BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 3 -- 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 is delivering a new special school for the fast-growing Springfield-Redbank community. * The new special school, adjoining WoogarooCreek State School, is now 50 percent complete and will relieve local enrolment pressure and support parent choice for their child's education. * TheCrisafulli Governmentis building Queensland's future and delivering 22 new schools, including nine special schools, as part of a record $23.1 billion education budget, after a decade of decline under Labor. 

Construction of the new Springfield-Redbank special school has reached the 50 percent milestone and is part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to build nine new special schools to provide choice to parents and help children reach their potential.

Providing enrolment relief for the rapidly growing Goodna Special School, thenew special school will include five new two-storey buildings with 20 learning spaces and lifts, play areas and green spaces for outdoor learning, and multi-purpose spaces.

Stage 1 of the new special school, adjoining the existingWoogarooCreek State School, is scheduled to open in Term 1 2027, withan initialcapacity for 120 students.

Subject to enrolments, Stage 2 of the new special school is planned to open in Term 1 2028, with capacity for anadditional80 students.

The Crisafulli Government isbuilding Queensland's future anddelivering 22 new schools acrossthe State, including nine new special schools to help kids catch up, keepupand stay in school.

The former Labor Governmentfailed toplan for special school growth during their decade of decline, while enrolments surged by more than 47 percent since 2019.

Under Labor's chaos and crisis, teachers were burdened with repetitive administration and red tape that took away from teaching time, while behavioural issues and occupationalviolence skyrocketed in Queensland classrooms.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Crisafulli Government was building the special schools needed to meet growing demand.

"The new special school for Springfield-Redbank will relieve enrolment pressure at Goodna Special School and allows local students to attend a school designed and tailored for them close to home," Minister Langbroek said.

"The Crisafulli Government is delivering nine new special schools to give families choiceabout the education setting that best meets their child's needs.

"Special schools playan important rolein our communities and helps make sure all students reach their potential.

"The Crisafulli Government is delivering 30 Workplace Health and Safety Officers specifically for our special schools to support teachers, as part of our commitment to recruit almost 170 new officers.

"We're continuing to tackle behaviour through the $45 million Behaviour Boost and we're reducing red tape for teachers by 25percent, so they can spend less time on administration and more time teaching."

Minister Langbroek congratulated Rachel Dougherty on her appointment as Foundation Principal for the new special school.

"Rachel Dougherty has more than 20 years' experience in Queensland state education, spanning both primary and special education," Minister Langbroek said.

"Throughout her career, Rachel has been passionate about ensuring every student has access to high-quality teaching and the opportunity to pursue theirpotential.

"Rachel commenced as Principal ofWoogarooCreek State School in early June this year and I'm delighted she will also lead the new special school ahead of its opening in 2027."

Rachel Dougherty said it was an incredible privilege to be appointed as Foundation Principal.

"I am excited to work alongside students, families, staff and the wider community to build a school that is inclusive, innovative and centred on excellence in teaching and learning," Principal Dougherty said.

"This will be aschool where every student belongs, every student is challenged to grow, and every student is supported to achieve their personal best.

"Together, we have the opportunity to create something truly special for generations of students to come," she said.

ENDS

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Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.