Names and Principals of new schools announced

Published Tuesday, 03 September, 2024 at 03:03 PM

Minister for Education and Minister for Youth Justice
The Honourable Di Farmer

  • Names of 2 new schools at Park Ridge in Logan and Collingwood Park in Ipswich revealed
  • They will bring the total number of new Queensland schools opened by the Labor Government since 2015 to 29.
  • Stark contrast to previous LNP government which closed TAFEs, sacked teachers, shut down 8 schools and had another 50 they wanted to close on a secret hit list.

The Miles Government’s proven support for providing the best possible education for Queensland children in the best infrastructure, continues today with the announcement of the names for two new schools coming to the communities of Park Ridge and Collingwood Park next year.

Following comprehensive community consultation, the schools will be named Corymbia State School (Logan) and Collingwood Park State Secondary College (Ipswich).

The investment in these two new schools is $212.6 million, with $89.7 million for Corymbia State School and $122.8 million for Collingwood Park State Secondary College.

Both schools are scheduled to open for Term 1, 2025. Corymbia State School will open for Prep to Year 6 students, and Collingwood Park State Secondary College will open for Year 7 and Year 8 students. This will take the total number of schools built and opened by the Queensland Government since 2015 to 29, with more to come.

This is in stark contrast to the LNP, which when in government closed TAFEs, sacked teachers, shut down 8 schools and had another 50 they wanted to close on a secret hit list.

The community consultation process for naming the two new schools considered input and feedback from local schools, community members, members of parliament, local government representatives, and other stakeholders.

Enrolments are now open, and Foundation Principals Nicole Morris (Corymbia State School) and Ben Jack (Collingwood Park State Secondary College) are working with their local communities to establish the schools on Day 1, 2025

The consultation process to develop school logos, uniform designs, and school colours will begin shortly.

 Quotes attributable to the Minister of Education Di Farmer:

“I am thrilled to announce the names of these two new schools, and the two great Principals who will welcome the first students at the beginning of next year.

“I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the consultation for the new names and all the great work that has gone into the planning and construction of Collingwood Park State Secondary College and Corymbia State School.

“When these schools open, they will bring the total number of schools opened since 2015 to 29 new schools, because investing in schools and education is investing in our future.”

Quotes attributable to the Lance McCallum Member for Bundamba: 

This is turning the page on the first chapter for the future of Collingwood Park and is doing what matters for our community.

“Collingwood Park State Secondary College is the result of years of hard work, planning, and listening to our local community; I’m proud to see our vision coming to life, ensuring that every child has access to a world-class education right here in Ipswich.

“This $122.8 million investment is proof that the Miles Government is committed to the future of Ipswich. 

“Education is the cornerstone of our community’s future, so I’m excited to see Collingwood Park State Secondary College become a hub for learning, growth, and community pride.” 

"We’re not just building schools; we’re building futures, giving our kids the best start in life.

Quotes attributable to the Linus Power Member for Logan: 

A new local state school means less travel time and reduces pressure on local families.”

“I’ve seen the construction of Corymbia State School, and I know that every Park Ridge student is going to be incredibly proud of their new school.

“I want to thank the school leadership and principal, Nicole Morris, for engaging our community in the consultation process.”

Quotes attributable to Foundation Principal Nicole Morris Corymbia SS

“After continuing community consultation through various avenues a decision was made to name the school Corymbia State School after the most prevalent eucalyptus tree on the site – the Corymbia intermedia, which is colloquially known as the ghost gum.

“As there is an existing school named Park Ridge State School, we wanted to ensure there was no confusion.

“Our new school and grounds are just beautiful – the site is covered with trees and is home to many native animals including koalas, which feed on the Corymbia species of eucalypt, also noted on the school site are sugar gliders, possums, wallabies, an abundance of bird life and aquatic reptiles.

“To give you some idea about the nature on site, you cannot see the school from the road; it’s really lovely and peaceful – there are at least 500 Eucalyptus on the site with Corymbia being the highest percentage of the trees on site.

“We are very excited as the school build is on track and our school community is already very strong – at two recent community consultations we had 100 community members at each one and they showed a real interest in the naming process and our vision for the school.”

Quotes attributable to Foundation Principal Ben Jack, Collingwood Park SSC:

“I feel very blessed and honoured to have been asked to take on the role of Foundation Principal at Collingwood Park State Secondary College.

“I feel I am part of something very special and historical and I am looking forward to recognizing and celebrating all the major milestones both before and after we open the college next year.

“The community has been very invested in the naming process – from the start they wanted to include the suburb in the name especially as Collingwood Park State School is just 300 metres down the road – the community is very proud of Collingwood Park, and what it stands for, so it was always going to be part of the name.

“The building is progressing very well and we are meeting all our construction timelines –it’s a very exciting time.”

Media – Tim Auguston 0427 090 563

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