Innovative thinking has helped boost student engagement and attendance at St Mary’s College Maryborough, a Brisbane Catholic Education school.
Principal Bree Brockenshire recognised that students in her small community faced specific regional challenges because they often faced a long daily commute from different areas, and came from different sized schools and learning spaces.
In addition, the close proximity of St Mary’s Primary School, only one kilometre away, presents a valuable opportunity to increase exposure for primary school students.
When Ms Brockenshire joined the school in 2024, she set herself the task of making the transition to the secondary school environment as familiar as possible so students felt supported, recognised and had a sense of ownership.
“We’ve tried to really merge the learning experiences for students and provide them with opportunities to be part of the college before they even step foot in it to formally start their secondary education,” Ms Brockenshire explained.
The initiative forms part of the school’s Catholic Identity project which won the Fraser Coast Business Education Provider Award for 2025, after five years of reaching the finals.
The project is run in conjunction with fellow St Mary’s Primary School Principal Michelle White and Acting Principal Stephanie Barnes, revolutionising the way the primary and secondary schools interact.
The program also allows students to keep wearing their uniforms into high school to help lower costs.
Orientation and transition days have also helped, alongside special transitions for diverse learners, as well as consistent teaching and shared leadership practices.
The benefits to students and families are clear.
“We are seeing continued NAPLAN and ATAR excellence, and improved post-school transition outcomes for our graduates,” Ms Brockenshire said.
“Our students are also happier, and our primary aged students have access to a wider range of advanced facilities and opportunities.
“Our students know what’s expected of them and they’re ready to be part of the community by the time they reach high school.
“We have a transient population in Maryborough but we are seeing students and families staying here for longer, and have experienced an increase in enrolments.”
Acting Principal Stephani Barnes said, “together our campuses provide seamless Prep to Year 12 education built on faith, excellence and community”.
“We share co-curricular strength with more than 30 clubs, leadership and community engagement opportunities on offer,” she said.
“Our Little Angels Playgroup is also another way our school can extend connection to local families, creating shared spaces for children as young as four to learn, laugh, and feel part of the St Mary’s community from the get-go.”
In 2026, the St Mary’s Primary School campus is also expecting a new playground and Learning Innovation Precinct, alongside expanded agricultural and horticultural programs for hands-on learning.
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