Category: News

The BUSY Schools announce a new campus in Cleveland to open for Term 2, 2023!

Since their first school opened in 2020, The BUSY Schools has supported hundreds of young people to complete their schooling, find career paths or progress to tertiary education. The success of the schools and engagement with local communities to support outcomes for disengaged youth has propelled their seventh campus in Queensland to open in Cleveland this year, in time for Term 2, 2023.

The BUSY Schools are independent Special Assistance Schools providing an alternative school option for Year 11 and 12 students who have disengaged from mainstream education. With smaller classroom sizes and a highly supportive environment, The BUSY Schools educational program combines academic studies, vocational training, and personal and professional development to support the social, educational and employment outcomes of young people. All costs are covered at The BUSY Schools and there are no fees for students.

The Redland City community consulted with The BUSY Schools in early 2021 to outline issues with youth disengagement, school refusals and the need for more alternative education solutions in the area. Thanks to this collaborative community-focused approach, in particular the close consultation with the local education leaders, The BUSY Schools was able to respond by establishing the Cleveland campus in 2023.

The Redland community highlighted the rising number of ‘school refusals’ and youth who were disengaging from education. According to a recent ABC 7.30 report, since COVID, a rise in ‘school refusals’ (students are motivated to attend school but cannot due to anxiety and other mental health issues), has concerned educators around the country and resulted in a parliamentary inquiry.

Alternative education models which offer small campus, smaller classroom environments and highly personalised teaching and learning experiences such as The BUSY Schools are ensuring these students maintain their chances of completing high school.

Alex is a prime example of the kind of student The BUSY Schools support.  After experiencing issues with mental health and bullying at his previous school, Alex had disengaged with his education. When his mother Emily found out about The BUSY Schools and suggested this as an option, things began to change for the better following his enrolment with The BUSY Schools Shailer Park campus.

His mother Emily quickly noticed a difference in Alex stating, “Since being at The BUSY Schools, I’ve noticed a general improvement in Alex’s attitude, health and wellbeing, and his positivity about the future.”

Alex went on to graduate in 2022 with straight A’s and this year he has enrolled at JMC Academy to continue his studies in a Diploma in Film and Television.

The BUSY Schools will open their seventh school in Cleveland in time for Term 2, 2023. The school will offer the same successful educational formula as other BUSY Schools campuses throughout Queensland which include Cairns, Coolangatta, Salisbury, Shailer Park and Brisbane City, along with Southport Girls+ school which is also set to open for Term 2, 2023.

CEO for The BUSY Schools, Lee Aitken, stated, “We are excited to open our seventh campus in Cleveland this year, to enable us to support more young people to reengage with their education, complete high school and make meaningful progress in their careers. We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the local community for their needs, and ultimately provide support for the young people of Redland City. We expect there to be a large interest in Year 11 enrolments for the Cleveland campus and encourage people to enquire as early as possible.”

The BUSY Schools new Cleveland campus will be located at 32 Enterprise Street, Cleveland Qld 4163.

All inquiries are welcome – contact 1300 176 451 or email cleveland@busyschools.com.au

Alternatively, you can make an enrolment enquiry through our website.

The BUSY Schools to open an inclusive all-girls school in Southport!

Embracing and valuing diversity of the school community is one of the cornerstones of The BUSY Schools success in reengaging young people to complete high school. A new BUSY Schools campus in Southport, opening in April 2023, is set to extend this support to female students, including all students who identify as female.

The BUSY Schools are a network of independent Special Assistance Schools providing an alternative school option for Year 11 and 12’s who have disengaged from mainstream education. The BUSY Schools educational program combines academic studies, vocational training, and personal development to support the social, educational and employment outcomes of young people. All costs are covered at The BUSY Schools, there are no fees for students.

The Southport campus will be The BUSY School’s sixth campus in Queensland and will offer a unique support for female students. When assessing the community need at the northern end of the Gold Coast, The BUSY Schools identified the opportunity to better support disengaged female students, including any student who identifies as female such as non-binary and transitioning students who prefer to attend a ‘girls’ school. The BUSY Schools anticipate a higher than average volume of enrolments at this campus of transgender, transitioning and gender fluid young people who will be supported to reengage and complete their senior schooling.

The BUSY Schools campuses provide a supportive, inclusive learning environment that combine learning, training, practical experience and recreational activities with a focus on academic and employment outcomes. The new campus in Southport will open in term two (17 April), 2023 at 139 Nerang Street in an engaging and newly refurbished site.

