elcome to the Education Fair 2024! Now in its second year, we are super excited to bring this growing event to the Sunshine Coast once more. Expect more demonstrations, workshops, activities, and education providers from across southeast Queensland, all under one roof, eager to support you in your child’s learning journey.
Why host such a big event? Well, we know that choosing education pathways is one of the most significant decisions you may make as a parent. That choice can determine a child’s friendships (and yours!), interests, achievements and, most importantly, happiness. It’s something that may even govern where you choose to live!
From school choice to sports, tutoring to discovering their creativity, each learning pathway you choose can impact their future.
Eeek, no pressure!
Therefore, we created an annual event that saves the sanity of busy parents—gathering the full range of education options under
one roof in one fun-filled day. One where kids can try out sports and workshops and enjoy demonstrations and shows. Meanwhile, parents can talk with the region’s leading education providers, compare options, and get a good idea of the available pathways—all in one place. A place where all activities are free, toddler meltdowns are expected, coffee is good, and the whole family is catered for.
We hope this annual event helps families discover the perfect learning journey for every child and sparks an excitement for learning in all kids here today.
I’d also like to say a huge thank you for supporting our event. We are a small mumowned-and-run Sunshine Coast business, so your visit means the world to us.
Tell your friends, share your experience, and we’ll return in 2025!
Are you visiting from Brisbane? Follow our socials as we will announce our first Brisbane event very soon!
Angela xo
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
A key goal of the Education Fair is to make the event 100 percent free for visitors to access and participate in, which is only achieved by the generosity of our sponsors.
We are incredibly grateful for their support and belief in our mission to provide the best start for the next generation.
Read about them below, and visit their stands and activities to learn all about the fabulous education services they provide!
BRISBANE CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) provides an education to believe in—offering highquality Catholic education for 77,000+ students in 145+ BCE schools across South East Queensland.
BCE offers a holistic education comprising academic, sporting, cultural and social aspects, presented in a rich and balanced curriculum with spiritual and faith dimensions.
See them at Stand 22 - 23 & Workshop 2
GINGER SPORT
Ginger Sport joins us in the central play area with their Hungerball inflatable sports arena. Come along and have a go at a range of fun sports for little ones!
At Ginger Sport and Quest Football Academy, they are not just playing soccer; they are crafting memories, nurturing
growth, and making every kick a step toward a future filled with fun and achievement!
See them at the Hungerball Arena.
RISE & SHINE KINDERGARTEN
The Rise & Shine Kindergarten team is bringing its fabulous inflatable indoor planetarium to the Education Fair, and we can’t wait to learn about the stars!
At Rise & Shine Kindergarten™ Maroochydore, children are given the best possible start to their educational journey with a Queensland Kindergarten-approved program. The family-owned and operated centre boasts state-of-the-art environments, including a new farm, petting zone, and programs and resources that reflect modern classrooms.
See them at the Mobile Planetarium
ST ANDREW’S ANGLICAN COLLEGE
The fantastic STEAM team from St Andrew’s Anglican College is taking over the STEAM space for the day, which is sure to have plenty of fun and free science and tech activities for kids.
St Andrew’s Anglican College is an awardwinning school on the Sunshine Coast that focuses on building the Personal Capacity of each student from Prep to Year 12.
See them at Stand 29 & the Central STEAM Space
THE MATHEMATICS GUY
The Mathematics Guy is a maths tutor who supports children in mastering the critical concepts of mathematics in small groups through fun, engaging, and hands-on experiences. Participating students attend twice weekly in a five-week ‘sprint-style’ intervention module linked to the Australian Curriculum.Lessons are modelled on the Universal Design of Learning to ensure maximum hands-on engagement—no computers, just interaction!
See them at Workshop 4
SUNSHINE COAST GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Sunshine Coast Grammar School is an independent, co-educational, Christianbased school for children from Prep to Year 12. This unique learning environment is set on a beautiful 100-acre site with its own lakes and rainforest.
Established in 1997, the school is committed to excellence and offers an outstanding comprehensive education for children based on individual care and attention. In this way, the school provides a high-quality academic learning base and premium cultural and sporting programs set in a supportive environment, enabling students to reach their individual goals.
