School’s out for 2023

• 2023 has been a highly successful year for Queensland education
• Free kindy was announced in June and will start in January 2024
• Other highlights include the launch of the Equity and Excellence strategy

Education Minister Grace Grace has congratulated all Queensland students, staff and school communities on another successful year in education on the final day of school for 2023.

A history making year for education in Queensland, 2023 was highlighted by the June announcement that from January 2024, kindy will be free for an extra 50,000 children, saving families up to $4,600 a year.

The year started strong with the launch of the Equity and Excellence: realising the potential of every student strategy in February and ended with the launch of a $288 million education engagement package.

Announced this week, the $288 million package aims to keep kids learning by expanding the successful Queensland Pathways State College, increasing engagement programs targeting First Nations young people, expanding FlexiSpaces in schools for students unable to be in the classroom, and providing intervention for young people at-risk of or known to youth justice.

And this year’s State Budget featured a record $17.8 billion for education, including $2.1 billion for infrastructure to build, improve, expand, and maintain schools right across the state.

Other significant achievements in 2023 include:

• The $35 million Queensland Reading Commitment;
• The ongoing $20 million Turn to Teaching and $20 million Trade to Teach Internship programs;
• The continued rollout of the $106.7 million Student Wellbeing Package, with a total of 466 wellbeing professionals providing support to students in schools;
• Over 130,000 free period product packs distributed to schools through the highly successful Dignity Vending Machines;
• The new $2 million school food programs initiative, providing cost-of-living relief at 861 Queensland state schools in Term 4;
• A $29 million boost to the now $49 million playgrounds and tuckshops upgrade program, benefitting 150 Queensland schools;
• And, 680 schools receiving round one funding as part of the $100 million Go for Gold program to give Queensland students the chance to achieve their sporting best ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Quotes attributable to Education Minister Grace Grace:

“Congratulations to all students, staff and school communities for a successful 2023.

“After three atypical years it has been fantastic to see schools regain some normality this year and I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting schools right across the state.

“I am so proud of our state education system and the wonderful opportunities we create for young Queenslanders every single day.

“From Equity and Excellence through to our free kindy initiative, the Palaszczuk Government is taking action to give every student the best possible start in learning and in life.

“I look forward to welcoming two new school communities - Bellbird Park State School in Ipswich and Scenic Shores State School in Redland Bay – on board in 2024.”

ENDS

Media contact – Martin Phillip – 0407 675 008