The BUSY Schools work closely with local schools and the community for an inclusive and mutually beneficial approach to providing supportive, alternative education for students most in need. The BUSY Schools program is often a student’s last chance to complete high school. Disengagement is often a result of anxiety-based school avoidance and The BUSY Schools Southport campus aims to address this by providing smaller classroom sizes, access to health and learning supports, and education that aims to ensure students complete their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), while also commencing on their career paths.

CEO for The BUSY Schools, Lee Aitken, stated, “We recognised the need for an all-girl campus in the area which included the support of students who identify as female and who may have very specific and unique support needs due to the issues they are encountering.

“The BUSY Schools has already supported hundreds of young people who were previously disengaged from their education to graduate and find a meaningful career pathway or progress to further study. These are students who otherwise may have fallen through the cracks.

“The schools are really making a difference for young people in Queensland (and Northern NSW) and we are excited to be able to continue establishing these schools where more young people are given the opportunity to succeed with their education and ongoing career paths.”

Amanda, mother of Billie, a former student of The BUSY Schools, said that when her daughter started disengaging from her education leading up to her final year of schooling and wanted to drop out before completing her QCE, she looked at other education options for her daughter.

Hearing great things about The BUSY Schools, they approached their local campus to see if Billie would fit the criteria for attending so she could complete her senior schooling. Once Billie started at The BUSY Schools, her mother was amazed at the turnaround in her daughter’s education, with Billie completing her QCE at the end of 2022.

Amanda said of the school, “The culture of the school is like a community of people wrapped around the students in support of their learning and success. Billie’s grades improved unbelievably. I am very impressed and would recommend it to anyone.”

Enrolments are open for The BUSY Schools Southport Girls + campus for year 11 students and the school will be opening in Term 2, 2023. Make an enquiry

 

Find out more and watch what people say about The BUSY Schools. 

Amanda is grateful for the support BUSY Schools has given her daughter

When Billie started disengaging from her education leading up to her final year of schooling and wanted to drop out before completing her QCE, her mother Amanda looked at other education options for her daughter.

Hearing great things about The BUSY Schools, they approached their Cairns campus to see if Billie would fit the criteria for attending so she could complete her senior schooling. Billie was accepted and once starting at The BUSY School campus, her mother was amazed at the turnaround in her daughter’s education.

Amanda said of the school, “The culture of the school is like a community of people wrapped around the students in support of their learning and success. Billie’s grades improved unbelievably. I am very impressed and would recommend it to anyone.”

At the end of Year 12 Billie graduated with her QCE and she is now taking a year off to decide her next direction and further study. Currently Billie is working in the catering industry which is keeping her busy.

When asked what Amanda would say to other parents whose children are struggling with traditional schooling, she stated, “Definitely give The BUSY Schools a try. It works!

“As I looked around at the graduation ceremony, at all the graduates seated with their family and friends, I realised that without the effort and extra support put in by all members of The BUSY Schools team, not all these students would be here tonight.”

Naomi Vucas, Principal at The BUSY Schools Cairns campus, said “Since our Cairns campus opened in 2020, we’ve supported over 80 students to complete their schooling and move into career pathways, and across our Queensland campuses we’ve assisted hundreds of young people. As mentioned by Billie’s mother Amanda, many of these students may not otherwise have finished their schooling or found their career path. All the staff here are so incredibly honoured to be in the position where we are contributing to better futures for young people. We wish Billie, and all our graduating students, the very best in their future endeavours!”

Amanda with her daugther Billie who graduated in 2022.

Alex is feeling confident about his future after graduating from The BUSY Schools

After experiencing issues with mental health and bullying at his previous school, Alex spent most of 2021 bouncing from job to job in Hospitality and Retail due to the impacts of COVID-19.

It wasn’t until his mother, Emily, suggested going back to school to finish Year 12 that they discovered BUSY Schools Shailer Park and how they could assist Alex with reengaging in education.

The BUSY Schools offers Year 11 and 12 students an alternative learning solution and the opportunity to re-engage with education and complete senior school, while getting a head-start into employment.

“The flexible schooling really did help, especially with being able to make it to health appointments,” said Emily.

Alex was always a smart teenager; he just hadn’t found an environment where he felt comfortable and confident in himself and his abilities.

The BUSY Schools focus on providing students with a safe and supportive environment where they can work towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) – as well as find a pathway to future employment.

“Since being at The BUSY Schools, I’ve noticed a general improvement in Alex’s attitude, health and wellbeing, and positivity about the future,” Emily further stated.

