Heartwarming milestones and memorable moments were abundant as Queensland students and teachers returned to classrooms this week for that start of another school year.
Around 890,000 young people donned their school uniforms across the state, with thousands of teachers welcoming them, alongside new colleagues.
At St Augustine’s Parish Primary School Currumbin Waters, long-serving teacher Alan Dick shared the teacher reins with Zac West, one of his former students.
Mr Dick, who has taught at the school for 46 years, said Mr West entered his Gold Coast classroom as a “high-spirited” Year 7 student.
“I remember Zac as a talented sportsman and a good lad from a wonderful family,” he said.
“It’s a full-circle moment for me. Seeing someone I taught return as a teacher is one of the greatest rewards of this profession.
“It’s a reminder of the lasting impact we have as educators.”
Mr West said Mr Dick was “a great teacher.”
“(He was) firm, fair, and always had a sense of humour. It’s exciting to work alongside him now.”
Mr West said walking back into the grounds brought back memories of going to the Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) school.
“The school turns 100 in 2026, and I feel honoured to be part of its legacy,” he said.
Up on the Sunshine Coast, the St Joseph’s Primary School Nambour community doesn’t need to wait to celebrate its centenary, ringing in that momentous milestone in 2025.
For past student James De Vere the centenary holds special significance, as not only will he witness the unveiling of a time capsule he saw buried 25 years ago, when he was in Year 1, but his son started Prep at the school this week.
“Now, I’ll be sitting there with my son, Ben, sharing this milestone with him at the very school where my journey began,” Mr De Vere said.
Ben’s journey at St Joseph’s marks the third generation of his family connected to the school.
Principal Michelle Young said Ben’s grandfather, Stephen, played a part in constructing the school’s Harmony Garden.
Ms Young said it was an enduring symbol of the school’s commitment to community and care.
“Since St Joseph’s founding by the Good Samaritan Sisters in 1925, it has been a cornerstone of faith, learning, and community in the Sunshine Coast region,” she said.
The community focus is reflected at two other BCE schools at the forefront of providing students with a seamless transition to school.
St Eugene College Burpengary and St Patrick’s College Gympie are making significant strides in tailoring their approach to meet the needs of students.
St Eugene College Principal Louise Olley said her staff was embracing the idea that “school readiness is a two-way street”.
“We don’t believe that the student must be ready for school,” Ms Olley said.
“The school must also be ready for the student.
“We engage our Prep and Year 7 students at the very start of their educational journey, to find out what their expectations are of school.
“This allows us to tailor our approach to support their individual needs and ensure a smooth transition to Prep and secondary school.”
She said they kept the conversation going throughout the year, which helped the school make adjustments and ensure students were always supported as they grew.
St Patrick’s College Principal Mark Newton and his team was dedicated to helping Year 7 students tackle math misconceptions as they transitioned from primary to secondary school.
“If a Year 7 student enters high school with gaps in their understanding of certain mathematical concepts, this can impact their ability to build on foundational knowledge,” he said.
“At St Patrick’s we’re using strategies to help bridge these gaps and make connections between concepts.”
Students at Unity College Caloundra are bridging the gap between the classroom and the environment, building on a boat building project which is set to make waves in local waterways.
Principal Brett Jones said students built a boat that would allow them to deploy durable oyster baskets, currently being constructed in partnership with the local fishing group OzFish.
Mr Jones said, now fully afloat, the boat would soon transport oyster-filled baskets, which would provide crucial homes for baby oysters, naturally filtering the water as they grow.
He said each oyster could filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, making them an effective and sustainable solution for cleaner waterways.
“The oyster baskets originated as an extension of the boat-building project, which began as a simple boat construction initiative.
“As the project progressed, it evolved into a broader educational experience, incorporating skills in fabrication, environmental science, and teamwork,” he said.
Unity College teacher Kevin Visser said by involving students in every part of the process, from cutting to welding, assembly of the boat, and finally, the launch and deployment of the oyster baskets, the project underscores Unity’s commitment to sustainable practices and cross-curricular learning.
“Students across multiple classes have contributed to both the boat and oyster basket projects, gaining skills that are directly applicable to future careers, all while earning valuable certifications through our Vocational Education and Training program,” Mr Visser said.
