BIRKDALE South State School invited a member of the public to live as a principal for a day during their Education Week celebrations.
The activity was a part of Education Queensland’s annual community principal program, which encourages state schools to invite a local community, business or sports leader to shadow the principal for a day.
The program aims to highlight the work of principals and staff to a member of the community and strengthen school-community partnerships.
QSuper’s Jacqui Moore shadowed Birkdale South State School principal Loreyse Agnew-Green and visited several classrooms throughout the day.
She took part in a transition day for next year’s prep students, met with assistant regional director Brian Ragh and engaged in learning activities such as coding robots, playing chatterbox games and designing irrigation systems.
Ms Moore wrote in a message to the school that her time at the school was eye-opening and a real insight into the very complex world of a school.
“I was also very impressed by the positive ‘vibe’ of the school and the excellent manners of the students,” she said.
Other Education Week activities celebrated by the school community were the construction of a rainbow serpent and the making of community signs using the Jandai language of our area.
Birkdale State School pedagogical coach Debbie Pawelski said that community engagement was important for the success of a school.
“When you open the doors to the community strong relationships are built,” she said.
“Research shows that the most successful schools engage students, parents, carers and the community as partners in supporting student learning and wellbeing.
“At Birkdale South State School increasing student outcomes is a priority for us and engaging the community in learning will support this.”
