In a year that presented many challenges, 56 students completing Year 11 at the BUSY Schools’ first campus in Cairns recently celebrated a successful conclusion to 2020. Most students will return to complete Year 12 next year with two of the students moving into apprenticeship or traineeship career pathways.
Attended by the BUSY Schools Board of Directors, staff, students and their families, the awards ceremony recognised the extraordinary effort of students and staff in 2020. In addition to the trials and tribulations associated with the opening of a new school, the impacts of COVID-19 meant that many students had to adapt quickly and some were required to complete curriculum activities in shorter timeframes.
“Some of the students completed their term activities in a much shorter time, meaning they had to really buckle down to get it done, which they did. They are all winners and we’re all extremely proud of them and the efforts they have made this year,” Principal for the BUSY Schools Cairns Campus, Naomi Vucas stated.
In two groups over two days, the awards presented were:
Group 1
Perseverance Award – Shakyra Carr
Most Improved – Edwin Mooka
Diligence Award – Tahlia Walker
Resilience Award – Finn Stephens
Artist Award – Nathan Morris
Overall Achievement Award – Noah Humphries
Group 2
Perseverance Award – Duval Jones
Most Improved – Ivan Kennedy
Diligence Award – Kerri Andrews
Resilience Award – Lachlan Knowles
Artist Award – Noah Courtney
Overall Achievement Award – Kira O’Connor
An overall Principal’s Award was also awarded to Una Leona, who ended the year with an option to pursue a traineeship in business administration which she is undertaking in 2021 before returning to complete Year 12. You can read more about Una’ story here.
When asked what they liked most about the school, many students had similar answers: that the teachers really care, there were less restrictions and more support available.
Jess Plant, one of the students at the school who would like to pursue a career in hospitality with a plan to one day open her own café stated: “The teachers are more genuine and actually try to help. There is also no fees, which is great”.
Another student Ethan Knight, who has been accepted into TAFE and plans to undertake an apprenticeship in plumbing stated “There is more freedom in this school, less rules but the teachers try hard to support you”.
Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools stated “The teachers and students at the Cairns campus have had an amazing year considering everything that happened in 2020. We now know the school is a successful model for supporting disengaged students into career paths or further education. In 2021, BUSY Schools is opening our second campus in Shailer Park and we’re looking forward to offering an alternative schooling option for disengaged young people in this region”.
Jess Plant, a student at BUSY Schools Cairns Campus, would like to pursue a career in Hospitality, with the dream of one day opening her own café.
Noah Courtney (L) received the Artist Award at the recent Awards Ceremony for BUSY Schools Cairns Campus. He is pictured here with Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools.
For more information regarding BUSY Schools visit www.busyschools.qld.edu.au or you can contact 1300 176 472 or email admin@busyschools.com.au
