Thrive Magazine | Brisbane's Education Guide

Thrive

Brisbane’s Education Guide

WORLD

CLASS The new sports facility at Kelvin Grove

HEAD OF COLLEGE Introducing Michael Newman at

What I really want from my school…

Marist College Ashgrove

We asked a year 7 student

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WELCOME

o the inaugural edition of THRIVE: Brisbane’s Education Guide. A publication aimed at bringing you the very best when it comes to learning, study and further education. Being a part of the schools system in Queensland is about building the foundations upon which our future generations can develop and grow.

So, when it comes to showcasing the very best educational institutions in our great state, we’ve got you covered. A great school is one that inspires imagination, investigation and ultimately, an immense love of learning – all while fostering creativity in a safe environment. The following pages are filled

with insightful information about Brisbane’s top education institutions, including everything from tips for building resilience and developing student agency, to pathways to university, and the best ways to prepare students for the future. So, what makes these 10 institutions stand out from the crowd? Perhaps it’s their history of producing leading academic scholars or their elite athlete sports programs, or simply, their rich history and upstanding reputation in the Brisbane community.

No matter the reason, we hope their stories inspire you and your children to learn, grow, flourish, and above all, thrive, in the important years to come.

CONTENTS 3 REACHING NEW HEIGHTS ST MARGARET’S ANGLICAN GIRLS SCHOOL

4 ENLIGHTENING LEADERSHIP MARIST COLLEGE ASHGROVE

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6 A SPACE FOR DISCOVERY ANGLICAN CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

8 SCHOOL OF THOUGHT STUDENT: IVY ROBINSON

DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE AND OTHER RESOURCES

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FUTURE-FOCUSED IES COLLEGE

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GREAT SPORT KELVIN GROVE STATE COLLEGE

ON THE COVER: MARIST COLLEGE ASHGROVE Publisher’s Indemnity: Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to Style Media Pty Ltd undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to the above mentioned, these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements. The views and information provided by advertisers/schools do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Style Media Pty Ltd. Readers should conduct their own research when choosing a school. Stock images sourced from Rawpixel.

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THRIVE BRISBANE’S EDUCATION GUIDE | 2020

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS St Margaret’s unveil their new world-class sports and wellbeing precinct.

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t Margaret’s Anglican Girls School have opened a brand new, multi-million-dollar state of the art sports and wellbeing facility on their Ascot campus.

Officially opened in August by the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, the venue was dedicated by The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall Archbishop of Brisbane.

The facility features an incredible 11-lane water polo compliant heated swimming pool, with two 50-metre lanes, outdoor tennis courts with lights, a large gym with an oak sprung floor (including court markings for badminton, volleyball, netball and basketball), an indoor climbing wall featuring seven auto-belay stations, a strength and conditioning gym, a dedicated ergometer room for rowing, and several modern health and physical education classrooms.

Sport, health and physical education has long played an important role in

delivering holistic education – a trait for which St Margaret’s is so highly regarded. School Principal, Ros Curtis, says, “We know that when students are at their healthiest and happiest, their academic performance and the way they engage and interact in the classroom is improved.”

Helping students to develop their sport prowess while at school is something St Margaret’s offers as part of its personalised learning. Through the school’s Flyers program, elite athletes are able to successfully coordinate their training and competition schedules with

other aspects of their education.

An honour role of St Margaret’s alumni includes two-time Olympian, Bronte Barratt, five-time Olympic medallist, Brittany Elmslie, and Olympic and world champion rowers, Maddie and Jacinta Edmonds and Sally Kehoe.

The cleverly designed precinct has achieved the creation of an open and generous space on one third of the campus. “Our students can play, learn and gather in ways never before possible in the school’s history,” Ms Curtis says.

ST MARGARET’S ANGLICAN GIRLS SCHOOL 11 PETRIE ST, ASCOT P 3862 0777 STMARGARETS.QLD.EDU.AU

Imagine your future… at St Margaret’s St Margaret’s offers a range of academic and performance-based scholarships.

Applications for 2022 Scholarships open 29 September 2020 For more details and to register visit www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/ admissions/scholarships-and-bursaries A local school with a global outlook

St Margaret’s PRE-PREP - YEAR 12

BOARDING YEARS 5-12

www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au • T: (07) 3862 0777 11 Petrie Street Ascot QLD 4007

St Margaret’s School Council Ltd ABN: 69069684019 CRICOS Code: 00511K

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ENLIGHTENING LEADERSHIP Marist College Ashgrove welcomes the next Head of College from January 2021.

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ome January, Marist College Ashgrove will be basking in the experience and excellence of the highly successful Catholic educator, Mr Michael Newman, after the retirement of their current Headmaster, Mr Peter McLoughlin. With an impressive economics and educational-focused resumé, Mr Newman holds a Masters in Educational Leadership and a Graduate Diploma in Religious Education from the Australian Catholic University, as well as a Bachelor of Economics and Diploma of Education from Macquarie University.

