Grant transforms Wonga Beach School into vibrant community hub

SCHOOL WRAP

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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New grant resources enable Wonga Beach State School to boost community spirit with programs and events for all ages.Picture: Wonga Beach State School

Wonga Beach State School is stepping up its role as a community cornerstone, thanks to a grant that is helping transform the school into a vibrant hub meeting educational and social needs for all ages.

Funding from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) has helped the school add a defibrillator, seating, marquees, games, and a water bubbler to better serve the community.

Over the last three years, Wonga School has become a central gathering point, fostering a strong community spirit by hosting a variety of programs, events, and resources that cater to children from infancy through Year 6, alongside the wider community.

Principal Emma Tait emphasised the school’s mission to strengthen community bonds by offering a welcoming space for daily gatherings and emergency needs.

“Our school has hosted market days, community meetings, health clinics, local initiatives, and sports activities, becoming a central point for various community needs,” Ms Tait said. 

“These efforts have not only supported our students but enriched the broader community, making our school a trusted and valued resource.”

Ms Tait added that Wonga School has demonstrated resilience and compassion, especially during natural disasters, by offering a safe space and essential resources. 

“We’re proud of the supportive connections we’ve built here, where students, staff, and neighbours uplift one another and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.”

Wonder of Science Conference

Last week, 155 students from Douglas Shire, Cairns, and nearby areas showcased their scientific talents at the Wonder of Science Conference in Cairns, presenting projects and tackling global challenges.

Two local schools stood out: Mossman State School and Wonga Beach State School, both earning first-place honours in their respective categories, with Daintree Primary earning a commendable second place. 

Mossman State School’s Robotics Team excelled at the VEX Regional Competition, winning both the Design and Teamwork Challenge Awards. Picture: Mossman State School

Wonga Beach State School’s Year 5 students impressed judges with their sustainable solutions for astronauts on the International Space Station, earning a spot at the state Wonder of Science Conference in Brisbane on November 22, where they will present to young science ambassadors, educators, and peers.

With travel and accommodation costs required to attend, Wonga Beach is reaching out to the community for sponsorships to support this journey.

Mossman State School also celebrated a win as their Year 4 students took first place for a project designing an insulated container to keep ice cream cold, showcasing an understanding of material properties. They, too, are excited to represent the Douglas Shire at the upcoming state conference.

Mossman robotics team shines

Last Friday, Mossman State School’s Robotics Team took on the region’s top contenders at the VEX Regional Competition in Cairns, delivering an impressive display of skill, creativity, and teamwork. 

Their efforts paid off with two major wins: the coveted Design Award and the Teamwork Challenge Award. 

A special shoutout goes to Mr Riley, whose dedication to the Robotics Club has been invaluable. Congratulations to the exceptional team for making Mossman proud!

Students at Miallo State School are diving into the swimming program, with Swimming Carnivals set for Tuesday 5 November. Picture: Miallo State School

Miallo State School

It’s already been a packed Term 4 at Miallo State School, featuring a vibrant Masquerade Disco, Day for Daniel activities, Life Education sessions for Years 5 and 6, and a two-day Cluster Strings Camp hosted on campus.

Students are now diving into the swimming program, with Swimming Carnivals set for Tuesday 5 November. Following that, Prep to Year 2 students will head out on excursions, plus there's a Prep Information Evening and the World of Maths event all in the same week.

Picture: Mossman State High School

Final Leg for Year 12s

On Monday the 21st of October, thousands of Year 12 students across the state commenced their final exams. These exams are set by the Queensland Curriculum Assessment Authority (QCAA) and are run over a three-week period as an external exam block. The QCAA determines the order of exams and Year 12 students only attend school for their timetabled exam sessions. Mossman High School students started with our largest group for the exam block with English on Monday. We had 52 students sitting this exam, and although tensions were high at the start, most students settled in after some planning time, and pens were furiously writing about Shakespeare’s Macbeth for over 2 hours.

Cadetship Deklen Reynolds

Congratulations to Mossman High School Year 11 student Deklen Reynolds for being accepted to complete a Certificate II in Electrotechnology in 2025. Following the successful pilot of this cadetship program in Ipswich, the Darling Downs and Southwest Queensland this year, TAFE Queensland, Ergon Energy Network and Energex have expanded the program across regional and remote Queensland for 2025.

Year 11 student Deklen Reynolds has been accepted into Queensland's expanded 2025 Electrotechnology cadetship program. Picture: Mossman State High School

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