Pimlico State High School opens new Year 7 facilities

Education Minister Kate Jones today officially opened Pimlico State High School’s new facilities and congratulated the school for the successful transition of its first Year 7 students.

The Queensland Government invested $5.54 million to build seven new classrooms and upgrade seven others.

“Three of the new classrooms and all of the refurbished classrooms are available for the use of the 302 Year 7 students who joined the school for the first time at the start of Term 1,” Ms Jones said.

“As we draw to the close of term 1, I congratulate the Year 7 and 8 students, parents, teachers and other staff who have helped ensure a successful start to the school year.

“I also acknowledge the wonderful contribution of the Year 11 and 12 students who are mentoring the young newcomers and are proving to be fine role models.”

Ms Jones said the success was due to the carefully planned transition activities which included hosting teacher swap days, parent group meetings and student open days along with participating in the Townsville-wide high school “taster day” for Year 6 students last year.

She said the refurbishments had also provided new areas for the school support team, including the community education counsellor, school chaplain, nurse, police officer, behaviour management and learning support specialists.

“These people can work together in one area and make use of three confidential interview rooms.”

During her visit Ms Jones toured the new classrooms, which are fully utilised in virtually every lesson each school day, and met with teachers and students, including some of the six new teachers employed at the school this year.

The school has also employed a literary coach to help teachers develop and teach a range of reading strategies and to deliver targeted intervention for students not meeting the National Minimum Standard for reading.

Principal Kevin Wager said many of the new students had joined their older peers in taking part in the many extra-curricular choices offered at the school, including instrumental music and sport.

“Our new and refurbished facilities have really helped to create an inspiring environment for our Year 7 and 8 students to learn and develop new skills and experience all that high school life has to offer,” Mr Wager said.

Emma Smith (Minister Jones’ Office) 0417 405 879