Two new primary schools and a new senior campus are now in development in Greater Springfield – a much needed expansion of student capacity across the region.
“[It’s part of our] ongoing commitment to building new schools in Queensland’s fastest growing communities,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
\”We want all young Queenslanders to have a world class education in world class facilities.”
In addition, the state government is currently planning for a third school and a new special school to be opened in or near Springfield in the second half of the decade, depending on the rate of population growth.
The soonest to open is the temporarily-named New Primary School in Augustine Heights, located at 12 Purser Road, south-west of Woogaroo Creek. Teaching is scheduled to commence in Term 1, next year, to students in Prep to Year 6.
A new state school is also being planned for the growing area of Bellbird Park, and will open for Prep to Year 6 for Term 1, 2024, alongside a brand new campus at Springfield Central State High School, for an increased capacity of Years 10 to 12 students.
Augustine Heights Foundation Principal Kendall Seccombe, selected for the role in May, said she looks forward to creating a legacy in the wider community.
“It is a privilege to have been appointed as the foundation principal of our New School at Augustine Heights,” Ms Seccombe said. In July, Mrs Lisa Cameron was appointed as the Foundation Deputy Principal.
Since 2014, Ms Seccombe has had a growing resume as an executive of regional schools throughout Queensland – particularly in the Darling Downs region.
“After acting principal contracts at Gindie, Wooroolin, and Cloyna State Schools, I was permanently appointed to Cooyar in Darling Downs South West, approximately an hour outside of Toowoomba. From Cooyar, I moved to Charters Towers to accept the role of principal at Millchester State School, followed by principal of Ipswich East State School.”
Jordan MP Charis Mullen provided further details about construction.
“Stage One of the school will open with learning areas, multi-purpose courts, a student support and staff building, a library, canteen, sporting field and more,” Ms Mullen said.
“It will have capacity for around 600 students from 2023, expanding up to 1,000 when Stage Two of the school is delivered.”
The school will ease the enrolment burdens of a trio of nearby State Schools – Fernbrooke, Augusta, and Redbank Plains – according to the online portal that lists announced school construction projects. Expressions of interest were opened up earlier this year.
While construction continues, parents and staff now await news of the official enrolment catchment areas for the school, expected to be released by the Queensland Department of Education in coming weeks. The strict guidelines are part of the School Enrolment Management Plan (or School EMP). Proof of residency is required upon interviewing.
Near to Bellbird Park State Secondary College, which opened in 2017, the new primary school at Bellbird Park will provide enrolment relief to Kruger and Augusta State Schools.
According to the Department, a location for the school has been identified, requiring the amalgamation of a number of properties. It is finalising negotiations with landowners for the preferred site.
The new Bellbird Park and Springfield Central sites will likely begin construction simultaneously next year, in time for their planned openings in Term 1, 2024.
The school’s temporary email address is principal@newprimaryschoolaugustineheights.eq.edu.au and a telephone line will be set up and released early in Term 4.
