BRISBANE, Queensland, Oct. 30 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Minister for Education and the Arts

The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek

* The Crisafulli Government has recognised nine state schools for innovative programs delivering brighter futures for Queensland students. * Primary,special and secondary schools from across Queensland were celebrated at Parliament House today on World Teachers' Day. * Showcase schools share in $120,000 funding to help extend and share their successful practices. * The Crisafulli Government is getting back to the basics in education with a renewed focus on literacy, numeracy and NAPLAN and helping kids catch up, keep up and stay in school after a decade of decline under Labor.

Nine state schools from across Queensland have been recognised by the Crisafulli Governmentfor their outstanding achievements at the 2026 Showcase event at Parliament House in Brisbane today.

The prestigious annual celebration recognises state schools for delivering exceptional initiatives, practices and partnerships that are improving student outcomes across Queensland.



Schools from Brisbane, Redcliffe, Sunshine Coast, Murgon, Maryborough, Central Queensland, North Queensland and Far North Queensland were among the winners for their exceptional work in making a real difference in the lives of their students and communities.

TheCrisafulli Government is getting back to the basics in education with a renewed focus on literacy, numeracy and NAPLAN and helping kids catch up, keep up and stay in school after a decade of decline under Labor.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek congratulated the successful schools for their leadership and commitment to providing a world-class education system for the next generation of Queenslanders.

"Showcase recognises our principals, teachers, leadership teams, school staff and communities who work together to create brighter futures for every student," Minister Langbroek said.

"These schools reflect the diversity of our state education system and recognise the impact schools are making across every education region in Queensland.

"It was a pleasure to welcome staff from these schools to Parliament House on World Teachers' Day and recognise their contribution.



"The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland to help kids catch up, keep up and stay in school.

"After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is delivering safer classrooms, more teachers and teacher aides, less red tape for school staff, a bigger Back to School Boost next year, record NAPLAN participation, extra workplace health and safety officers and building 22 new schools, including nine special schools.



"On World Teachers' Day and the final day of State Education Week 2026, I'd like to thank our principals, teachers, teacher aides, administration staff, chaplains, groundskeepers, volunteers, parents and careers for their commitment and dedication to our school communities."



Murgon State School was recognised with the Telstra Excellence in Primary Education (Years 3 to 6) for dramatically improving reading outcomes.



Murgon State School Principal Karen Kliese said the school used consistent and evidence-informed teaching methods to achieve these outstanding results.



"Reading opens the door to every other area of learning and we're committed to making sure every child has the opportunity to succeed," Principal Kliese said.

Atherton State High School was awarded for their excellence in Junior Secondary Education (Years 7 to 9).



Principal Leanne Knight-Smith said the school had implemented successful strategies for students transitioning into high school.

"By fostering strong relationships, engaging classrooms and a focus on belonging, students are empowered to take ownership of their learning from day one," Principal Knight-Smith said.

The nine successful Showcase schools share in a $120,000 bursary pool to help them share their practice with other schools or reinvest in their own programs. 



ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Thomson, 0447 221 816

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:



2026 Showcased Schools



Smartsalary Excellence in Early Years Education (Kindergarten to Year 2)

* Spring Mountain State School (Metropolitan South) * Abergowrie State School (North Queensland)

Telstra Excellence in Primary Education (Years 3 to 6)

* Murgon State School (Darling Downs South West) * Springsure State School (Central Queensland)

Excellence in Junior Secondary Education (Years 7 to 9)

* Atherton State High School (Far North Queensland)

QSuper Excellence in Senior Secondary Education (Years 10 to 12)

* Aldridge State High School (North Coast - Maryborough)

QTU Bevan Brennan 'Every Child Needs a Champion'

* Gainsborough State School (South East) * Redcliffe Special School (Metropolitan North)

Griffith University Jack Pizzey Leadership Team of the Year

*

Sunnybank Hills State School (Metropolitan South)

Sunnybank Hills State School (Metropolitan South)

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.