Your guide to local education pathways
Key factors in choosing a school
Choosing the school that’s right for your child can feel overwhelming for some parents with many factors to consider.
We spoke to Peninsula mum Sami Fisher about what she’s looking for in primary education for her daughter Indie and what she is considering now that secondary school is on the horizon.
“Community is a big thing. I think being with good, likeminded parents and teachers … just having that good little community around her that she can grow up with was really important for me,” Sami explains.
Indie is in Year 4 at a local primary school and is enjoying making friends, learning and playtime.
“I like maths, HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences), science, English, art, music, physical education and LOTE (Languages Other Than English),” Indie says.
The eight-year-old is learning
to play the violin through the school’s instrumental music program this year.
“She’s very creative, so I do love that the school has lots of different little programs she can do outside of the normal curriculum,” Sami explains.
Receiving advice from family and friends helped her decide on Indie’s school, but she says visiting the school and seeing it for herself was equally important.
“I think you get a feel (for a school) if you go in for an interview and see the school and people, you get a vibe and energy,” Sami says.
“We did it at our school. We felt really happy walking in.”
She believes she made the right decision.
“It’s a big school and I like that there’s a lot of different kids that she’s going to interact with and play with and get to know … I think that’s really good for her,” Sami says.
“I’ve been really lucky at Indie’s
A SNAPSHOT: SCHOOLING IN MORETON BAY
2,045 sq km
With a population of about 500,000 and a land area of more than 2,045 square kilometres, the City of Moreton Bay is one of the largest and fastest growing council areas in Australia.
During the next 20 years, an additional 200,000 people are expected to call Moreton Bay home 45% 200,000
About 45 per cent of households in the city now have children
According to data collected in the 2021 Census, 77,294 children living here attend school. These are a mix of state and private schools at primary and secondary level, with plenty of quality close-to-home options for families.
The city also offers a bounty of childcare and kindergarten services, TAFE campuses, a university, and centres which support student learning.
There really isn’t a need to travel too far from home to find a quality education that suits the needs and aspirations of parents, guardians and children.
SOURCES: Moreton Bay City Council, Australian Bureau of Statistics
school … she’s had amazing teachers … that nurturing student-teacher connection and fostering that creativity and confidence in her.
“Her teachers all really want to be there and they are passionate about giving students a really good education.”
It won’t be too long before they have to think about the next stage in Indie’s education - secondary school – but Sami says the considerations will be very similar.
“I think again network and community will be a big one. I am considering where her cousins have gone and will be going,” she says.
Indie will have an interview at a prospective school this term.
“I’m taking into consideration what she is into to make a final call because high schools all specialise in different areas,” Sami says
Does a school’s NAPLAN performance factor in her
decision-making?
“No. I just want her to be happy at a school. She’s a good student, so I know she’s going to excel no matter where she goes,” Sami says.
Key to achieving that happiness is ensuring there is a balance between busy school life and downtime.
One afternoon a week, Indie does a children’s fitness class for kids aged 5-12 years at Active Sisters and another day she does trampolining, but throughout the week she also enjoys walking the family dog, cooking and learning to sew.
“We have some commitments and things in the afternoons, but we really look forward to some quiet days where they can approach the afternoon slowly,” Sami says.
Sami says the Peninsula is a great place to raise children, offering opportunities for an active and relaxed lifestyle.
Kylie Knight
Top tips for protecting young teeth
The key to ensuring your children have healthy teeth is educating yourself about sugary foods to avoid as a family, good dental hygiene and regular checks by a dentist.
Platypus Dental owner Dr Terry Pu says often parents need more education about tooth decay and how to prevent it.
“A lot of people think it’s DNA related, which it isn’t. It’s more because the parents have a diet with a lot of sugar and they will feed the same food to their children. They don’t understand the impact of what they’re doing,” Terry says.
“When you consume sugary foods and drinks, bacteria in your mouth convert the sugar into acid. This acid attacks the tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth.
“Over time, this acid erosion can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and other oral health problems.”
