schools however are taking full advantage of the technology.
St John’s Catholic College at Nambour is one school embracing AI. “The main application/ AI tools include Microsoft Copilot, this is
integrated into workflows to support teaching and administrative tasks, student use of ChatGPT, this facilitates research, ideation, and the creation of high-quality projects,”
St John’s Principal, Martin Moloney, said.
“GPTZero ensures the originality of student work and promotes academic integrity and a suite of AI-driven tools streamlines administrative and compliance tasks, allowing
staff to focus on studentcentric activities.”
Mr Moloney added that they are ensuring AI tools complements student’s development of skills like critical thinking and problem solving.
“By integrating traditional teaching methods with cutting-edge technology, we offer innovative and contemporary subject offerings,” he said.
“This approach fosters positive academic outcomes
and prepares students to be globally engaged and positively contributing citizens after school.
“Safeguarding and digital literacy are central to our approach, ensuring AI is used safely and effectively across all areas of learning.”
Dr Johnston said simple ways for students to use AI included suggesting essay topics, while teachers can create lesson plans to cater for students with different learning levels.
Learning For Living
Maleny State High School’s Principal, Deb Stewart, is looking forward to welcoming everyone to the start of another exciting new school year.
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Big brother Maverick, and triplets Dakota, Hendrix and Indiana Robertson reading their favourite books.
Out and About strives
time for Out & About Care & Education since opening their centre in Mooloolah Valley 21 months ago.
The team has settled into the local community and enjoys being part of so many precious little lives.
Centre Director, Natalie Usher said “we are here to support busy families, so contact us today if you need care and education for your little one”.
Out & About has limited vacancies available in some rooms, and valuable spaces free in Kindergarten and 3-4 years, so now is a great time to ask about 2025 enrolments.
Children enjoy many free extra-curricular learning events to support their educational programs, including regular visits from Recycle Man who teaches children to support the natural world, Happy Feet Fitness, with the beautiful and colourful Miss Gemma, and the ever-lovely Victoria from The Kindness Co who assists children to be
of themselves, others and the world around them.
Also, the delightful Matthew and Juliet from Beezotted teach children about the part we all play in supporting a healthy world – even little native bees.
The program at Out & About is focussed on supporting young children to be the best they can be and to launch into formal school life well prepared and confident in their ability to manage each day and achieve success.
Natalie said “at Out & About we continue to develop our programs and facilities ensuring that our children and families are provided with the best opportunities to launch with confidence into formal schooling after our Kindergarten year.
We look forward to many more years of working with our wonderful local families and children”.
Now is a good time to contact the centre about securing your place for 2025.
Room to grow to their full potential
HERE at Glass House Mountains State School, you may have noticed a difference to the front of our school – our gardens have had a much needed tidy-up. The reason for this is every five years or as needed we engage arborists to perform vegetation reports. These reports identify at risk trees, vegetation that warrant consideration.
Sustainability/Tree replacement program:
During 2024 we received a grant of $7000 and have already used this to plant approximately 20 trees fruit trees.
Trees planted:
· Front boundary fence: Orange Trees; Lemon Trees, Lime Trees; Mandarin, Low Frost apple Tree; Guava; Avocados; Lychees; · Year 6 area: Passionfruit.
With the additional cleared space the fruit trees will have more room to grow to their full potential out the front of the school it now allows our school and community to come together to collaborate on what trees can take their place to flourish in future years.
Consultation for replacement trees suitable for school grounds.
Staff and Community are invited to be part of a working committee to provide advice and participate in working bees to re-green our school.
If you would like to be a part of this consultation process, we would love you to email us at admin@ glasshousemountainsss.
eq.edu.au
Glass House Mountains State School also has a Sustainability Club that get together regularly to discuss, share and implement a range of strategies on ways to improve our school and environment. Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future – we must educate and teach them the importance their impact has on our environment now and ahead.
THE children’s curiosity about all things natural is always encouraged at Landsborough’s KinderMarlee Early Childhood Centre, especially about how things grow.
It is peak growing season right now and after the recent hot and sometimes rainy days, the children pitched in to help educator Tiffany rejuvenate some of the centre’s natural grassy areas. The children’s curiosity soon had them asking lots of questions about plants and how they grow.
‘We thought what better way for the children to learn about plants then to start from the very beginning and let them grow something,’ said Tiffany. Some quick to respond sunflower seeds were acquired and under Tiffany’s guidance, the keen little gardeners set to work. They planted the seeds, added water, positioned the containers in a sunny place – and waited.
Nature curiosity always encouraged EDUCATION
‘It is a project in progress with the children showing lots of tender loving care towards their work,’ said Tiffany. ‘And with some great results!’ she added. Over recent days the children have been observing, measuring and recording what they have
EDUCATION FEATURE
Exceptional and nurturing care Brilliant minds of Beerwah High
GUPPY’S Beerwah provides a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for Early Learning and long daycare, positioned for convenience and easy entrance at 8-10 Greber Road, Beerwah.
