New Year 7 facilities opened at Mt Gravatt State High School

A new $3 million building officially opened at Mount Gravatt State High School today has helped provide a flying start for the school’s new Year 7 students.

Education Minister Kate Jones said the building, funded under the Government’s Flying Start initiative, was home to students who were among the first statewide intake of Year 7s into high school in 2015.

“The new buildings ensure Mount Gravatt State High School Year 7 and 8 students have the facilities which will best support their learning and engagement,” she said.

“The school has welcomed close to 200 Year 7 students and a further 125 Year 8 students in 2015.

“Additionally, seven new teachers have been recruited from affiliate primary schools to support students in these junior secondary years.”

Member for Greenslopes Joe Kelly said he welcomed the Queensland Government investment to move Year 7 to high school.

“Mount Gravatt State High School was excited and well-prepared to welcome these new teachers, students and their families to the school community, for what is an historic moment in Queensland’s education history,” Mr Kelly said

“By giving our local students access to specialist teachers early creates opportunities for students to explore subjects in detail – and it shows in their results.”

Mount Gravatt State High School’s dedicated Year 7 building features eight general learning classrooms and one flexible learning room over two storeys.

Principal Richard Usher said the transition of Year 7 to high school at Mount Gravatt had been “absolutely seamless”.

“Our Junior Secondary Head of Department would say it’s been ‘awesome’,” he said.

“The preparation for and induction of students was carefully planned and executed with high levels of parent engagement.

“Care and a sense of community are Mount Gravatt traits and parents have sought to match their child with what the school offers to look after the children in our care.

“Anecdotal feedback from parents confirms our Year 7s are happy and feel safe and included in the school community from day one. Thirty senior mentors were trained to “buddy” and support our new cohort.

“Year 7 attendance is around 96 per cent, in Term 1 not one behaviour incident was recorded and our Year 7s and 8s are well engaged in curriculum and co-curricular activities.”

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 3719 7530