COMMUNITY LEADERS AND LOCAL HEROES GO BACK TO SCHOOL

State schools across Queensland will open their classroom doors next week for visits from local celebrities, business and community leaders, media personalities and sports heroes.

Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, said both Principal for a Day and Back to School Day would be held next week as part of State Education Week celebrations.

“On Monday (28 May) more than 90 business and community leaders will swap the boardroom for the classroom when they participate in the Principal for a Day program,” Mr Welford said.

“Prominent community members – such as business entrepreneurs, university professors, aboriginal elders, media personalities and athletes – will spend the day job-shadowing a school Principal.

“The ‘Principals’ this year include actor Paul Bishop, Brisbane Lions star Jed Adcock, presenter Marie Louise Thiele, international fashion designer Daniel Lightfoot and cricketer Ian Healy.

“Activities will include meeting and interacting with students and staff, talking with parents and other members of the school community, and doing playground or tuckshop duty.”

On Tuesday (29 May) more than 60 state schools throughout Queensland will also open their classroom doors to some well-known past students for Back to School Day.

Former students such as Gold Coast Titans players Clint Amos and Luke O’Dwyer, Channel Nine personality Joseph May, and Network Ten stars Scott Beveridge from TTN and Adam Cox from Totally Wild will be taking part.

Mr Welford said the Education Foundation program gave young people the chance to meet former students, and hear about their experiences and achievements after finishing school.

“The program helps to show students there are so many possibilities and opportunities for the future and it gives past students the chance to build positive relationships and lasting links with their old school and its community,” Mr Welford said.

Media enquiries: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000