The brand new Everleigh State School in the growing area of Greenbank is ready to welcome more than 200 foundation students when the school year starts on February 7.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Minister for Education Grace Grace, Member for Logan Linus Power and Member for Jordan Charis Mullen inspected the new $75 million school today, one of three new state schools to open for the 2022 school year.
“My government is proud to have invested a record-breaking over $1.3 billion into 21 new schools since 2015, including three that are opening this year,” the Premier said.
“We’re also opening 11 new schools in 2023 and 2024 which is another $1 billion investment.
“Not only will every single one of those dollars help our youngest Queenslanders reach their full potential, but they’re also supporting local jobs – more than 200 in Greenbank alone.
“All together, the three new schools opening next week – Everleigh State School, Nirimba State Primary School at Caloundra South, and Coomera Special School – represent an investment of $200 million and have supported almost 600 full-time jobs during construction.
“The 202 students starting at Everleigh are among more than 870,000 students who will be at school in Queensland next week, while children of essential workers and vulnerable children have been on site since January 24.
“All schools are ready for a COVID-safe start to the 2022 school year thanks to our comprehensive Back to School plan, which includes mask wearing, ventilation measures, and a dedicated supply of rapid antigen tests.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to providing quality education facilities in growing communities.
“Stage 1 of Everleigh State School includes an administration block, resource centre, multi-purpose hall, prep, junior and senior learning spaces, amenities, canteen covered areas and grounds work, providing excellent educational facilities to the community.
“We have 202 Prep to Year 6 students this year, but future stages mean the school will eventually cater for up to 1400 students.
Member for Logan, Linus Power MP, said the school was fantastic for the local community.
“Everleigh State School is in a fast-growing part of southeast Queensland and will support families in the North MacLean and Greenbank community, including those families living in the Everleigh housing development,” Mr Power said.
Member for Jordan, Charis Mullen MP, said it was hard to believe the transformation since the sod turning in February 2021.
“I am thrilled to see the school’s development, and it’s great that local students will soon be enjoying these new world-class facilities.”
Everleigh State School’s Foundation Principal Nicole Wheatley said students and staff at the new school were absolutely delighted with the campus and facilities.
“Our new school not only looks great, we’ve also started out with a positive and growth-minded school community,” Ms Wheatley said.
“Our vision is ‘Excellence through Equity’, which sets out our commitment to giving every student the support and resources they need to be successful, life-long learners.”
For more information on the COVID-safe Back to School Plan visit: https://qed.qld.gov.au/covid19/back-to-school
For more information on the new schools visit: qld.gov.au/buildingeducation
Source: Queensland Government