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