$11 million refurbishment to celebrate Durack State School’s 50th Anniversary

Teachers, parents, students and friends today celebrated the official opening of Durack State School’s new and refurbished facilities, coinciding with the campus’s 50th anniversary.

Minister for Education and Training Geoff Wilson and State Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk officially opened the facilities which have benefited from $11 million in refurbishments.

Mr Wilson said the modernisation was part of the Bligh Government’s $69.5 million Inala-Durack State Schools of Tomorrow project.

“Extensive upgrades to the 50-year-old school mean students are learning in more flexible classrooms with the latest technology,” Mr Wilson said.

“They are using new facilities such as amenities, tuckshop, covered outdoor area, hall and library, and the reconfigured car park is safer.

“Their school is greener with new rainwater tanks, solar power panels and extensive landscaping.

“All schools in the Inala-Durack cluster have access to their family literacy centre.

“Community use of these world-class facilities, including the literacy centre, for events, programs and adult learning courses is an important feature of the State Schools of Tomorrow project.”

The federal government contributed $3.2 million for covered outdoor learning areas, a multi-purpose hall and playground equipment under the Building the Education Revolution program.

Mr Wilson thanked teachers for helping to prepare Durack’s 434 Prep-Year 7 students for success in life by laying firm educational foundations.

“Queensland children are receiving a world-class education thanks to the hard work and professionalism of educators and government policies,” he said.

Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs and Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk said parents know they can count on state schools like Durack to offer their children a flying start to learning and life.

“Durack is focused on improving students’ literacy and numeracy, professional development for teachers, e-learning, social and emotional learning, and music and physical education,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Teachers deliver holistic programs to ensure children’s learning needs are met academically, physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially.

“With high quality resources, staff and programs, Durack is helping to improve students’ results.”

Known as Serviceton until 2001, Durack State School is marking its 50^th anniversary with a reunion for past students and staff tomorrow.

Media contact: 3237 1000

October 8, 2010