Showcase programs bringing out the best

Rebecca Perry

October 4 2011

A focus on health and wellbeing is helping the three finalists in the Inclusive Education category of the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools lead the way in their school communities.

Flexi school - youth attainment and transition

Centenary Heights State School's Toowoomba Flexi School Campus has for 12 years been breaking the cycle of unemployment and failure - re-engaging students in learning through an environment of support and flexibility.

Part of Centenary Heights since 2004, the Flexi School campus includes four teachers who write and assess their own programs, ranging from Queensland Studies Authority-accredited certificates to personal development strategies.

'It is not like a mainstream school because that did not work for these students in the first place,' said principal Maryanne Walsh.

'We do retain high expectations and structure because they often don't have that in their personal lives. It is no-one's fault that their circumstances are difficult and we do not view it that way.'

The scheme has attracted interest from other schools, with 95 per cent of graduates now employed or undertaking further learning.

Every child, every chance, every day - inclusion through differentiation

At Upper Mount Gravatt State School they have stopped short of meditating in class, but practising the Buddhist tradition of 'mindfulness' is helping youngsters relax and focus.

'It's not about being warm and fuzzy, it is being able to do better work when you are in a better state of mind,' said principal Derek Brady, whose school has achieved some of the country's best NAPLAN results with Year 3 marks in the top two bands.

'We haven't had a suspension since 2006, we don't have a detention room and both staff and parents are undertaking life coaching to strengthen their own resilience.'

Using the Canadian 'Breakthrough' model of learning which focuses on children's individual needs, the school is embracing its diverse multicultural community by working smarter, not harder.

'When your mental health is good, you can deal with other challenges,' Mr Brady said.

The Showcase winners will be announced at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 21. Tickets for the gala dinner are available from the Showcase website.

Beenleigh Great Futures - unity in diversity

At Beenleigh State School, volunteer mentors, community donations and sponsorships are helping serve daily breakfasts to up 120 students daily and provide jumpers and 65 pairs of shoes in the past 12 months - all helping improve behaviour, confidence and self-esteem.

The school's program is teaching Beenleigh youngsters to 'pay it forward'.
'It's not a hand out, it's a hand up,' said community liaison officer Vicky Brown. 'We help them and in turn, they help others including younger students.

'We want these children to know that their community cares and that their school is helping them be the best they can be. If kids don't have their basic needs met, they've got no chance with the rest of it.'

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