$3.7M learning centre helps Queensland’s only all-girls school for disengaged students
Queensland’s only all-girls school for disengaged students, Carinity Education – Southside, today celebrates the unveiling of its new multi-million dollar Numberlee Kunerra Learning Place.
Representing Education Minister The Hon. Kate Jones, Ms Jennifer Howard MP, Member for Ipswich and Parliamentary Committee Chair, today on behalf of the Minister, officially opens the new building jointly funded by Carinity and the Queensland State Government.
“The Numberlee Kunerra Learning Place provides this unique school with much needed new facilities including three classrooms, a multi-purpose room, a resource centre and other needed spaces,” Ms Howard said.
The school is culturally diverse with around half the 110 Years 7-12 students having indigenous heritage. To honour their culture, the learning centre has been named in the language of the Sunnybank School’s traditional owners. Numberlee Kunerra is Jagera for “all one” and embraces Carinity’s community philosophy to schooling. For 17 years, the all-girls special-assistance school has provided alternative education to young women not meeting with success in mainstream schools and ensures they have the same opportunity to learn and reach their full potential.
Carinity Executive Manager Education Services Michael Harding said the development was an important investment in students’ futures.
“Many of our students have experienced significant hardship in their young lives. Southside exists to rebuild their confidence and provide them with the quality education they deserve. We’re committed to providing the best possible facilities to achieve this now and in the future,” Mr Harding says
“The $3.7M in new buildings and renovations includes space for childcare facilities for young mothers so they can be close to their children while they learn, a modern library and kitchen for providing students with nutritious meals as well as hospitality training.
“The community we have here is about mentoring and inspiring young people. We take a holistic approach and that includes providing access to parenting programs for students with children.
“We are very pleased with the exceptional results Southside is achieving. Last year was a milestone in the school’s history, achieving a record 88 of Year 12 students participating in the Queensland Core Skills Test.
“In a display of admirable commitment to their education, eight of the 22 students who sat the exam were young mothers and one was eight months pregnant.”
Mr Harding says many of last year’s graduates left school job-ready with others commencing courses in tourism, nursing and youth work. Many others aspire to tertiary study.
Media Contact:
James Woods Marketing Manager 0408 951 828 / james.woods@carinity.org.au
