State school excellence on show

Queensland’s best teaching programs have been recognised tonight with the State Government’s highest accolade for excellence in state schools.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek opened the 15th annual Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools Gala Dinner, congratulating all state winners and finalists.

“The Can-Do LNP Government has an unrelenting focus on boosting student outcomes to create a brighter future for Queensland families,” Mr Langbroek said.

“We promised at the election to revitalise frontline education services and the real winners tonight are Queenslanders because quality education benefits not only students, but the whole community.

“Through these awards we continue to shine the spotlight on the hard work of some extraordinary teachers, their supportive principals and involved local community members.

“The awards inspire teachers to set great examples for their colleagues in their school, in their region and throughout the state.”

(** The full list of state winners is below **)

The award categories relate to early and primary years, junior secondary years, senior years, inclusive education, leadership, innovation, and community or industry partnerships.

Mr Langbroek said the Showcase Awards program gave Queensland state schools the opportunity to share in more than $370,000 of development grants to reinvest in their programs.

This year, 74 regional award winners each received $1000, 21 state finalists each won an additional $5000 and the seven state award winners will receive an extra $20,000 each to spend on educational development within their local school communities.

Mr Langbroek thanked the 2014 sponsors – Network Ten, Teachers Health Fund, QSuper, Village Roadshow Theme Parks, Queensland University of Technology and RemServ.

2014 state winners

The Network Ten Showcase Award for Excellence in the Early and Primary Years

Carole Park State School – Language for life

The Teachers Health Fund Showcase Award for Excellence in the Junior Secondary Years

Glenmore State High School – Dragon spirit

The QSuper Showcase Award for Excellence in the Senior Years

Beerwah State High School, Caloundra State High School, Kawana Waters State College and Meridan State College – Partnerships – The pathway to success

The Village Roadshow Theme Parks Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education

Royal Children’s Hospital School – Empowering kids to fly

The Queensland University of Technology Showcase Award for Excellence in Leadership

James Nash State High School – Education and training changing the culture of a community

The RemServ Showcase Award for Excellence in Innovation

Ipswich State High School – The Ipswich State High School Hair Salon – A cut above the rest!

The Showcase Award for Excellence in Community or Industry Partnerships

Cleveland State School – S.P.E.A.K

[ENDS] 17 October 2014

Media contact: Minister’s office 3237 1000