This year, Alex graduated with straight A’s, a First Aid certificate and is heading to the JMC Academy in February 2023, to study a Diploma in Film & TV.

His mother couldn’t be prouder and stated, “I was very impressed to hear there was a next step after school and am proud to see him taking an active interest in his future.”

Shane Blood, Principal at The BUSY Schools Shailer Park campus, stated, “Here at The BUSY Schools, we aim to progress our students into employment or further training or education following graduation.

“Alex has come so far since starting with us here at The BUSY Schools and we wish him the best of luck next year with his further studies.”

Find out more and watch what people say about The BUSY Schools. 

 

Alex and his cockatiel, Lavernius, who also loved The BUSY Schools.

The BUSY Schools celebrate the success of their graduating students

There are very few high schools that invoke overwhelming praise from students, parents and teachers alike but, during the recent graduation period for 2022, this was the case for The BUSY Schools.

The BUSY Schools is an initiative of The BUSY Group, a not-for-profit organisation offering a range of apprenticeship, employment, training and career support programs. The BUSY Group has opened four BUSY Schools throughout Queensland – in Cairns, Shailer Park, Salisbury and Coolangatta – and are set to open further campuses in 2023, including a Brisbane City campus opening in time for Term 1, January 2023.  The schools offer an alternative senior high education (Years 11 and 12) for students who are not thriving with traditional schooling. In a relaxed but supportive environment, they aim to re-engage students with education so as to complete their QCE and move onto career pathways or further study.

During the recent Year 12 graduation period for three of the four campuses (except Coolangatta which opened in 2022 for Year 11 students who will graduate Year 12 in 2023), 161 students graduated with their Senior Education Profile (SEP), with 62.1% graduating with their QCE and approximately 75% of them gaining one or more Vocational Education and Training Qualifications.

Many of the students had previously disengaged from schooling for a variety of reasons. One parent put it succinctly when discussing her graduating daughter’s progress since coming to the school, “If you had told me twelve months ago that she would be where she is now, I wouldn’t of believed you”.

Another parent, obviously welling with pride (and holding back the tears) stated, “I’m so proud of him, I couldn’t be more proud of him, the man he is today, my son!”

While one parent believes it’s the dynamic between the teachers and the students that is key, stating, “The teachers are more like friends than teachers. The kids get to be themselves, they can open up and be accepted for who they are”.

Graduating students also had many positive things to say about their school and the difference it had made for them. Just some of the comments from students included:

“It’s a great school and I’m not just saying that, it really is a great school. They’ve helped me so much and I’m so thankful to everyone here”.

“Never thought I’d say I would miss school but I’m definitely going to miss BUSY Schools”.

“There should be more of them. Everywhere there is a high school, there should be a BUSY Schools as well.”

Shane Blood, Principal at The BUSY Schools, Shailer Park campus stated, “The best part of my job is coming here and seeing the interactions between the teachers and the students and just seeing how happy they are. The feedback from parents is very, very positive. They may have struggled to get their kids to school for many, many years. Since coming to The BUSY Schools, that’s not a problem for them anymore”.

Leigh Hollands, Youth Worker at The BUSY Schools Shailer Park, stated, “The students think they’re lucky for everything BUSY Schools has provided. I think I’m lucky for what they’ve brought me since they started. To see the change in them, I think we’re the lucky ones!”

Some students spoke of how they struggled with the culture of traditional schools before moving to The BUSY Schools, while others spoke of how the teachers at The BUSY Schools gave them the confidence to try for subjects they previously considered themselves failures in.

“Learning math is important…but whether you pass or fail, that doesn’t affect your value as a human…” their math teacher asserted. This statement sums up what so many students seemed to appreciate about The BUSY Schools — a space where they feel valued and accepted for who they are.

 

Graduating Year 12 students celebrating with staff and family at their end of year formal.

 

Find out more and watch what people say about The BUSY Schools 

The BUSY Schools Salisbury Turns One!

The room was bursting with sounds of cheerful laughter, lively conversation and party horns being blown with uninterrupted zeal, as students and teachers gathered to celebrate the first birthday of the school.

The BUSY Schools Salisbury campus opened on May 19th of 2021, with just 11, Year 11 students. Almost half the school year had passed, and these first students found themselves completing an entire Year 11 syllabus in just over 6 months.

