$85 million construction project underway for new primary school in Augustine Heights

A new $85 million primary school that is expected to welcome 600 students for term one next year and provide more than 230 local jobs is in the works west of Brisbane.

Construction is underway for the new $85 million state primary school in Augustine Heights, which is expected to open term one next year and support more than 230 local jobs.

The school’s foundation principal, Kendall Seccombe said the new Augustine Heights school will cater to the growth of the western corridor, and upcoming housing developments surrounding the Pursers Road area.

She has worked as a principal since 2014, from small schools in Darling Downs, South West, and Central Queensland – and most recently at Ipswich East State School.

She said she quickly developed a passion for building a learning culture grounded in high expectations, a strong focus on engaging curriculum and pedagogy, and building a strong sense of community.

“I have worked to bring these priorities with me as an instructional leader in each of my schools,” she said.

“Teaching and learning is our core business, and how students succeed and grow; however, this is always underpinned by strong relationships and a sense of belonging.”

Applications are currently open for all teaching roles within the school, including classroom and specialist areas.

“We have been recruiting for innovative, high performing and passionate teachers, initially through the state wide Teacher Transfer Cycle,” said Ms Seccombe.

“We look forward to connecting with our team throughout Semester Two of this year before opening in January 2023,” she said.

The school will have the capacity for 600 students from 2023, and up to 1000 students after stage two expansions.

Stage one includes the construction of learning areas, multipurpose courts, a student support and staff building, a library, canteen, sporting field and more.

Member for Bundamba, Lance McCallum said he is “proud of both the record numbers of front line teaching staff and state of the art investments and infrastructure upgrades the Palaszczuk Government is delivering for our local students, staff and school communities.”

“This is a fast-growing area, and a new school at Augustine Heights will be a welcome addition to nearby Fernbrooke State School, Redbank Plains State School and Augusta State School.”

The school in Augustine Heights is one of four new schools the Queensland government is building this year for opening in 2023, with others in Ripley, Yarrabilba and Palmview – a total investment of nearly $330 million.

“We want all young Queenslanders to have a world class education in world class facilities,” said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Principal Seccombe said the new school’s mission is to “set students up to REACH (Respectful, Empowered, Accepting, Collaborative and Honourable) new heights, as conscious global citizens and lifelong learners.”

“Our priority is to ensure that every student is set up for success, each day, to grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said construction on the new Augustine Heights school marks the start of Labor’s plans to build 11 new schools in the coming years.

“This school is not only delivering a world class education facility but construction is also vital to rebuilding our economy and creating jobs,” Minister Grace said.

“During 2021–22 alone, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering an overall education infrastructure investment portfolio valued at almost $1.9 billion, supporting more than 4,100 jobs across the state.”

The Augustine Heights school will be located at the end of Keidges Road, on Purses Road, Augustine Heights, and the catchment zone is still being drafted.