Terry says children's teeth are
more susceptible to decay than adult teeth.
“This is because their enamel is thinner and less mineralised. Frequent exposure to sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay, especially in young children,” he explains.
Sugary drinks, such as soft drinks, juice, and sports drinks, are particularly harmful to teeth.
“These drinks are often acidic and can erode tooth enamel quickly. Additionally, sipping sugary drinks throughout the day can constantly expose teeth to sugar, increasing the risk of decay,” he says.
Making dental hygiene fun is also vital to establishing good habits.
“When they brush their teeth, make sure they do it together … make it a fun, family activity. By doing that, the kids realise it’s something that is quite important. Don’t make it a chore. That’s important,” Terry says.
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Comprehensive dental care for the whole family. Visit platypusdental.com.au
Encourage your child to eat healthy snacks, such as fruit,
your child to brush their teeth toothpaste and floss once a day
Schedule regular dental check-
sucking on pacifiers or bottles
your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria.
Tailoring programs to students’ goals
Clontarf Beach State High School is supporting students to forge career pathways, no matter what their area of interest or future goals might be.
The Redcliffe Peninsula spoke to six students with differing education and career goals about how the school is helping them achieve those aspirations.
Principal Cath Pfingst says the students perfectly illustrate what is on offer at Clontarf Beach State High School.
“I think regardless of what the students are doing, whether they’re doing a signature program, an excellence program or pursuing a VET course … all these students are creating opportunities for themselves by choosing pathways that provide them experience and relevant curriculum to where they want to end up in the future,” she explains.
“Through our care program, our Summit academic excellence program, and our school sports
excellence programs, we have the opportunities where these kids are getting extra time and extra tuition around specific areas of their own interest.
“Because they’re doing stuff that they like and it is relevant and contextualized, they do engage really well with these programs and they have the opportunities particularly in the VET and certificate courses to pursue traineeships which are also great for them to get a head start into their future careers.
Making the difference
“One hundred per cent of our students leave with a qualification at the end of Year 12 and that qualification is tailormade for them and tiered to their area of interest and expertise.
“They might finish with a Certificate III in Hospitality or they might finish with a Certificate II in Engineering or they might have a full year behind them in a traineeship that takes them to electrical or plumbing or a trade of their choice.
“For those students who are looking to go on to university, we have 100 per cent of kids who are applying for university being successful in getting an offer first time around.”
Year 11 student Elisha Chand is part of the Academic Extension Program and is, this year, focusing on Biology, Chemistry and Mathematical Methods. She is also working towards a Certificate III in Health Services.
“I really want to go to the
University of Queensland (UQ). It’s my number one goal. I want to go and study either biomedicine or something to do with molecular biology. That’s a great passion of mine.
“The school does offer a lot of opportunities in regards to life after school and even things to do while we’re still studying. With my university pathway, I could do part of a university course while I’m still studying and I can even do one at UQ or UniSC.
“The Certificate III in Health Services will give me a step up in the medical field.”
Year 12 student Taj Morris is working towards a Certificate III in Health and Fitness and a Certificate in Electrotechnology at TAFE, which he hopes to complete by the end of the year.
“That will open up a lot of pathways for me because I want to be an electrician,” Taj says.
He says it will set him up well for an apprenticeship and being able to incorporate a day at TAFE into his school timetable each week is a big help.
Fellow Year 12 student Laitham Robinson is involved in the school’s Dance and Aquatics Programs.
“I think I started Dance in grade 7 just as a subject. I joined the dance troop only last year and I love it. It’s so much fun. We go to eisteddfods and competitions,” Laitham explains.
He is equally passionate about the Aquatics Program, which has already given him the chance to observe and record coral and fish off Moreton Island, go fishing and learn about aquaponics.
“I am very interested in animals. I have been from a young age. I think I want to do something along the lines of marine biology or working with marine life … help rehabilitate, relocate,” Laitham says.