See them at Stand 50 & Court 1 Activity Space
School Programs
& ACTIVITIES PROGRAM
ALL DAY ACTIVITIES
INFLATABLE PLANETARIUM
Early Learning Space, Court 1
Learn about space and immerse yourself in the stars in this fun, inflatable planetarium presented by Rise & Shine Kindergarten. Various shows throughout the day, suitable for all ages.
COME & TRY SOCCER
Sports area, outside
Join Little Kickers for some goal-scoring fun! They have soccer drills to participate in and goals to score. There will also be free trial vouchers for the kids, so swing by and shoot a goal or two!
COME & TRY CRICKET
Sports area, outside
1.15 PM WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL DEMONSTRATION
The cricketing legends from Queensland Cricket will be on the grass outside so kids can have a go at playing cricket.
DRONE EDUCATION
Front courtyard, outside
Join Queensland Computers for an immersive experience in drone education! This interactive activity nurtures problemsolving, creativity, and teamwork in students and parents. Guided by experts, participants explore safety, coding basics, and industry applications while flying Tello drones and using iPads. Get ready to unleash your imagination and soar into the digital future!
The Education Fair offers families a heap of free kids’ activities, workshops and education-themed fun! Here’s the program for the day.
Join Suncoast Spinners for a fun wheelchair basketball session!
STEAM ACTIVITIES
STEAM Space, Court 2
Get interactive with a range of robots with St Andrew’s Anglican College. Enjoy interactive art displays, learn about the innovative projects undertaken in Years 5 and 6, create digital art and animation with a procreate tutorial. See 3D printing and laser-cutting in action and learn how the extensive STEAM subject electives at St Andrew’s can create tailored learning pathways to empower students to build personal capacity, lead to academic success and prepare students for an everchanging world.
PLAY-BASED ACTIVITIES
Activity Space, Court 1
Kids can get hands-on with various play-based activities with Sunshine Coast Grammar School. From LEGO to robotics, this is an excellent opportunity for kids and families to experience the unique approach to learning at Sunshine Coast Grammar School.
HUNGERBALL SPORTS
Hungerball Arena, Court 2
Join Ginger Sports for various kids’ sports throughout the day in the inflatable Hungerball Arena.
Demonstrations
9.30 AM COME & TRY PRESCHOOL SPORTS
Get kids moving with the energetically fun Juiced Up Groms program.
10.15 AM WILDLIFE HQ REPTILE SHOW
Zookeepers will be showcasing some of Wildlife HQ’s favourite animals. Come along to learn about and interact with the beautiful reptiles!
11.00 AM RUBIK’S CUBE CHALLENGE
Test your puzzling skills at the Mountain Creek State School’s Rubik’s Cube challenge.
11.45 AM WILDLIFE HQ REPTILE SHOW
Zookeepers will be showcasing some of Wildlife HQ’s favourite animals. Come along to learn about and interact with the beautiful reptiles.
12.30 PM COME & TRY DANCE FITNESS
The kids (and grown-ups!) can get up and dance with a fun come-and-try dance fitness session for kids!
1.15 PM WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL DEMONSTRATION
Join Suncoast Spinners for a fun wheelchair basketball session!
2.00 PM AUSFUNK DEMONSTRATION
Ausfunk Cheer & Dance will showcase some of their cheerleading and dance routines, solos and duos.
Workshops
Workshop 1
SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
Join Sunshine Coast Council for pet-themed games, crafts, storytime and more to help kids learn about responsible pet ownership and pet safety. Keep an eye out for mascot Sammy taking walks around the fair, too!
Workshop 2 BRISBANE CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Learn about code buzzing bee-bots, add to a communal art masterpiece, capture a moment with a selfie, unleash creativity in a colouring-in contest, or construct with LEGO!
Workshop 3 ART WORKSHOPS MONTVILLE
Try your hand at pottery with Art Workshops Montville.
Workshop 4 THE MATHEMATICS GUY
Experience a unique approach to mathematics tutoring with The Mathematics Guy.
Tutoring Workshops KIP MCGRATH
Tutoring assessments with leading tutoring provider Kip McGrath.
Juiced Up Groms
Art Workshops Montville
Wildlife HQ
Ausfunk Cheer & Dance
Come and see us at Stand #19 and book a tour of our centre to be eligible.
“I
* This offer is only available to Sunshine Coast Education Fair 2024 attendees. For full terms and conditions, ask our friendly staff at our stand. GROW EARLY EDUCATION MAROOCHYDORE
Want to get the most out of your visit to the Education Fair? Here are some key questions to ask when chatting with providers.
