A regional south-east Queensland primary school is enhancing its links with the community by providing extra support to its working parents.
All Saints’ School Boonah this month opened an Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program.
New Principal Robert Campbell said he felt compelled to address the challenges of working parents in his local area.
“This program is a way our school community can give back,” Mr Campbell said.
“The lives of our families have changed over the past few decades, and often single and two parent families need to work to curb the cost of living.”
Mr Campbell said the new program, to be delivered by Catholic Early EdCare, would take a burden off families, including grandparents, who were often relied upon for support.
“My hope for this program is that it helps ease the pressure off school pick-up and drop-offs for families in our local area, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and enriching community for everyone involved.”
Mr Campbell started as the permanent principal of the Brisbane Catholic Education school at the beginning of this year, after acting in the role in 2023.
During that time he led the school community through a significant growth period that saw the construction of the schools’ new early years education precinct, which opened recently, and planning for work on the administration centre, classroom refurbishments and library extension.
“This school has been part of the Boonah community for more than 60 years, and the new state-of-the-art facilities will mean our students will have access to indoor and outdoor learning spaces, a library that will foster a love of reading and access to the best technology available to students,” Mr Campbell said.
A former plumber and national rugby league player with the likes of the Western Suburbs Magpies, Illawarra Steelers and Gold Coast Chargers, Mr Campbell said his unconventional path to Principal has shaped a unique leadership style, he plans to harness to fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment for students and engage with the community.
“I am working hard to connect my parent community, inviting our parents to our whole school assembly or Mass on a fortnightly basis,” he says.
“I have created an open-door policy with my parent community so they can see me anytime and I will listen to them.”
Learn more about All Saints’ Boonah.
Learn more about All Saints’ Boonah OSHC.