He is grateful for the way Clontarf Beach State High School has supported him since Year 7 and feels well-prepared for and confident about the future
“I think it’s been amazing. They really are passionate. They push kids to try their best. They offer so much as well … there’s such a broad range … from fishing to
dancing … I do all of it,” he says.
“It gives me such a big span of opportunities … opening me up for the big world.”
Junior school students Delores Iakopo, Year 9; Xavier Forsyth, Year 8; and Indiana Williams, Year 8, are part of the Academic Extension Program.
The program deepens their knowledge of key subjects and challenges them to take their learning to the next level.
Delores says support from the school and the knowledge she has gained through the extension program enabled her to successfully apply for a Harding Miller scholarship, which starts this year.
“It helps me to learn how the world works and to build my future. They also give extra tutoring and materials I need to learn,” she says.
Xavier says: “At this moment, I don’t really have an area of interest. I do enjoy Maths though because I think it’s interesting because it’s used in daily life. It’s used all the time.
“I’m thinking of doing a trade. I’m considering being an electrician.
“The school is helping me learn. It’s also helping me get good social skills.”
Indiana is particularly enjoying English and Science and the opportunity to extend her knowledge in both subjects.
“The school support is great. There’s always someone to talk to, someone to help you if you’ve got issues and always someone to let you know everything’s OK,” she says.
TO FIND OUT MORE
Visit clontarfbeachshs.eq.edu.au or phone (07) 3480 4777
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
Elisha Chand, Laitham Robinson, Delores Iakopo, Taj Morris, Indiana Williams and Xavier Forsyth
Building the foundation for lifelong learning
The journey of preparing a child for the adventure of starting Prep marks a significant milestone for both parents and children alike.
It's a time filled with anticipation, excitement and perhaps a touch of nervousness as families embark on this new chapter together.
At The Lakes College, we recognise the pivotal role of these early years in shaping a child's educational path, and our Prep program is meticulously designed to lay a robust foundation for lifelong learning. A vibrant learning environment Step into our Prep classrooms, and you'll discover a vibrant atmosphere teeming with opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Embracing the renowned Walker Learning approach, our play and project-based pedagogy empower children to actively engage in their learning journey. Through hands-on activities and imaginative projects, we ignite curiosity, nurture creativity, foster collaboration, enhance communication skills and cultivate critical thinking abilities. It's not just about what children learn; it's about how they learn, setting the stage for
TO FIND OUT MORE
Visit the website thelakescollege.com.au
enduring academic success.
Preparing for Prep: a shared responsibility
Parents and carers play a crucial role in preparing children for their transition to Prep. While it's natural to feel a mix of emotions during this time, there are several ways you can help your child feel confident and ready for their first day of school:
• Pre-School preparation: Spend time with your child practicing essential skills like recognising and writing their first name, listening to stories and mastering basic self-care tasks such as dressing and using the toilet independently.
• Prior to beginning school: Familiarise your child with school routines by practicing packing a bag, using a lunchbox and discussing basic school expectations and routines. Establish consistent family routines to support the transition to school life.
• Beginning school: As the big day approaches, ensure your child is familiar with their class details and teacher. Pack a nutritious morning tea, lunch
and a fruit snack as well as water for the day and arrive early to help your child settle into the classroom routine. Be positive and enthusiastic about this new adventure, emphasising the excitement of learning and making new friends. Don’t ‘sneak’ away. Always tell your child when you are leaving and that you will be back at the end of the day when all the other parents and carers return.
Preparing for Prep at The
Lakes College is more than just starting school; it's about building a strong foundation for future success. With our supportive environment and collaborative approach between educators, parents, carers and children, we ensure every child begins their educational journey with confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm. Together, we lay the groundwork for a future where learning knows no bounds. Because at The Lakes College, future readiness starts right here.
Captains leading the way
Redcliffe State High School’s 2025 School Captains plan to use their roles to further develop as leaders, promote school spirit and foster community involvement.
The Redcliffe Peninsula sat down with Lucy Mather, Amelie Angus, Lucas Crosert and Asha Glen to talk about how they plan to make a difference and what makes a good leader.
