School Closure Fact Sheet and Faqs

School closure fact sheet and FAQs

Eight Queensland state schools were identified for potential closure in an announcement by the Minister for Education, Training and Employment in May this year.

Following that announcement, independent consultancy company, JTA Australia led extensive consultation in each of the eight school communities between 3 May 2013 and 26 July 2013. They presented consultation reports to the Department for the Minister’s consideration.

After careful consideration, the Minister has approved that our school will close at the end of 2013.

How was this decision made? Schools were initially identified for proposed closure in line with the four criteria outlined in the Department’s School Viability Assessment procedure – enrolments, accessibility, curriculum and resourcing equity.

Following the consultation period, the Minister considered the results of the School Viability Assessment and the consultation report and determined that our school would close at the end of 2013.

What happens next? Parents will receive a Transition Planning Kit to assist students to enrol in a new school for the start of 2014. The Transition Planning Kit provides a checklist for parents to work through to ensure the necessary information is gathered to assist with decision-making and transition.

Parents can access support at their current or new school to discuss and assist in planning for the transition.

Guidance Officer support is available to students to assist with the transition process as required.

In most cases, students will be able to enrol in their neighbouring school of choice. However, due to individual schooling history, there may be a small number of students who will not be able to be accommodated at the school of their choice. In these cases, school/regional staff will work with the student and their family to negotiate an alternative school.

Regular updates will be provided in the school newsletter and on the Department’s website.

Will families receive financial assistance to purchase new uniforms? All students, except for those completing Year 7 or 12 are eligible for a uniform allowance for their new school. An allowance of $500 will be provided for primary school students and $750 for secondary school students. A Request for Uniform Allocation form will be available on your school’s website or provided by your school for parents to complete and the uniform allowance will be paid directly into your nominated bank account.

For further information on financial assistance, please call School Financial Services on (07) 3237 0718.

Are transport subsidies available to students affected by the closure? Students may be eligible for a travel allowance to access their nearest state school. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) School Transport Assistance Scheme may assist students who live more than 3.2 kilometres from their nearest state primary school or 4.8 kilometres from their nearest state secondary school.

Financially disadvantaged students (who live within these distances) may also be eligible for further allowances under the School Transport Assistance Scheme.

For more details visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au and click to the Travel and Transport section.

What will happen to our school’s resources and infrastructure? Arrangements will be made to transfer all useable assets and resources to schools enrolling students from the closing schools. The school community will be consulted on how these assets and resources should be dispersed.

It is typical for school assets to transfer to the school where the majority of students transition.

What will happen to our school’s memorabilia and historical artefacts, which are treasured items for our school community? The school principal will work closely with the school community, neighbouring schools and Regional Office to determine the best place for these items to be located.

What arrangements will be made for staff? All permanent staff will be transitioned to alternative locations. Human Resources staff will work with all staff in the immediate future to discuss placement preferences and options.

What will happen to the money raised by the P&C? The Department will follow the guidelines in the P&C Accounting Manual and disperse any remaining funds to the destination school (or schools) that students will attend. Where can more information be found? Please read the school newsletter and check the school website for regular updates.

Should you have questions, please contact the School.

Alternatively, you can contact the relevant Regional Office on the number listed below:

North Queensland Regional Office contact: Cindy Mossop and Penny Edgerton Phone Number: (07) 4726 3102

Metropolitan Regional Office contact: School Community Liaison Officer Phone Number: (07) 3422 8666

Darling Downs Regional Office contact: Wendy Dighton Phone Number (07) 4616 9216

If your enquiry cannot be addressed by the school or regional office, contact Central Office on 1800 282 353.

More information is also available on the Department’s website at www.education.qld.gov.au.