A division of the Liberal Party of Australia
OFFICIAL OPENING OF EXTENSIONS TO ST ANTHONY’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE
19 September, 2006
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Well, the Most Reverend Michael Putney, Craig Wallace, Member for Thuringowa, John Nuttall, Principal of this magnificent college, Dr. Catherine Day from the Catholic Education Office, Father Giles Setter from the Deeragun Parish, staff, mums and dads and most importantly boys and girls who are the students of St Anthony’s.
I am delighted to be with you today to celebrate the opening of these new facilities at your school.
I am very proud of the fact that the Australian Government has provided $486,478.00 and the school community has worked very hard to raise almost $95,000.00 towards the project. I acknowledge the Queensland Government’s contribution of some $37,000.00 to make up a total project of somewhere in the order of almost $620,000.00. These moneys have constructed the facilities we open today, that is 3 general learning areas and extensions to the administration block and also work at the pre-school.
I know that St Anthony’s school has had a very positive history in the 14 short years since it was first opened in 1992. It started life with fewer than 100 children and has increased to a stage, today, where there are almost 800 students enrolled at the school, with 650 students in the primary school and 145 in the year 8 and 9 classes.
Whilst I am very proud of the Australian Government’s contribution to the current facilities, I do want to highlight that a further $1.9 million has been earmarked by the Australian Government towards construction of 4 new general learning areas, walkways, a library, administration area, pupil amenities, physical education, science, manual arts and music areas to be constructed in the future. Of this total project of some $2.7 million the school will be contributing almost $800,000.00 and the Queensland Government will contribute some $22,000.00.
These additional moneys from the Australian Government of $1.9 million will be payable during this year some time.
As well as providing moneys for capital works at schools, the Australian Government also believes that high standards and Australian values should form part of our school system and accordingly we are making sure that parents receive “plain English” student report cards – so they can understand exactly how you are all performing at school.
We also want to ensure that your parents know about the school’s performance and this means making meaningful information available to them. I know, in the instance of St Anthony’s, this already happens and I know parents are very delighted with the quality of teaching staff and the results achieved by the teaching staff at this school.
As a Government, we support more power to School Principals over teachers’ appointments, but I know Mr. Nuttall already has all the power he needs and you can tell from his quality staff that he has chosen well over the years.
One other thing I want to briefly mention is physical education. We must ensure that all young children do get plenty of exercise so that they will stay fit and healthy – so very important to a school’s curriculum.
As a point of interest, I do want to acknowledge that very shortly I will be celebrating with you the purchase and installation of a flag pole. Up to $1,500.00 is available from the Australian Government for these purposes and I know that your college has submitted the appropriate application and we will be reimbursing you for up to $1,500.00 for your flag pole.
A previous speaker, I think it was Mr. Nuttall, mentioned the issue of the Mount Low Parkway intersection and I was going to mention that even if Mr. Nuttall hadn’t encouraged me to do so. Veale Road is becoming an increasingly busy road connecting the Bruce Highway with Gearney’s Lane and I understand the problems being caused. We have to get the State Government to do the planning and costing of the Highway and then the Australian Government will be funding appropriate remedial works in this locality because this area is part of the National Highway. I acknowledge the very significant difficulties that this roadway causes to your school. That is why the Australian Government is determined to do something about it.
Finally, can I just pay particular tribute to all those who have contributed so much to this sensational project. This is a great school and it continues to become even greater with the work and direction of many people. My thanks to the Parents and Citizens organisation for its fund raising efforts and its determination to provide the best facilities for the children. The school staff do a magnificent job and deserve every congratulation. I suspect that many of you students won’t appreciate it now but in years to come you will look back and work out what a fine lot of teachers you had. My congratulations to the builders and the architect as well for the results of a great effort.
As well the Catholic Dioceses of Townsville, has, as always, taken a very close interest in the education of young people and its part in this whole process should never be overlooked. Congratulations to you all and with that I join with the Bishop in officially opening these new extensions.