Redcliffe State High School Student Executive Co-ordinator Rachel Lowe says each student has demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm for the school community and increasing connections with the wider community.
“They have shown high levels of initiative and lead the student body through example, involving students in house spirit and upholding the culture and values of Redcliffe State High School. They are excellent role models, showing maturity and a positive attitude that inspires others," Ms Lowe says.
“We were very impressed by each of them at the interviews. They each talked about how they wanted to help make the school a better place, commenting on the culture and increasing school spirit.
“They were not in it for themselves, they were schoolfocused. They came with real ideas, and had already been leading in this space - being involved in Interact, or helping out at events, being an active
member of the school community.
“They were confident and clear in the direction they felt school needed to go, which matched our direction.”
Ms Lowe says taking on leadership positions at school helps students develop skills such as communication, problem-solving, decisionmaking, and accountability.
“It teaches teamwork, time management, and conflict resolution, while boosting selfconfidence and leadership qualities. Students also gain a sense of purpose and contribute positively to their school community. These experiences prepare them for future success.”
MEET THE LEADERS
Lucy Mather, 17
How have you been involved in school leadership previously? In Year 9, a teacher nominated me for a junior leadership position – junior prefect. That first foray into leadership, started me on the journey to School Captain. I joined the Interact Club where I went from a member to treasurer with (fellow captain) Lucas Grosert for a little while, then secretary and last year I was president.
How will you be a good leader? Show up. Just be here every day with the best attitude you can have … trying to take every opportunity that you can at the school.
How will the role help you develop? It’s already helped me with my public speaking. I currently
work in customer service, so being able to talk to people is a little bit important … just developing people skills and the ability to also work well with others.
What are your plans for the future? I want to go to university and study pharmacy and eventually, once that’s done, go into the Air Force as a pharmacist.
What makes a good leader? I think mainly just the willingness to not only step into that leadership role but also sacrifice things like your personal time. Just being willing to try everything and to do things to make sure people are having a better experience.
Amelie Angus, 17
How have you been involved in school leadership previously? I actually didn’t even consider leadership until Year 11. I realised a lot of people in our grade wanted things done but they didn’t have the means or didn’t know how to have a voice in our school. I wanted to take the opportunity to step up. How will you be a good leader? I really wanted to make our school a community where everybody had a say, where everybody had a voice.
How will the role help you develop? School Captain is more than just a role. It shows people that you’re a person that they can talk to if they’ve got an issue. It tells people that you have the means to step up. I think it shows a lot of initiative, not only having opinions of what you want done but then actually doing them.
What are your plans for the future? I want to go to university to study engineering.
What makes a good leader? I think the ability to listen to people is definitely the most important thing … not only listening to people but hearing them and really putting what they’re thinking into motion.
Lucas Grosert, 16
How have you been involved in school leadership previously? I wasn’t a ‘good kid’ in primary school and Year 7. I was getting pretty average grades. I wasn’t doing anything outside of school. One day, I sort of just said to myself … is this the person I want to be? It wasn’t, so I just started acting like the person I did want
to be and I found myself here. I’ve practically put my hand up for anything I can … I’ve been a part of Interact, I’ve been a part of cadets for three and a half years, I’ve been a part of the junior leadership team, I was a junior vice-captain and even before that I just would help out with anything I could do … anything at school, anything outside of school.
How will you be a good leader?
I have some ideas of my own but I think the main point is to listen to what the students want because this is everyone’s school – students and even parents. We need to listen to all parties and find what’s best for everyone.
How will the role help you develop? My goal is to become a politician in the future. I feel like this is my
preparation for that. At my age you can’t really be a politician, but you can be a school captain and that’s basically a politician in the school world.
What are your plans for the future? I want to go into the military. I want to become an officer and just improve my leadership skills to a level that Australia deserves before I go into politics. I want to figure out if that is the career for me.
What makes a good leader? Listening. Treat people you meet with the same respect you want and give them that respect until they lose it.
