The chalk boards and inkwells are long gone, but the colonial history of Cleveland State School’s beginnings are about to be a part of the school’s biggest celebrations to date.
In 2018 Cleveland State School will mark its 150th anniversary.
The school was established in April 1868, only nine years after separation brought Queensland into existence as a colony independent from New South Wales.
Since those early days when the classroom was a re-purposed old shop, a lot has changed as the school evolved and continues to evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Leading those changes now is principal Mark Ionn.
“The school has been a provider of quality education in the Bayside with a considerable history of success,” he said.
“Most recently the school became an Independent Public School and is provisionally accredited to provide international fee paying students as part of the primary years International Study Program.”
With 700 students in 28 classes and a total workforce of 106 staff members, the key to the school’s growth and longevity has been in establishing and maintaining a well respected, inclusive and supportive school community.
What makes the school special according to students is the strength in community connection and quality of relationships they have with their teachers.
“Our consistent teaching approach, known as the ‘Cleveland Way’ encompasses not only the highest quality teaching strategies from Prep to Year 6, but how we go about ‘wrapping around’ students and families with our innovative wellbeing program,” Mr Ionn said.
“Our school community love the friendly atmosphere of our school.
“We believe quality education is best achieved with a strong three-way partnership, with all of us working together to ensure learning success.
“As we move towards more complex and challenging trends, I’m most proud of our built resilience to meet school needs and to focus on the learning for all learners – ‘Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day,” he said.
Help plan celebrations
To mark the 150 year anniversary a sub-committee of Cleveland State School Parents and Citizens Association are now planning celebrations.
Chaired by Mr Ross Dight, the committee will be speaking with interested people in the community, including past teachers and students.
If this is you, please contact 3488 1333 to nominate your interest.
