School term to finish on a high note

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek has thanked schools, students, parents and carers for their efforts this term, ahead of the September school holidays which begin next week.

Mr Langbroek said he had visited dozens of schools across the state this term, and had witnessed first-hand the great work being done.

“When I visit schools, it is always humbling to see how passionate the school leaders, teachers and support staff are about creating quality learning experiences for students,” Mr Langbroek said.

“I know that students are working hard too, as are parents and carers as their learning support crew at home, and they deserve credit where credit is due.”

Mr Langbroek said the Newman Government’s ‘once-in-a-generation’ budget had reaffirmed that education was among the state’s top priorities.

“Last week’s budget shows that we’re maintaining important frontline services for education and investing in the learning potential of young Queenslanders.

“This year’s budget includes $6.5 million for literacy and numeracy programs, $3.5 million for e-tablets for special education students and $1.4 million for an additional 30 speech language pathologists.

“We’ve set aside $200 million for state schools to fix peeling paint, broken glass and other priority maintenance issues that had been seriously neglected by the Labor Government, and a further $86.25 million for better infrastructure in non-Government schools.”

Mr Langbroek said the Newman Government would also sponsor up to 50 high school students to commemorate Anzac Day at Gallipoli or on the Western Front over the next three years.

“The last day of Term 3 – Friday 21 September – is the last chance for high school students to send in their multi-media presentations to the Premier’s Anzac Prize competition,” Mr Langbroek said.

“What a fantastic opportunity for young Queenslanders to travel overseas, learn about Australia’s war history and help keep the Anzac spirit alive for future generations.”

The first five students chosen for the 2013 Anzac delegation will be announced in December 2012. Visit www.education.qld.gov.au/students/grants/scholarships for information and application forms.

 [ENDS] 19 September, 2012

Media contact: Carrie Barlow – 0409 110 657