Asha Glen, 16
How have you been involved in school leadership previously? Two years ago, my older sister was school captain and on the night of her celebration dinner I was asked if I would follow in her footsteps and I said, “absolutely not”. She would come home and tell me about all the people that she met and all the stuff she did and I thought, OK that’s kind of cool. So, I applied for it.
How will you be a good leader? I think it’s important to be able to connect with other students, so they do feel comfortable.
How will the role help you develop? I’m currently in the process of becoming a general service officer in the Australian Army. It looks good, but I also do get the experience … to not only be able to talk to people but also connect with people.
What makes a good leader? I think it’s really good to be able to make connections with people, so they feel more comfortable coming and telling you things. I think kindness is really big as well.
TO FIND OUT MORE
Visit the website
redcliffeshs.eq.edu.au
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Lucas Grosert, Lucy Mather, Amelie Angus and Asha Glen.
Pathways to student success
Former Australian Trade College North Brisbane student Lara Everingham is on her way to achieving her dream career in nursing, without an ATAR.
Lara, 17, secured early entry into the University of the Sunshine Coast’s (UniSC) Bachelor of Nursing program after completing Year 12 at Australian Trade College North Brisbane (ATCNB), which is part of the IntoWork Group.
The senior secondary school at Scarborough integrates the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) curriculum with trade training and apprenticeship services.
Struggling at a traditional high school, Lara initially faced scepticism from her parents about attending a trade school, but she was determined to explore an alternative educational pathway.
“I was having a lot of troubles with normal school. It was just a lot of pressure, and I wanted to focus on what I really wanted to
TO FIND OUT MORE
do without having to do subjects that wouldn't benefit me in the future,” Lara explains.
In Year 11 at ATCNB, Lara completed the Certificate III in Individual Support with Mater Education, gaining invaluable hands-on work experience.
“This was a game-changer. It wasn't just theory; I got to work in a real workplace environment, which prepared me well for my future career,” she says.
This experience prompted Lara to join the UniSC Head Start program in Year 12 while balancing part-time work at BallyCara Aged Care and completing Year 12 Maths, English and Certificate III Business subjects.
"It was incredibly busy, but I was motivated. I felt like I was getting a head start on everyone else,
and I was determined to prove the doubters wrong,” she says. Her hard work paid off when she received an early entry offer for the Bachelor of Nursing program at UniSC.
Lara encourages other students to consider alternative pathways.
“The learning environment is less stressful on mental health and offers flexibility,” she says. ATAR, while important for some pathways, is not the only measure of educational success.
ATCNB Principal Brett Kavanagh says a balanced approach to education is needed, which acknowledges alternative pathways provide students with real-world experience.
“As the next generation of workers returns to the classroom, it's crucial to promote skills development. Australia needs skilled workers to build homes, care for our population, and modernise our infrastructure,” he explains.
Academics
Performing
Arts Sport
Japanese Camps
At Grace Lutheran Primary School and Early Learning Centre, we provide a nurturing, co-educational environment from ELC to Year 6, offering abundant opportunities that engage children; equipping them for the future and fostering a lifelong passion for learning.
To discover what makes the Grace Community so special, call 3283 0011 to book your school tour today.
Unlocking pupils’ potential
Kip McGrath Scarborough offers tailored programs to help pupils unlock their learning potential, so they are happier and more confident at school.
Owners Genevieve Gray and Rowan Steinkamp took over the centre in January 2021 but say Kip McGrath Scarborough
has been helping students with English and maths since 2012.
“We have a wonderful team of qualified teachers at Scarborough. Our teachers are passionate about creating learning environments that are effective, and enjoyable,” Genevieve says.
The team understands true academic success goes beyond grades - it’s about boosting selfesteem and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Their mission is to ensure every student experiences success through positive and engaging learning experiences.
By building strong relationships, crafting personalised programs, and instilling confidence, they create an environment where your child can thrive.
“The initial difference that most parents report is that their children are more confident, and happier going to school,” Rowan says.
“There are the quantifiable improvements in reading ability, spelling, comprehension, and maths skills.