A year later, these students are just a few of the 121 students currently enrolled at The BUSY Schools, Salisbury campus. Since commencing, they have completed certificates in either construction or workplace skills, acquired first aid training, white cards, or RSAs, and—in just over 6 months, they will become The BUSY Schools Salisbury’s inaugural graduating class of 2022.

After a satisfying sausage sizzle, partygoers gathered for speeches prepared by some of their teachers and peers. Students spoke of how they struggled with the culture of traditional schools before moving to The BUSY Schools, while others spoke of how the teachers at The BUSY Schools gave them the confidence to try subjects they previously considered themselves failures in.

“Learning math is important…but whether you pass or fail, that doesn’t affect your value as a human…” their math teacher asserted. This statement sums up what so many students seemed to appreciate about The BUSY Schools Salisbury—a space where they feel valued and accepted for who they are.

Founding student, Mackenzie, had some advice for his fellow students: “I think this school is pretty good. I don’t know if all of you agree. I don’t care if all of you agree. But you’re all here now so get through it, and you’ll thank yourself for it later.”

After the speeches, a special ceremony took place—the introduction and naming of BUSY BEE, The BUSY Schools Salisbury’s new mascot. Students had placed their ideas for names into a hat, with suggestions such as Bazza and Jaquaviontavious among the contenders, and the crowd waited with bated breath as Principal, Liza Page, reached into the hat and picked out the winner—Michael with his BUSY BEE entry.

The crowd burst into laughter, and the smiles stayed on their faces as they ate a delicious cake—baked and beautifully decorated by their talented classmate, Jen. This was followed by rounds of classic party games. As some students guided their blindfolded friends through a makeshift obstacle course, others tried, and mostly failed, to Pin the Stinger on the Bee. An especial crowd-pleaser was Donut on a String, where teachers, from their perch on top of the stairs, dangled donuts above the heads of their students, who attempted to eat them without the use of their hands.

“Today was insane” grins Xero, who moved to The BUSY Schools for Year 11. “Also, it was a pretty fun thing to do.”

The BUSY Schools is a unique environment where students who have disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from traditional schooling can continue to work towards their QCE with support and understanding while finding their pathway to future employment.

“I actually dropped out of school early, in the middle of Year 11” confesses Liza, Principal of The BUSY Schools, Salisbury, “I wished there was a school like this, so this really captures my passion.”

“We have these people watching our backs so we don’t fall” declared Aaliyah, a founding student of The BUSY Schools, Salisbury.

To students in mainstream schools who are finding themselves disengaging with their education, Year 11 student, Matthew, recommends making a change: “This school makes me want to come to school, and try, and actually put effort into my work. So come to The BUSY Schools. It will change things.”

In its first year, The BUSY Schools, Salisbury has supported the future education and employment direction of over 120 students who were otherwise unlikely to have completed senior school — and that is certainly worth the celebration.

 

 

Students and staff celebrated the first year milestone for The BUSY Schools Salisbury campus.

Adarlia has big plans for her future!

The past few years have been particularly disruptive for school students across the country (no thanks global pandemic!). For Adarlia this was even more so because, on top of trying to learn via distance education, being pregnant and battling severe morning sickness saw her in hospital 2-3 days per week for most of her pregnancy.

An indication of her determination and love of learning, Adarlia persisted with wanting to finish her schooling after giving birth to her beautiful baby boy Micah. This led to her enrolling at The BUSY Schools new Coolangatta campus.

Delivering an alternative learning solution for students in years 11 and 12 who are looking for an opportunity to re-engage and complete their studies, The BUSY Schools support students to complete their QCE and graduate onto a Vocational Education and Training (VET) career or into further study, including university pathways. The BUSY Schools program is designed for students who, for a variety of reasons, find traditional schooling difficult. Teachers work closely with students and their family to re-engage them with education in a nurturing environment that leads to career outcomes or further education that suits their abilities and passions. In a highly supportive, personalised and inclusive environment, the schools offer no fees, smaller classroom sizes, wellbeing support, access to vocational work experience and career pathway guidance.

The newly opened Coolangatta campus (one of four campuses across Queensland), was the welcoming and supportive schooling environment that Adarlia needed to help her complete her studies and fulfil her career goals.

Adarlia said, “I’m someone who really enjoys education, learning and study. I really wanted to finish Year 11 and 12 but had to wait until after Micah was born to enrol”.

I love it here at BUSY Schools! The teachers are so supportive and treat us like adults, not kids. My short term goal is to start an apprenticeship to get into legal studies as I would like to get into law – either family law or criminal law. My long term goal is to become a lawyer and help indigenous kids as there is a large percentage of indigenous kids in the court system”, Adarlia further stated.

