Working together
15 October 2009
Rebecca Perry reports on the three schools named as finalists in the Showcase Award for Excellence in Community or Industry Partnerships. The winner will be announced on October 29.
Mirani State High School
Partners in Education
Without regular public transport to the nearest urban area, Mirani State High School has used its own backyard to develop multiple education pathways for students.
The school, situated outside of Mackay, looked to the community to create links with more than 90 business, industry and community organisations so students gain vocational experience and qualifications in areas ranging from engineering, mining, tourism, early childhood and automotive studies.
Acting principal Grant Webb said the school first looked at existing links with parents before advertising to the wider community.
'It had a real snowball effect and more people wanted to get involved,' Mr Webb said.
'Students now create their own learning experiences with flexible study options, and employers regularly contact the school seeking employees.'
Mirani State High School website
Robina State High School
League for Life Program
Thumbs up ... Students from Robina State High's successful League for Life program, which is tackling student attendance and retention rates as well as improving their academic performance.
The League for Life Program began three years ago at Robina State High School with one group of boys. It now caters for 75 students at Robina, 50 students at Nerang and Elanora state high schools as well as students from another 11 Gold Coast schools with the addition of the Nalinah Balin Indigenous League for Life project.
Aimed to inspire students 'to be the best they can be', the program combines curriculum and life skills through the motivational power of sport.
Robina State High teacher Deb Derrick said the program partnered with a range of community organisations including the Gold Coast Titans and Burleigh Bears Rugby league clubs, Griffith University, the Salvation Army, Queenslanders in the Community charity and several local businesses.
'Part of the success is building relationships between the students, staff and people from partner organisations,' Ms Derrick said.
'Attendance and retention rates have improved as well as academic results, health and fitness and post-school pathways.'
Ms Derrick said the aspects of the program were now being expanded to include girls.
Robina State High School website
League for Life website 
Sunnybank Cluster
Sunnybank State School and Sunnybank State High School
SunnyStarters
By the book ... Students from Sunnybank State High School are helping to teach local primary school children through the SunnyStarters initiative.
Children get an insight into big school with 'teachers' who are still learning themselves thanks to SunnyStarters, a unique partnership between Sunnybank's primary and secondary schools and the Kyabra Limited Hours Childcare Centre.
Approximately 30 families enjoy a free, play-based developmental program that aids in the development of pre-literacy, social interaction and motor skills in three to four-year-olds.
Head of senior schooling at Sunnybank State High, Robyn Pedler, said high school students helped deliver the program at the primary school, which results in increased student learning outcomes, retention rates and career pathways.
'It is just as great for the high school students as it is for the little ones,' Ms Pedler said.
'Everyone is learning.'
The initiative has attracted the attention of other South-East Queensland schools wanting to adopt similar programs.
Sunnybank State School website
Sunnybank State High School website
Click here for more information about the Showcase Awards.
Other languages