The Education Fair is a fantastic opportunity for families to explore a wide range of educational options. But, with so many schools in attendance, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin.
To help you on the day, here are some key questions to ask when meeting with school representatives at the expo. These will help you make informed decisions about your child’s future.
ACADEMIC
FOCUS AND CURRICULUM
• What is the school’s academic philosophy and curriculum approach? (Traditional, progressive, etc.)
• How does the school support students with diverse learning styles?
• What are the average class sizes?
• Does the school offer arts programs like music, theatre, or visual arts?
• Does the school offer any unique programs or specialties?
SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY
• What extracurricular activities and clubs does the school offer? (For example, sports, chess, gardening clubs, etc.)
• How does the school foster a sense of community and belonging?
• Does the school offer opportunities for leadership development and student involvement?
• What is the school’s culture like?
• What is the transition process like for new students?
• How does the school handle student discipline?
• What is the level of parental involvement encouraged by the school?
TEACHER QUALITY AND SUPPORT
• What is the teacher-to-student ratio at the school?
• What qualifications and experience do teachers typically have?
• How does the school support professional development for teachers?
SUPPORT SERVICES AND RESOURCES
• What academic and social-emotional support services are available to students? (Counseling, tutoring, etc.)
• Does the school offer support for students with special needs?
• What technology resources are available to students?
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
• What are the admissions requirements for your child’s grade level?
• What is the application process like?
• Does the school offer scholarships?
• Does the school offer transportation options?
• What is the school’s tuition and fee structure?
• What are the deadlines for applications?
• Is there anything else you feel is important for me to know about your school?
INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
• What learning environment would best suit your child?
• Does the school offer programs or activities that align with your child’s passions?
• What is the overall feel of the school? Does it seem like a good fit for your child’s personality?
Armed with these questions, you’ll get all the info you need to compare providers and find the perfect fit for your child!
Taking the distance out of DISTANCE EDUCATION
As the virtual world increasingly becomes a part of our everyday lives, it is worth considering how this technology can benefit education models? We chat with Jeff Davis, Executive Head of College, and Danni Foster-Brown, Head of the Virtual Learning Community at Hillcrest Christian College, which launched a Virtual Learning program in 2023, to learn more about how it works and its benefits to students.
WHAT IS VIRTUAL LEARNING?
Hillcrest’s Virtual Learning Community (VLC) is an evolution of traditional distance education. While we have maintained the benefits of distance learning—your family controls how, when and where your child will complete their schooling—our VLC incorporates the best aspects of a world-class Hillcrest Christian College education.
Our fresh approach to virtual learning meant Hillcrest was recognised as one of The Educator’s 5-Star Innovative Schools in 2023, which we are thrilled about!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The VLC offers 1:1 teacher interaction and connection each day. The misconception is that it’s done through packs or students are left unsupported to ‘find their way.’. But this is not the case at all! Students are fully supported while being flexible.
This means the timetable is flexible but includes interaction and check-in daily with a teacher for wellbeing and progress.
This works well if students have sports or other commitments. We also offer a Life Group where a variety of students of similar
ages connect as a group with a teacher to share and build skills.
IS IT TAILORED FOR INDIVIDUALS?
Every student in the VLC has their own story, and as such, each student has an Individual Learning Plan. Whether students need consolidation of foundational knowledge, adjustments to their learning program due to diagnosed needs, acceleration and expansion of content due to giftedness, or short-term modifications due to personal circumstances, VLC teachers work with each family to develop a plan that puts each child at the centre of their learning journey.
WHAT PATHWAYS ARE OFFERED?
All students study and follow the Australian Curriculum in Years 9 and 10.
In Years 11 and 12, all students learn from a wide range of Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), General and Applied subjects and courses that count towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and, if chosen, an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
The College aims to provide offerings
to enable students to choose their desired pathway and offers an extensive range of choices. This flexibility fosters personal interests and strengths and, combined with staff support, provides the necessary road map to drive students towards their future goals - whether they are headed for further education, training, an apprenticeship, or the workforce.
Our goal is to help students find a pathway to success in a way that is meaningful to them.
WHAT ABOUT PASTORAL CARE AND SOCIALISING?
With full access to our College counsellors, chaplaincy team and wellbeing hub, the VLC goes beyond academics to provide an educational experience supporting the whole child.