After finishing his economics degree, Mr Newman always knew he wanted to be a teacher. “Once I did practice and got into two schools, I really enjoyed it.

I think it’s a great job being a teacher, it’s such a privilege to be with young people and to be able to inspire them and assist them to achieve their dreams,” he says.

Today, Mr Newman currently holds the position of Executive Principal with the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, and since 2010 has been Principal of St Mary’s College, Toowoomba. Prior to this, he was Principal of St John’s School, Roma, and Dean of Community and Mission at St Joseph’s College, Nudgee. He was also a Marist Brother for seventeen years serving communities and schools in Burdekin, 4

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Hunters Hill in Sydney and Lismore.

When it comes to students achieving their personal best, Mr Newman is passionate about providing and making sure opportunities are there for the boys in every aspect. “My philosophy really is all about achieving your personal best in all areas of education. I think that holistic sense is really important whether it’s achieving your best academically, spiritually, culturally, sporting wise or even just getting on with other people,” he says.

Coming to a school that is already highly successful on multiple levels is no easy feat, and also a challenge within itself, but with an impressive background and with some inspiration from basketball legend, Michael Jordan, Mr Newman is confident in his ability to help students achieve greatness.

“I think a challenge for all educators is making sure that students try hard and show resilience in all things. One of the things I really like about Michael Jordan in his latest documentary ‘The Last Dance’ was that he spoke about being okay with failure, that we all fail sometimes, but he’s not okay with not trying. I think that’s a great motto to make sure that we’re always trying and giving our best.”

MARIST COLLEGE ASHGROVE 142 FRASERS RD, ASHGROVE P 3858 4555 MARISTASHGROVE.COM

THRIVE BRISBANE’S EDUCATION GUIDE | 2020

MICHAEL NEWMAN

Let’s get to know Mr Newman a little more shall we?

As interviewed by the students of Marist College Ashgrove.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like to read books by Alastair Campbell. He writes about succeeding and how you keep striving.

Who is your favourite band?

INXS. Best advice you’ve ever been given?

From my parents, “It’s really important to try and if you keep trying, you can achieve anything.”

What type of Head of College role model do you aspire to be?

I want to be able to provide as many opportunities to boys as I can at this College.

A SPACE FOR

DISCOVERY Boys will be boys, so they say, but how many of us take this adage to heart and embrace it? For boys at Churchie’s Preparatory School, this is exactly what they do as they pursue their mission: the making of men.

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t Churchie, boys explore their values and establish foundations for making responsible decisions. They explore their own definition of self, who they are and what they want to become.

They learn to forge healthy relationships, and they step out of their comfort zones to explore their full potential. Ultimately, they are preparing for their roles in a globally connected world.

Churchie’s latest educational facility places their mission and these ideals at the centre of boys’ education. The school has invested in a purpose-built building that will accommodate one of their great interests and passions – technology. In addition to being home to the year 3 precinct, the building will also include a creative precinct and an exciting new concept, a discovery space. This will allow boys to actively cultivate their creativity, learning culture and personal growth while learning transferable lifelong skills. It will teach Churchie boys how to take risks and, in turn, become more resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable.

The discovery space will be tailored to boys’ learning.

Boys need to be excited and challenged, and they need to be connected to their learning experiences to be inspired and engaged. The new

discovery space will use technologies such as Ozbots, Spheros and WeDo 2.0 to introduce students to the world of coding, science, engineering and design, with 3D printers to turn ideas into a reality. They will write code for drones and discover the mechanical innards of electronics. A green-screen space will enable Churchie boys to weave a narrative through audio-visual storytelling, catering to different learning styles through sight, sound, motion and emotional expression.

Boys will discover new levels of creativity, collaboration and inspiration in this exciting new space. Most of all, they will be developing and refining skills that will prepare them for an ever-changing future.

ANGLICAN CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL OAKLANDS PDE, EAST BRISBANE P 3896 2200 CHURCHIE.COM.AU INFO@CHURCHIE.COM.AU

MARK WYER, HEAD OF PREPARATORY SCHOOL, ANGLICAN CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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OPEN DAYS VIRTUAL LIVE INTERACTIVE 14 October Preparatory School 15 October Senior School Register online www.churchie.com.au/openday

SCHOOL OF

THOUGHT Ivy Robinson, a year 7 student from Brisbane’s inner west, tells us about schooling life through her eyes.

What is important to you when it comes to education?

To be able to expand my learning each year, get skills for life and also to develop more life skills as the years advance, so I am able to fend for myself throughout my adulthood.