A proud indigenous woman herself, whose father hails from Gilgandra country, Adarlia is hoping to gain a scholarship into further study to help her achieve her career goals.

With her determination, incredible maturity for her age, and the support she is receiving through The BUSY Schools, there is no doubt Adarlia will be an amazing role model for her son Micah and achieve her mission of becoming a lawyer and making a positive difference for indigenous kids in the legal system.

The newly-opened Coolangatta campus is accepting enrolments for Year 11 students. For more information regarding The BUSY Schools, including eligibility and enrolment, visit www.busyschools.qld.edu.au or contact The BUSY Schools by emailing admin@busyschools.com.au or by calling 1300 176 472.

Adarlia (pictured with Micah), is determined to fulfil her goal to become a lawyer and make a positive difference for indigenous kids in the legal system.

BUSY Schools set to open fourth campus in Coolangatta

Queensland’s answer to alternative education for disengaged youth, The BUSY Schools, will open its fourth campus in Coolangatta at the Gold Coast this April following the success of campuses opened in Cairns, Shailer Park and Salisbury in 2020 and 2021.

The opening of the Coolangatta campus will meet the growing demand for alternative schooling throughout Queensland for the many students who, for a variety of reasons, do not fit mainstream schooling.

CEO of The BUSY Schools Lee Aitken said the opening of the new campus provides Gold Coast students with the opportunity to engage with their learning in ways that are suited to their individual needs.

“We seek to understand the needs of the students to help re-engage them through a personalised approach for academic and employment outcomes,” he said.

“We’re really excited to be opening our fourth campus in Coolangatta, after identifying the increasing demand for alternative high schools and the need to service the southern end of the Gold Coast.”

The BUSY Schools, an independent senior secondary Special Assistance School network, provide individualised learning support, career planning, development and additional vocational training to year 11 and 12 students, with 420 students already enrolled throughout the state with that number expected to rise.

The first cohort of Coolangatta’s Year 11 students is set to commence on the 19th April at their campus located in premises previously used by TAFE Queensland Gold Coast.

The small campus and classroom environment, which houses purpose-built classrooms, breakout rooms, a student kitchen and common room, recreation area and vocational training spaces, allow for alternative learning solutions with the support of vocational training and education through TAFE Queensland.

The BUSY Schools are an initiative of The BUSY Group, a not-for-profit organisation that delivers a range of employment, apprenticeship support and skills training for job seekers throughout Queensland, and reinvests into the community through initiatives like The BUSY Schools.

Paul Miles, Managing Director of the BUSY Group said the opening of the Coolangatta school was another significant step in supporting the Gold Coast community.

“The BUSY Schools recognises the need to support all young people to make the best start to their career. The BUSY Schools offer students who may not otherwise thrive in mainstream schooling a better change at fulfilling their education, skills and career goals.”

The BUSY Schools launched their first campus in Cairns in 2020, which proved to be a resounding success. Since then, two more campuses were opened in 2021, first in Shailer Park and then at Salisbury, all of which are experiencing strong demand.

Enrolment enquiries are being taken now for Term 2.

For more information on enrolling visit www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/the-enrolment-process 

The BUSY Schools Prepare for another Successful School Year 2022

It’s a new year, which means our teaching staff are working hard to plan for the year ahead, our students are enjoying their last few days of holidays before getting ready to return to school, and their parents are making sure they have everything they need for the school year.

By all accounts, it seems it’s the students who are most excited for 2022, especially our Year 12’s who will be graduating at the end of the school year. But until then, here’s what they’re most looking forward to in their final year at The BUSY Schools.

Tyler, Year 12 student at our Salisbury campus said, “This year, I am hoping to gain a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship in Speech Pathology as a result of the work experience I completed last year.”

Jade, Year 12 student at our Shailer Park campus said, “I am really looking forward to welcoming the Year 11 students this year and being a leader for them.”

Mackenzie, Year 12 student at Salisbury said, “I am looking forward to completing my Certificate II in Plumbing this year.”

Sophie, Year 12 student at Salisbury said, “I can’t wait to graduate and receive all the certificates I have worked extremely hard for.”

Armin, Year 12 student at Shailer Park said, “This year, I am hoping to gain a school-based apprenticeship in Construction.”

Kacy, Year 12 student at Shailer Park said, “Last year, I began a school-based traineeship in Hospitality at a wedding Venue in Coolabah Downs.”

