Brisbane Catholic Education announce Seton College will close for good in 2024
Devastating news for parents and students of a school in Brisbane’s south after it was announced the college would close for good following a review into its operations. FIND OUT WHY.
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Parents of former and current students of a high school in Brisbane’s south have been left shocked after it was announced the college would be closing for good.
Brisbane Catholic Education decided Mt Gravatt East’s Seton College would be shutting in 2024 after a recent review of how the school operated.
The school, which was opened in 1964 and currently has 224 students, has been known for catering for students with disabilities.
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But after the amount of children enrolled with special needs had risen significantly, the decision was made to transition to an environment which would cater exclusively for students with disabilities.
However, in a letter to parents explaining the decision, Brisbane Catholic Education executive director Pam Betts said that move resulted in more than 40 families choosing to move their children to other schools.
In a statement today, Ms Betts said contemporary, evidence-based research showed children with a disability achieve better educational outcomes when they are included into schools with an inclusive learning environment.
“The utmost priority for Brisbane Catholic Education is to provide quality of education to students, to care for our community, and to enable students to be the best they can be,” she said.
Ms Betts said this was the right time to make decisions, which would lead to the long-term welfare of their communities.
“Over the next five years we will work closely with students, parents, caregivers and staff to ensure they receive the support they need,” she said.
“Seton College has educated thousands of students since its foundation in 1964 and we are proud of the many achievements of these students and the staff who have provided the best possible education in a caring environment across the decades.
“We are strongly committed to working to accommodate future Seton College students at our other Brisbane Catholic Education schools over the coming years”
However, students in Year 8 to Year 12 will still be able to graduate and Year 7 students able to finish Year 10 before receiving help to transition to another school.
“This enables those students to complete Year 11 and 12 in a school with a broader range of pathways to prepare them for life after school,” Ms Betts said.
A Save Seton College petition has been started by a current student and now has more than 1300 signatures.
Donna Phillips, whose son Jai graduated from the school last year said the decision was so sad for the current and future children with special needs.
“These kids need a safe place to learn to their style of learning,” she said.
“It was the best place for my son.
“He blossomed there and has come away with so much more than just an education. He has come away with confidence and life long friends.”
You can view the petition here.