Our vision is to provide exceptional childcare through personalised service.
Our philosophy is built on a strong ethos of respect –for children, their families and our educators.
This year at Guppy’s Beerwah we have an exciting curriculum dedicated to fostering empathy and care learning.
The Henny Penny Hatching program is a hands-on learning experience for children to develop nurturing and caring skills, as well as
understanding animal life cycles. Children are provided the opportunity to raise chickens from hatching to nurturing them in their early weeks.
NAIDOC week 2025 marks a powerful milestone, with 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture and resilience.
At Guppy’s, we believe Australian culture and history are an integral foundation of early learning.
We look forward to exploring this year’s theme the next generations, strength, vision and legacy.
Our quality childcare programs are designed to support the individual needs of each child, ranging from 6 weeks to school age. Our trained childcare professionals curate and modify the programs based
on the individuals in their class each year, integrating a large focus on sustainability, recycling, indoor/outdoor play and natural playscapes.
We additionally have a qualified Early Childhood Teacher who provides the necessary support and education a child needs before beginning school.
Our Educators and Teachers work with cultural leaders and representatives to incorporate learning activities that educate children in the centre on the aspects of other cultural groups.
At Guppy’s Beerwah, we are Queensland Kindergarten Approved, long daycare and before and after school care to suit all family needs.
Enrol now for 2025 and join the Guppy’s Family!
BEERWAH State High School offers a comprehensive academic, vocational, artistic and sporting program to suit the needs of all students.
A specialist athletics extension program is available in Years 8, 9 and 10 and they are proud to have a partnership agreement with Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre (SCTTTC).
All of the staff are committed to providing quality public education and have high personal expectations. The school
culture is founded upon a respect for tradition, recognition and encouragement of effort and preparation for success on graduating from school. In the dayto-day life of the school attention to detail, “the little things matter” and “time and place” are important principles.
The goal at Beerwah State High School is to ensure that 100% of their students attain a pathway into education, employment and training.
Principal Lyn Thomas
welcomes the class of 2025 back. “We are very keen to commence the year, so that we can continue to support your children to work and learn together,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Beerwah SHS and extend a very warm welcome to our new staff, families and students.
“You are part of a wonderful school community that focuses on individual student’s needs while ensuring a high quality teaching and learning environment.”
Innovation and enrichment
MALENY State High School’s Principal, Deb Stewart, is looking forward to welcoming everyone to the start of an exciting new school
“Reflecting on our outstanding 2024 graduating students’ academic results, we look forward to continuing to provide an exceptional learning environment to our students this year.
Since 2019 each graduating cohort has attained 100% QCE, and last year 40 students achieved a Certificate
III or higher in their respective courses of study, 13 students were offered an early acceptance into various universities, and 4 students completed schoolbased traineeships.
A special mention must also go to Eliza Portas who has been awarded our Dux of 2024 with the highest ATAR results”.
This year promises to be one of growth for all our students who have the opportunity to be engaged in:
Innovative Learning Experiences
Through an engaging
and challenging curriculum and use of cutting-edge technology, we are bringing learning to life.
Supportive Community
Our range of student programs and community partnerships will nurture growth, creativity, and success in a positive, inclusive environment that connects learning with the wider community.
Enriching Programmes
There are a range of sporting, cultural, citizenship and curriculum enrichment opportunities available to students to explore.
Quality Catholic education
ST John’s College has been providing a quality Catholic education to the Sunshine Coast region for the past 85 years.
With outstanding modern facilities, St John’s College Nambour prides itself on delivering a safe, happy and supportive learning environment. Our College achieves excellence and delivers positive holistic outcomes by meeting students at their level of readiness and individual stage of development. With a current enrolment
of 900 students in Years 7 to Year 12, our College is staffed by professional, innovative, caring and dedicated teachers.
St John’s College is built on a foundation of high expectations, where good people, Gospel Values and positive attainment come together to create an exceptional educational experience.
At St John’s College, staff prioritise the happiness and safety of students. Our dedicated and supportive community fosters an
environment where every child feels a strong sense of belonging and connection, is valued and encouraged to explore and achieve their full potential.
We believe in the power of a quality Catholic education to guide students towards becoming respectful, responsible, resilient and compassionate individuals. Through a curriculum embedded in these principles, we work in positive partnership with parents and external agencies to inspire our
students to embrace and value inclusivity, compassion, joy, kindness, stewardship and an authentic care for the other. Our approach to learning is centred around meeting students at their stage of development and level of readiness. We understand each child is unique, with different strengths, gifts, talents and learning styles. With personalised attention and a contemporary curriculum, we ensure that every child receives the support they
need to thrive academically and personally, so that they meet and exceed their individual goals and
aspirations. Join us at St John’s College and become a ‘Johnny’ today.
2024 graduates from Maleny State High School. Inset: Eliza Portas, 2024 Dux