“This year, I am looking forward to completing it and seeing what opportunities come from it once I graduate.”

Along with everything our Year 12 students are looking forward to this year, they are most excited to graduate; a goal that some of them previously believed was not possible before coming to BUSY Schools.

Isabella, Year 12 student at our Salisbury campus said, “BUSY Schools gave my mum hope and made me feel optimistic about my future.”

Prior to coming to The BUSY Schools, all students were considered disengaged with their education, but the support and encouraging environment provided at The BUSY Schools has re-engaged them with their education and focused on working life after school.

Kira, Year 12 Graduate from our Cairns campus said, “What surprised me most when I joined BUSY Schools is that there are lots of people like me out there, students that don’t fit the mould that mainstream schooling provides for.”

Lee Aitken, CEO for The BUSY Schools said, “The BUSY Schools provide a nurturing, exciting and engaging place for students who have already disengaged or who may be at risk of disengaging from mainstream schooling.”

“Each year, more people are finding out about our holistic and alternative approach to learning. This year, we have over 130 students enrolled at our Cairns campus, over 175 students enrolled at our Shailer Park campus, and almost 100 students enrolled at our Salisbury campus.”

To those considering attending The BUSY Schools, a current student, Armin says, “Definitely consider it. It’s a good school and it will lead you in the right direction.”

For more information or to enrol at one of our campuses, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

 

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au

Year 11 Students at Shailer Park Celebrate 2021 Achievements

The BUSY Schools Shailer Park recently hosted their Year 11 Awards Ceremony where families and friends gathered to watch the students receive awards for their efforts throughout the year, chosen by Principal, Shane Blood and his team.

Presenting the awards were Members of The BUSY Schools Board, including Jason Sessarago, Adrian King, Kerry Gibb, and CEO, Lee Aitken. Also in attendance to present was Chief Commercial Officer of The BUSY Group, Sue Loch.

The BUSY Schools Shailer Park opened its doors at the beginning of 2021, with 14 inaugural students.  Following engagement with the local community, word spread about the innovative new school in the region and by the end of the year, 79 students had completed Year 11.

Principal, Shane Blood, announced at the Awards Ceremony that Shailer Park currently has 150 students enrolled for 2022 across both Years 11 and 12.

“The growth in student numbers has been significant, and I am so proud of the way in which our students embrace and accept new students to our school,” said Shane.

Armin, a Year 11 student at The BUSY Schools Shailer Park, was awarded the Academic Champion of Social and Community studies award, as well as an Academic Excellence award in the category Silver.

“I heard about The BUSY Schools and the opportunities it gives to its students in forming their career pathways and it seemed like the right place to start,” said Armin.

“I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the support from my teachers and Shane who helped me better myself and my situation.”

Kacy, another Year 11 student, couldn’t agree with her classmate more, saying “I was losing motivation for my education but then I came to The BUSY Schools where my teachers push me to do my very best and now I am the Academic Champion for Essential English and received the Gold award for Academic Excellence.”

Year 11 student Zac was another who received recognition and, in addition to receiving an Academic Excellence award in the Bronze category, he also received the Perseverance award, sponsored by The Honourable Mick de Brenni, Member for Springwood, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement.

“I received a personalised message from Mick De Brenni and a gift certificate which was really cool. I never thought I was capable of achieving so much but I am very dedicated to what I do and get back up through the tough times,” said Zac.

When presenting the award, Shane said, ”Zac has exhibited true perseverance to make it this far and to now have real plans for his future.”

With the Year 11 students moving on to Year 12 next year, the school decided to form a Student Representative Committee and appointed Jade as the Chairperson.

“I’m really excited for what this next year will bring and am looking forward to being able to be a leader and representative for not only my classmates, but also the new Year 11s that are coming in,” said Jade.

Jade was awarded the Academic Champion for Essential Mathematics, the Academic Excellence award in the Silver category and a Spirit Award for achieving 95% attendance throughout the school year.

“I was shocked when I found out I topped Maths, but I guess it shows just how far I’ve come.”

Lee Aitken, CEO for The BUSY Schools said, “We are all really proud of the first Year 11 cohort at The BUSY Schools Shailer Park and the progress they have made with their education, as well as the new friendships they have formed due to the welcoming environment here. The BUSY Schools makes a difference for those students who’ve previously been disengaged with their education, by providing a safe and welcome environment for them which encourages them to re-engage in their learning.”

For more information or to enquire about enrolling in 2022, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au

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