springfield central state school Archives

New Report Reveals Queensland Schools with High Exclusion Rates

A recent annual report revealed that primary schools in South East Queensland issued 155 exclusions to students, with Springfield Central State School ranking among those with the highest exclusion rates.

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The school reported 10 exclusions, a significant 244 short suspensions, and 10 long suspensions, based on the 2023 School Disciplinary Absence (SDA) data released by the Queensland Government.

Exclusion, the most serious disciplinary action, involves a student being required to leave a school or specific state schools in Queensland for a period of up to one year, or permanently.

It’s reserved for instances where other consequences fail to address persistent disobedience or behaviour that threatens the well-being of other students or staff. This measure, though severe, is sometimes necessary to maintain the integrity and safety of the school environment.

Suspensions, on the other hand, serve a dual purpose: they act as a consequence for inappropriate behaviour and provide a valuable period for school staff to devise strategies to help students re-engage positively with their education. A short suspension ranges from 1 to 10 days, while a long suspension spans 11 to 20 days, both aimed at addressing and mitigating the underlying issues contributing to disruptive behaviour.

The Queensland Association of State School Principals highlights that physical violence and bullying are primary reasons for suspensions in the State.

The professional association assures the public can be confident that principals will make decisions in the best interests of the entire student body and, in certain cases, to ensure their safety.

Proactive Measures at Springfield Central State School

Springfield Central State School is tackling these issues head-on with initiatives like the ANCHOR program. After play breaks, students participate in a 10-minute self-directed activity to refocus on learning and report any bullying to their teachers. This approach empowers students and helps address issues before they escalate.

Although the data on exclusions and suspensions might initially appear concerning, they reflect a broader commitment to safety and positive student engagement.

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Springfield Central State School’s efforts to address and prevent bullying through programs like ANCHOR show a dedicated approach to fostering a nurturing and secure educational environment.

Published 23-June-2024

Parents Demand On-Site Outside School Hours Care at Springfield School

Families of students at Springfield Central State School have launched a petition calling for the school to open its own outside school hours care (OSHC) facility.

Read: Springfield Central SHS Launches School Breakfast Club in Partnership with YMCA

The Change.org petition was started by parent Teresa Le Lievre after a longstanding OSHC arrangement with neighbouring Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School ended in late 2023.

“As parents of students attending Springfield Central State School, we were left in a difficult situation when our permanent care of 5 years at the neighboring Catholic Primary school was abruptly terminated,” she wrote.

“In November 2023, we received an email informing us that our ongoing enrolment for Afterschool care would not continue into 2024.

Ms Le Lievre said the sudden termination meant she lost 16 working hours per week. Other parents have also reported major disruptions due to the lack of OSHC at Springfield Central.

Previously, Springfield Central students could access Good Shepherd’s OSHC as it was directly across the road. But Good Shepherd had to prioritise care for its own students amid booming enrollments.

Outside the neighbouring Good Shepherd (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Ms Le Lievre said around 50 Springfield Central students were affected. Those who signed the petition argued every school, especially large ones, should provide OSHC to support working families.

An Education Queensland spokesperson acknowledged parents’ concerns and said the school has advised OSHC providers can do pick-ups and drop-offs at Springfield Central.

But with heavy demand, many off-site OSHCs now have waiting lists. The school’s P&C was notified of the issues at recent meetings.

Parents signing the petition say on-site OSHC is urgently needed at the rapidly growing school. They want the facility in place to support working families and prevent disruptions.

Read: Goodna’s Westside Christian College Acquires Neighbouring Development Site for $2.5 Million

The Queensland education department said Springfield Central will continue working with outside school hours care providers to meet family needs. But parents argue the school itself needs to provide the service.

Published 31-January-2024

Responsible Bus Behaviour: Step Up Program Conducted At Springfield Central State School

Proper behaviour during bus travel is being taught to students at various Queensland schools via the Step Up program and Springfield Central State School is the latest school to benefit.

MP Jordan Charis Mullen and Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey recently visited the Springfield Central school to talk about the public transport program.

As part of the “Governing from Ipswich” initiative, the Queensland Government’s Step Up Program ensures safe journey for students, other passengers and the bus driver.

TransLink Senior Network Officers and bus drivers met with the school’s Year 6 students. They talked about positive behaviour on buses and what they should do if someone acts inappropriately.

The program also educated parents and students about making small changes that would help bus travel become safer.