Education Minister visits Aldridge SHS

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek today visited Aldridge State High School, one of the state’s first Independent Public Schools, where he met with members of the school’s newly formed council.

Minister Langbroek said Aldridge State High School was making great progress as one of 26 Queensland state schools given more autonomy to recruit teachers, manage resources and tailor curriculum to the needs of their students.

“Aldridge State High School is embracing its new status as an Independent Public School and has taken the important step of forming a school council, with representatives from both the school and the broader community,” Mr Langbroek said.

“It was wonderful to meet with members of the school council, who are clearly passionate about contributing to the decision-making process and want nothing less than the best education for the students.

“While it is still early days, I was pleased to hear that the school council met for the first time last week to discuss their constitution and the election of another three members.

“I congratulate Principal Ross Higgins and his team for showing strong leadership with this initiative.

“The school’s aspirations to become an Independent Public School would never have been possible without the support of parents, carers, teachers and the wider community.”

Minister Langbroek said the Newman Government was delivering on its election commitment to lift education standards by giving schools greater control over their decision making.

“The Newman Government is committed to working with school communities to deliver the very best education for Queensland kids,” he said.

“We believe that local school communities, parents, teachers and principals know what’s best for their children and we want to give them the power to make those decisions without interference.

“I look forward to visiting more Independent Public Schools around the state this year to see how they are progressing.”

Mr Langbroek said the Independent Public Schools model would be extended to 120 Queensland state schools by 2016.

For more information about Queensland’s Independent Public Schools initiative visit the Education Queensland website at http://education.qld.gov.au/schools/independent-public-schools/index.html.

[ENDS] 25 February 2013

Media Contact: Carrie Barlow 0409 110 657