Community assistance enables reopening of local primary school following flood damage
SCHOOL WRAP
Despite school starting a week later than usual for students at St Augustine’s Primary due to substantial flood damage, last week marked a highly anticipated return for the eager students.
Thanks to the concerted efforts of parents, staff, and a dedicated team of workers from Sydney and Adelaide, the school underwent a remarkable transformation.
Working tirelessly, seven days a week, thirteen hours a day, they focused on restoring essential facilities including the library, tuckshop, diverse learning area, staff room, and admin building - all severely impacted by the floods.
Despite the ongoing repairs and replacements needed, the school now boasts a rejuvenated atmosphere.
Mrs Liz Ottone, Deputy Principal said “Our Prep and Year 1 and Year 2 rooms are looking the best they ever have. It’s going to be a great 2024 at Saints.”
Mossman State School
At Mossman State School, the community’s generosity has been a source of strength in the wake of the floods.
Numerous individuals, businesses, and organisations have come forward to support students and families in need, providing essential supplies and assistance.
On behalf of the whole school community, they would like to thank the many community members, businesses and services, particularly:
- The Mossman Bowls Club for donating $2000 towards new uniforms for cyclone-impacted families.
- School Savvy by Centacare for their donation of a wide range of school supplies
- Whileaway Bookshop and Cafe for donating over $1200 worth of supplies, shoes, backpacks, lunch boxes, sporting equipment and non-perishable food.
- Mossman Support Services for supporting with resource purchasing and family assistance.
- Vinnies, Cairns Community Flood Appeal 2023, Cairns Flood Food Drive 2023 and Cape York Partnerships for supporting with bread, spreads and fruit for students’ lunches.
- Jabalbina and Cairns Community Flood Appeal 2023 for a wonderful supply of toys to help lift student spirits.
- The Douglas Shire Combined Churches for offering assistance to families.
- The many school staff members who supplied a wide range of resources for families in need, with special mention to Administration superstar, Miss Hannah Buchanan, who worked tirelessly through the holidays to ensure Mossman State School was clean, hygienic and ready for re-opening.
Students are settling happily into new classrooms with their Teachers, Teacher Aides and establishing new positive routines, ready for another amazing year of learning.
As the school community recovers from the devastating effects of the floods, the school motto “Mossman State School, Forever Onwards” is exemplified through resilience, determination and the power of people working together.
Miallo State School
Meanwhile, at Miallo State School, Prep class students are eagerly learning Japanese as Miss Hiromi has only just returned from Japan.
The return to school two weeks ago was met with enthusiasm as students settled back into the routine of learning.
Exciting events such as the Student Leader Induction and upcoming Leadership camp and parent reading workshops are on the horizon, promising a fulfilling year ahead.
Port Douglas State School
At Port Douglas State School, a tradition of mentorship continues as senior students support the new Prep students through activities such as reading, writing, and art.
Amazing relationships are built with both the older and younger students gaining from these activities.
Got a news tip?
Send a news tip or submit a letter to the Newsport Editor here.
Comments
Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.