Signpost - Bambaroo State School
October 19 2011
Where is the school?
Bambaroo State School is located 80km north of Townsville, just off the Bruce Highway in the Hinchinbrook Shire.
When did it open?
Bambaroo State School began operation with 13 students enrolled on November 3 1924. The school was officially opened with 22 students enrolled on May 19 1925. The first settler to arrive in Bambaroo, Mr Herman Hecht, was instrumental in rallying for the establishment of a school in the local area. His two eldest children, Mrs Dulcie Brown (nee Hecht) and Mr Charlie Hecht, were students enrolled on the first day of school operation.
How did it get its name?
Bambaroo is said to be derived from the Aboriginal name from the Nywaigi tribe word 'Bamburu' meaning 'place of much water'. This name recognises the abundance of water that flows through rivers and creeks located in the Bambaroo Region.
How many students?
There are currently eight students enrolled at Bambaroo State School from Prep to Year 7.
How many staff?
We have five staff members working at Bambaroo State School: a teaching principal, a visiting teacher that visits three days per fortnight, a part-time teacher aide, a part-time administration officer and a school cleaner.
How long have you been the principal?
I have been the principal at Bambaroo State School for nearly two years.
What's the best thing about your school?
The best thing about Bambaroo State School is our enthusiastic students, dedicated staff members, supportive families and community members who value quality educational learning opportunities. Our school has been recognised for our involvement in the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices. In 2011, students are involved in an educational program focusing on the protection of local waterways entering the Great Barrier Reef National Marine Park. We continue our ongoing partnership with the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service to protect the endangered Mahogany Glider species found in our local area.
Claim to fame?
Steve Irwin (the Crocodile Hunter) frequented Cattle Creek during the late1980s in the Bambaroo Region to capture crocodiles to be housed and protected at Australia Zoo, located on the Sunshine Coast. 'Agro' and 'Cassie' are the names of two crocodile attractions that originally came from the Bambaroo Region still performing and living at Australia Zoo. Bambaroo is mentioned in the song 'I've Been Everywhere' written by Geoff Mack in 1959 and made popular by the singer Lucky Starr in 1962. The lyrics (as originally written) listed Australian towns throughout the song. Bambaroo is mentioned as the fourth township in the second verse.
School motto?
Growing, Learning and Caring
Other languages
environment
teaching