What sort of things concern you about going to school?

Not being able to learn, focus or get what I need done. This year has been a bit scary with COVID-19, a lot of us are worried about going to school. But things are definitely getting better now.

What do you think makes a good student?

Someone who listens and tries their hardest.

What would you like to do when you finish school?

I would love to become a Vet. This job really captivates me because I naturally love animals and seeing them suffer really hurts me. I’d love a job that will allow me to help and heal.

Best advice a teacher has ever given you?

My grade 5 teacher once said to me, “Even if you fail, you still win. Because if you try your best that’s all that counts.” My parents say that too and it really helps me when I worry about exams, assignments, and grades.

My grade 5 teacher once said to me, “EVEN IF YOU FAIL, YOU STILL WIN. BECAUSE IF YOU TRY YOUR BEST, THAT’S ALL THAT COUNTS.” 8

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IMAGES: RAWPIXEL

Do you have access to technology at your school? Tell us what that involves...

We use iPads and laptops, email, as well as plenty of apps such as Stile.

I think we use them a lot though, and sometimes people use tech when they’re not supposed to and they miss out on important information.

I would say that we can be addicted to technology, but that it helps us access information quicker and helps us to connect with other people.

Is there anything you think Australian schools could be doing better?

Maybe different start and finish times? And I’d love to be able to get more real-life experience – for example, if I could get a job somewhere and include that in my learning or something similar. I really like my school though, I think overall, they do a fantastic job.

St Joseph’s College

Proudly Celebrating 145 Years of Catholic education in the Brisbane community

Forming Terrace Gentlemen to be young men of faith and learning who will make a difference through

Knowledge | Humility | Wisdom

www.terrace .ql d .e d u .au

Building digital intelligence It’s never too early to instil good habits when it comes to using technology. As your child grows, it can be useful to keep these basic digital intelligence principles in mind.

Respectful communication: if it’s wrong to say to someone’s face, then it’s not ok to say online. Just as anyone would use respectful interaction when speaking to others face-to-face, encouraging your children to use the same positive manners and behaviours in person is a great way to promote respectful communication online.

Question things: we’ve all read a bit of ‘fake news’ that’s designed to look trustworthy. Encouraging kids to fact check news sources and do their own independent research on issues is a great way to foster a variety of opinions on particular issues.

Build resilience: be the inspiration they need by keeping your cool if your child goes through a negative experience online. Build your child’s confidence and encourage positive ways of thinking — looking on the bright side, thinking rationally and understanding that difficult times are a part of life but there is always help and support available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT ESAFETY.GOV.AU

Time saving tips for

SCHOOL LUNCHES DIP IT GOOD!

The benefits of nature play Being outside in nature offers a vast array of possibilities not available indoors.

The natural world really is a giant and never-ending learning laboratory!

In nature, children think, question and develop inquisitive minds. Getting outside and involved in nature-play and outdoor learning provides countless opportunities for children’s creativity, discovery, problem solving and STEM education. From intellectual benefits by judging and taking risks, children can try and fail, and by doing so, they gain resilience and build confidence.

Emotionally, being in nature feels good and children are able to explore freely, make noise and move their bodies – all wonderful forms of selfexpression. Socially, when exploring outside, kids are able to make their own decisions, decide their own rules and solve their own problems without any inhibitions. Finally, plenty of fresh air is invigorating! It offers children endless opportunities for physical activity to build strong bodies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NATUREPLAYQLD.ORG.AU

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Have you ever tried to get your kids to eat fruits and veggies? It’s no mean feat, but you’re not alone. Including dips in your kid’s lunchbox can make a huge difference to their healthy eating and all you need is a few simple ingredients such as Greek yoghurt and honey, hummus and carrot sticks or granola and nut-free spreads!

SUNDAY PREP Carrot sticks, celery, fruits, cheese, and bread can all be sliced and diced at the beginning of the week and stored in large resealable containers.

FAIL-SAFE INGREDIENTS If you’re truly short on time, having a few easy ingredients on stand‑by such as cheese, meat slices, crackers, berries, eggs, cucumbers and fruit all make for quick and delicious treats on the go.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? GET CREATIVE LUNCHBOX INSPIRATION IDEAS BY FOLLOWING @SCHOOLLUNCHBOX ON INSTAGRAM!

Brisbane State High School

Celebrating 100 years in 2021 Brisbane State High School has a rich history in delivering excellence in public education.

In 2021, State High, together with the community, will celebrate our centenary and our many great achievements over the past 100 years.

State High has leveraged our foundations and traditions to form a truly unique learning environment and a distinctive culture. Our students are surrounded by possibility and opportunity in many diverse areas— academia, sport, culture, international experience and community responsibility.