The daily online Life Group provides teachers and students with a regular touchpoint to focus on wellbeing, socialemotional skill development, relationshipbuilding and service opportunities.
Students who live close to campus can also access the College’s co-curricular activities, such as choirs, clubs, interschool sport and carnivals.
The VLC also provides regular social events and enrichment days to build community amongst online students and families.
Campus tours open at Sunshine Coast’s
NEWEST COLLEGE
Everleigh was the first prospective student to see a bird’s eye view of her future school via a 3D model in the Principal’s office. Along with parents Gretta and Patrick Little, Everleigh was the first to take an exclusive tour of the school site, led by Notre Dame College, Bells Creek Foundation Principal Dan McShea.
Construction is now well underway on the initial stage of the new Prep to Year 12 College, including five new buildings comprising fully air-conditioned general learning areas, an administration block, a sports court, and a car park, which will be completed by 2025.
At Notre Dame’s temporary school office
at Stockland Baringa, Dan has the pivotal role of meeting, enrolling, and welcoming new families while spearheading the recruitment of 15 new staff members who will educate the first cohort of 200 new students starting in January 2025.
“There has been significant demand for a Prep to Year 12 school within the Bells Creek area, and it’s incredibly exciting for our community who can now not only enrol their children at our College but also see a 3D model of what our College will look like once complete,” said the Principal.
NOOSA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
The highly anticipated Notre Dame College opens in January 2025, providing a welcome Prep to Year 12 education option for Aura’s growing families. My Clean Hamper offers eco-friendly cleaning solutions tailored to enhance your lifestyle. Our meticulously curated hampers, packed with sustainable, effective products, transform cleaning into a joyful, health-conscious ritual.
Gretta said the new College will allow her children, including one-year-old Amelia, to walk to school one day. “When we were building our home in Banya, we saw a Catholic school was coming,” she says. “Little did we know it would be within walking distance from the school.”
As a Brisbane Catholic Education school, Notre Dame College is poised to become a “triple-A” educational institution, accommodating up to 1800 students and employing 280 staff by 2030.
The phrase ‘early literacy’ is often used in parenting circles. Yet, because it sounds like something related to school, it often gets tossed into the ‘worry about that later’ basket amidst the many other daily challenges of raising a little one. So, what is early literacy, and what role does a parent play?
WHAT IS EARLY LITERACY?
Let’s start with what it’s not!
Early literacy is not teaching your child to read. It’s not flashcards, writing your name, or reciting the alphabet.
Instead, early literacy gives your child the skills they need to become successful readers. These include:
• Language skills such as a rich vocabulary and understanding of how language works.
• Fine motor skills such as holding a pencil and scribbling.
• Learning how to hold and handle books
• Developing oral skills to make language sounds and understanding the flow of conversation.
• Understanding letter and sound connections.
• Developing a love for reading and literacy through self-expression and exploring stories.
WHAT ROLE DOES A PARENT PLAY IN EARLY LITERACY?
The first five years are critical in a child’s early literacy development. And in those first five years, a child’s primary carer, teacher and playmate is you!
Early literacy skills are easy to incorporate into daily life by simply remembering to Talk, Read, Sing, and Play.
Talk: Chat about your day as you make a
snack or walk to the park. How do you measure? What do you see? Give them time to respond so they begin to understand the turn-taking of conversation.
Read: Sharing a book with your child is one of the easiest, yet most important things you can do –plus it’s great for bonding too! You can read with them from the moment they are born. Black and white books are great for babies, and picture and interactive books are perfect for toddlers. Chat about what you see on the page, ask older children questions about the story and explore how they relate to the characters in the book.
Sing: Songs are an excellent way to introduce rhyming and the rhythm of language to a child. Don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be pitch-perfect; your child will love it no matter what! Songs with actions, such
as Wheels on the Bus, are fun for children to be involved in. But singing along to the radio in the car or putting on a favourite CD and dancing in the kitchen is just as good. Just have fun!
Play: It’s easy to weave a little early literacy into every game you play. Describe the colours of the paint, the shape of a ball, the sounds of the rattle, and the splashes in the water. Every conversation you have while you play adds new words to their vocabulary bank and helps them understand the world a little more.
By Karen Gawen, Young People’s Services Supervisor from
Sunshine Coast Council Don’t forget, your local library is a treasure trove of early literacy resources and weekly activities! To learn more, head to: library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
