You can watch video footage of the speech here.
As our schools in the Algester electorate began the 2020 year of learning, I was pleased to welcome students for the first day of school at Calamvale Community College. The electorate of Algester continues to welcome new families and so too does Calamvale Community College. That is why I worked with the education minister and the local community to see $2.1 million invested in much needed new classrooms delivered for day one of the 2020 school year.
I fought hard to see six new learning spaces for the senior school of the college. That means that students will be completing their secondary education in new air-conditioned classrooms, with the latest technology to support them. During my visit, I also had the chance to meet with prep students and their families as they begin their school journey.
As the local member, it was fantastic to see the result of the $80,000 refurbishment to the prep learning space, funded by the Palaszczuk government. This investment will see our youngest students start their education in a bright and engaging environment that will grow their imaginations. I want to acknowledge college principal, Lisa Starmer; the school board chair, Mike Butler; and P&C president, Leesa Mason, who together helped us secure the much needed new classrooms and the refurbishment.
This is just one example of the Palaszczuk government’s commitment to education in the Algester electorate. Our government has prioritised learning infrastructure to support students, teachers and their families throughout their schooling. Last year I announced that Algester State School’s C block would get a $350,000 makeover. I can report to the House that grade 5 students are back for the 2020 school year to learn in those new and improved classrooms.
Along with this infrastructure, my local community is also very pleased about the $7 million investment at Pallara State School which I was able to announce last year. The school is welcoming more and more families as more people move into the area, so it is important that they have the infrastructure they need to teach the next generation. I had many meetings with the principal, Mark Johnstone, and heard from teachers and parents that the next stage of the school’s construction is needed now. I am very proud to see the commitment for new teaching blocks progress.
I am always amazed by the knowledge and enthusiasm of students in my electorate. It is a privilege to support their education with more infrastructure in their schools. I will continue to fight for the schools in my electorate of Algester, because the Palaszczuk government understands that an investment in education is an investment in the future.