Diversity of students biggest strength at Broadbeach State School

To celebrate the pinnacle of My First Year, we spoke to some cheerful prep students at one of the most diverse schools on the Gold Coast. WATCH THE VIDEO

Kaiana might only be five years old, but she can count to ten in Japanese and already has a passion for health sciences.

As one of dozens new prep students at Broadbeach State School, Kaiana said learning new things was the most exciting part about going to school.

“We learn new things, and we learn about health,” Kaiana said.

Broadbeach State School Prep Classes for My First Year. Prep in in the playground, from left, Florence, Beau J, Beau P, Leo (in pipe), Kiana. . Picture Glenn Hampson

“We learn to keep our hands to ourselves, and be healthy and play (in) areas safe(ly).”

Kaiana ’s classmate Beau is a little more shy but says reading time at school is his favourite part about learning.

Deputy Principal Peta White said one of the school’s biggest strengths was its diversity.

With a student population of 1180 students hailing from more than 50 countries, Ms White said students learn quickly to celebrate each other.

“We value this diversity and especially celebrate this aspect each year on Harmony Day,” she said.

Broadbeach State School Prep Classes for My First Year. Prep in in the playground, from left, Florence, Beau J, Kiana . Picture Glenn Hampson

And while starting prep can be daunting for many kids, Ms White said this year’s preppies were “adjusting well” thanks to the school’s Prep Transition Program.

“I love their positive energy, eagerness for learning and the amazing progress they make in the first year,” she added.

“Our pursuit of excellence for all students and our focus on developing personal skills in a safe supportive environment is what makes Broadbeach State School the preferred school of choice.”

MUDGEERABA STATE SPECIAL SCHOOL: Every day a ‘big adventure’ at Gold Coast special school

For Michaela Austin every day is a celebration of milestones for some of the most special young minds in the Gold Coast.

Ms Austin, who has worked at Mudgeeraba State Special School for six years, said teaching prep students like Iyla-J and Harrison often meant no two days were the same.

“Our prep students this year are adventurous, fun, eager to learn,” Ms Austin said.

“They bring so much joy to all our junior teachers and teacher-aides each day. (They’ve) taught us to be creative, use our imaginations and to have fun while getting messy.”

Mudgeeraba Special School Prep for My First Year. Prep Students Iyla-J and Harrison with teacher Michaela Austin in Junior 1. Picture Glenn Hampson

At Mudgeeraba State Special School, each child is taught and catered to according to their special needs throughout junior, middle and senior school.

Each child who graduates, completes the Prep to Year 10 curriculum ensuring they graduate “Ready and Able” for post-school life, Emily Ranalletta, head of curriculum previously said.

And as students like Iyla-J and Harrison progress through school, partnerships with community and businesses mean they will have the opportunity to further develop skills and gain access to “real world” opportunities.

For Ms Austin, the most rewarding moment as a prep teacher is helping her students kickstart that journey.

In December last year, the school officially opened a new “Dino Raceway”, a fun and interactive outdoor learning space, partly funded by Bond University, the Gaming Community Fund, Rueben Pelerman Benevolent Foundation, P&C and the local community.

Mudgeeraba Special School Prep for My First Year. Prep teacher Michaela Austin in Junior 1.. Picture Glenn Hampson

Ms Austin said resources like the Dino Raceway and in-school events like concerts and shows helped students to reach their individual learning goals.

“Each Key Learning Area is taught through Age-Appropriate Pedagogies, so our day is filled with lots of hands-on learning of real-life experiences, lots of movement, sensory exploration and most importantly a whole lot of fun,” she said.

“I have always been passionate about helping others and making a difference,” she added. “Teaching has allowed me to have a positive impact on other lives and be a role model for young learners.”

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SPRINGBROOK SS: Meet the Gold Coast’s smallest prep class

This year, Springbrook State School’s prep cohort has doubled in size to four young students.

It may still be one of the smallest on the Gold Coast, but five-year-old Edie thinks every day at the heritage-listed school is one big adventure.

“My favourite thing about school is playing around with my friends,” she said.

“Sometimes we play football because I’m a footballer.”

Along with football, Edie said she loved reading time and having fun with the older kids.

My First year for Springbrook State school prep class (L-R) Fletcher, Edie, Reuben, and Evie. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Springbrook State School’s acting principal Aleesha Price said the school’s small student numbers were its biggest strength.

“Our biggest strength as a school is our community,” Ms Price said.

“Most of our preppies come through playgroup so this is not their first introduction to school and they already understand where the toilets are, who I am, who their teachers are and a lot of them have siblings or cousins here.

“So it really feels like family.”

Because of its size, the school teaches in multi-age class groups.

“We see the younger kids run up to the older kids — everyone here is friends,” Ms Price said.

“But there’s also the advantage that in the classroom everyone knows each other’s strengths and weaknesses, but there’s no comparison in that.”

It’s a system that Ms Price learned to appreciate after moving to the area in 2015 as a young mother.

Acting Principal Aleesha Price. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“I also wear the hat of being a mum of two kids and aunty to other kids at this school,” Ms Price said.

“When we moved here in 2015, my kids started by coming to playgroup and eventually I started doing some relief work here and there for the school.

“Then they needed a music teacher, so I became the music teacher then I became a classroom teacher and now they need a principal I guess, so here I am.

“It’s just been a beautiful growth for me and my kids, and I’ve been so supported by this school and the community.”

The Gold Coast Bulletin’s My First Year series celebrates your child’s first steps into school. Don’t miss exclusive access to all the photos online now.

The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology then edited and approved for publication by an editor.