“Our key difference is one-onone teacher support utilising a small group setting that ensures individual attention.
“We blend written and digital activities based on student needs. We only employ qualified teachers.
"A lot of parents appreciate that we are a brick-and-mortar setting for face-to-face help.”
Globally, Kip McGrath has helped millions of students
“Our free 40 to 60-minute assessments identify a child’s strengths as well as any learning gaps. If we can help, it also enables us to start them at the correct level,” Genevieve says.
“Our curriculum has been developed over decades. It’s designed for learning success and is tailored to target a student’s learning gaps, learning style and goals.”
Kip McGrath Scarborough is a proud annual sponsor of the Redcliffe Show Schools Pavilion.
To mark 50 years of empowering young minds, Kip McGrath is offering a free term of its Reading Program for seven-year-olds in Queensland. The program, which runs for one term, is designed to build foundational reading skills.
“We wanted to celebrate in a way that reflects our values,” CEO Storm McGrath says. "By supporting young learners, we’re investing in the future of our communities."
MORE visit the website kipmcgrath.com.au/scarborough during the past 50 years.
Learning and care come together
Choosing the right kindergarten for your child is one of the first formal schooling decisions you’ll make as a parent. You want a place that nurtures your child’s curiosity, fosters their imagination, supports their selfhelp skills and confidence and sets the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. At Sesame Lane Redcliffe Kindergarten Hub we combine these priorities in a truly unique environment tailored to the needs of children in the year before they start school.
A one-of-a-kind kindergarten experience
We are proud to be the only Government-Approved Kindergarten Program on the Redcliffe Peninsula with a standalone Kindergarten Hub and the convenience of long day care hours. This means your child can benefit from a dedicated kindergarten curriculum designed to prepare them for school while allowing you the flexibility you need to balance work, family or both.
where each child is given the chance to thrive in a warm, welcoming environment.
More than a classroom –it’s a world of discovery
We go beyond traditional teaching methods by creating hands-on experiences that excite and engage young minds. Whether it’s cooking in our children’s kitchen, exploring in the sensory room, or digging in the community garden, every activity is designed to spark joy while fostering important skills.
We place a special focus on the power of play, incorporating activities such as water play that promote teamwork and creativity. Your child will also enjoy weekly Rhythm Rhyme & Sign incursions, where they’ll learn through music, movement, Auslan and our exclusive Japanese Language Program, broadening their communication skills in fun and interactive ways.
Delicious meals, healthy minds
are dedicated to becoming an integral part of your family’s life, offering open doors and open hearts to parents and children alike. Spend any amount of time at Sesame Lane Redcliffe, and you’ll feel the warmth and care that define our approach.
From the laughter shared in the playrooms to the value placed on every moment of learning, we champion every milestone your child reaches. Here, we celebrate their individuality, nurture their happiness, and support their growth every step of the way.
Visit Sesame Lane – come in for a tour, stay for a play
Your child deserves a kindergarten that values them as much as you do — a place where they can feel seen, heard, and inspired every day. At Sesame Lane Redcliffe Kindergarten Hub, we do more than teach your child; we help them blossom.
Our custom-designed environment is truly one of a kind. Located separately from the long day care buildings, the Kindergarten Hub is purposebuilt to cater to your child’s developmental needs. From state-of-the-art resources to programs carefully crafted by bachelor-qualified teachers following the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (or QKLG), the Hub is a place
We believe nutrition plays a vital role in children’s development. That’s why our inclusive care programs provide nutritious meals and snacks to help fuel your child’s active body and growing brain. You can rest assured knowing that each bite is as enriching as their day at Sesame Lane. During the last term of Kindergarten, children will complete our ‘Lunch Box Learning Program’ where we provide them with their lunch packed into a lunch box each day, to support their learning on how to open cling wrap, packets and peel fruit.
A community where everyone feels welcome
Sesame Lane isn’t just a place of learning—it’s a community. We
Curious to see what makes us special? Visit us today and experience the difference for yourself. Your family’s next adventure starts here, in a place where everyone feels at home.
