New Thursday Island facility for secondary boarders a step closer

Education Minister Kate Jones today announced the Palaszczuk Government would invest $3 million towards the expansion of student boarding on Thursday Island.

Ms Jones said an additional boarding facility would enable more students to stay in the Torres Strait to complete their senior schooling.

“The expansion of student boarding will accommodate secondary students who attend Tagai State College on Thursday Island,” Ms Jones said.

“We are currently in negotiations with the Federal Government to secure additional funding towards this facility through the National Partnerships Agreement.

“Thursday Island needs more student boarding to accommodate the growth we are seeing in the Torres Strait.

“The college has 16 primary campuses for students from Pre-Prep to Year 6 across 15 islands and one secondary campus on Thursday Island for students in Years 7 to 12.

“The number of younger students attending the primary campuses is increasing, with more than 1200 full-time equivalent Pre-Prep to Year 6 students enrolled at the start of 2017.

“The lack of suitable boarding options currently available on Thursday Island means some students have to leave their communities to attend secondary school on the mainland.

“Almost half of Tagai State College students entering Year 7 left their home islands to attend mainland schools.”

Ms Jones said an additional boarding facility would empower parents with more choice about their child’s secondary education at home in the Torres Strait.

“The community are telling us they welcome greater choice for parents,” Ms Jones said.

“Tagai State College is uniquely positioned to offer young people an education that recognises and celebrates the languages and cultural identities of Torres Strait region.”

Ms Jones said the Department of Education and the Torres Strait Islander Regional Education Council (TSIREC) would support students transitioning to Tagai State College.

“They will also work with outer island families and community groups to advocate for improved student outcomes at mainland boarding schools,” she said.

“By providing more options for Tagai State College secondary students to board in their own community will help these young people stay at school longer and maintain their cultural ties.

“We know the construction of this new facility will also help provide economic stimulus through local construction jobs and ongoing maintenance.”

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