Cnr Cordelia & Glenelg Streets South Brisbane, Qld 4101 Australia tel: (07) 3291 4111 email: admin@brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au website: www.statehigh.com.au

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FUTURE-FOCUSED Welcome to an IB World School opening in Spring Hill, January 2021.

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t’s been a 21-year resident of the education landscape in Spring Hill, now IES College is an authorised IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to local and international year 11 and 12 students.

Building on its proud reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative educational experiences, and an award

winning track record of successfully preparing students for university undergraduate degrees, the expansion of IES’s educational programme will see it become Brisbane’s only independent, co-educational and secular school to exclusively deliver the internationally recognised IB Diploma Programme – and enrolments are now open for year 11, 2021.

IES College’s fully refurbished inner city, vertical campus is a welcoming learning environment for students. It’s globally inspired with light-filled spaces for collaboration and socialising, has quiet places for concentration and deep thinking, and flexible Wi-Fi classrooms that can be transformed for purpose. Plus, it has a research learning centre at the hub of the school, STEM and art studios, performing arts space and more. Bigger doesn’t always equal better, with the smaller boutique environment providing a personalised student experience, encouraging each student to reach their full potential and to feel safe and supported. Students are welcome on campus anytime between 8am and 6pm, but classes will only begin at 9.30am, because IES College understands that a later start is what teenage bodies and brains need to flourish. For students, not every day will be spent in the classroom either. IES College has partnered with a range The International of community groups to extend learning Baccalaureate aims to develop beyond the walls inquiring, knowledgeable of the college and and caring young people who offer an experiential learning environment. help to create a better and Many of the activities more peaceful world through will take place off intercultural understanding campus and outdoors and respect. in the local community – essentially, Brisbane is your campus!

When it comes to diversity and inclusion, IES College doesn’t just talk about it, they live it, breathe it and lead by example. Their teachers and professional staff are multilingual and multicultural and have travelled the world. They understand different cultures and have a real grasp of what it means to be a world citizen.

ENROLMENTS ARE NOW OPEN FOR YEAR 11, 2021. FULL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS ENTERING YEAR 11 ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THESE INCLUDE ACADEMIC, DIVERSITY AND UNITED AGAINST COVID-19 SCHOLARSHIPS. IES COLLEGE 495 BOUNDARY ST, SPRING HILL P 3832 7699 IESCOLLEGE.COM

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IES College An IB World School opening in Spring Hill in January 2021

An independent, co-educational senior high school offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for year 11 & 12.

Enrolments now open for year 11, 2021.

Scholarships available.

Come and say hello! +61 (7) 3832-7699 495 Boundary St, Spring Hill QLD 4000 www.iescollege.com

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GREAT

SPORT Kelvin Grove State College’s $21.4 million sports complex opens.

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he Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace, was delighted to officially open Kelvin Grove State College’s new $21.4 million Brooker Stadium and Sports Centre Complex this month.

Recently playing host to the Queensland Volleyball Championships, the complex enables the college to provide a world-class learning environment for a multitude of classes and students who access it weekly. It’s a sporting dream, with three basketball courts, five volleyball courts, netball and badminton courts, as well as 17 classrooms, staffrooms, amenities and car park. The centre will be the hub for much of the college’s Health and Physical Education (HPE) and Sports Excellence programs. The specialist spaces include a kinesiology lab, Pilates room, weights room, and physio 14

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treatment room which enable the college to continue to provide a truly unique learning experience for students in the College Sporting Excellence programs; tennis, golf, football and volleyball.

These programs are providing additional pathway opportunities for students that complement their academic studies.

Kelvin Grove State College (KG) is passionate when it comes to student wellbeing and happiness, and this applies to the young and developing athletes, to ensure that they are not victims of chronic injuries that may be career ending by the time they graduate high school.

Partnering with VALD Performance, the college has also established a worldclass Movement Lab to support the development of athletes and minimise athlete injuries through biomechanical analysis. This equipment is the same used in European Premier League Football THRIVE BRISBANE’S EDUCATION GUIDE | 2020

teams and also the NBA. It’s a one-ofa-kind centre, being the only one of its type in a secondary education setting in Australia.

College Executive Principal Llew Paulger says the complex is truly a futures-focused asset that will serve the community for many years to come. “At KG, our mission is to create a ‘Prep to Pathways’ learning community delivering wellness and excellence, guided by our college values! In a sporting context, this is evidenced by these programs, where we see our athletes competing all around the world as representatives of the college. We also see our athletes go on to playing careers all over the world and gaining places in top universities in the States,” he says.

KELVIN GROVE STATE COLLEGE L’ESTRANGE TCE, KELVIN GROVE P 3552 7333 KELVINGROVESC.EQ.EDU.AU INFO@KELVINGROVESC.EQ.EDU.AU