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Ormeau State School

With principal Heather Andrew.

January 18 2012

Where is the school?

Ormeau State School is located in the Canowindra Estate in Pimpama approximately 15km south of Beenleigh. The local areas of Canowindra and Old Ormeau Town are acreage estates. Norfolk Village Estate has significant numbers of smaller blocks and cluster-type housing. Pimpama Rivers Estate, Jacobs Ridge, Ormeau Ridge and Ormeau Hills are other developments in the school catchment area. A new school at Norfolk Village opened in 2009 and has impacted on enrolment numbers yet consistent enrolment growth continues due to ongoing developments.

When did it open?

The school opened its doors in 1878 and was known as Podinga Provisional School. The name changed to Ormeau Provisional School in 1892 and a growing community enjoyed the delights of the area. Further growth continued and a new and larger site was required and donated by the Holm family. A new site, but the old name of Ormeau State School was retained. We celebrated 125 years of learning and teaching in 2003 with the enrolment peaking at 1050 students in 2008. Currently Ormeau has 850 students.

How did it get its name?

The name Ormeau is believed to be of French origin, meaning the young elm tree.

How many students?

850 students, representing Prep to Year 7.

How many staff?

60 staff members, including teaching and non-teaching.

How long have you been the principal?

I have been Principal at Ormeau State School for 10 years and am privileged to have been appointed here.

What's the best thing about your school?

The best thing about working at Ormeau will always remain the culture and environment which make this place a great place in which to work, to educate and to enjoy the community links.

Claim to fame?

Our school values underpin all that we do every day.

O pportunity
R esponsibility
M anners
E xcellence
A cceptance
U nity

School motto?

Helping Each Other To Do Our Best