STUDENTS across the Redlands have headed back to school for the first time in 2019.
Among these were the first year 7 and 8 cohorts at The Sycamore School in Alexandra Hills, which received received approval from the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board to expand into high school education in late 2018.
“We were so excited to welcome everyone back for the first day of 2019 and mark yet another historic milestone at The Sycamore School, the first day of our new High School,” deputy principal Elissa Brinckman said.
“We welcomed many new young people and staff and had a fantastic day.”
Education minister Grace Grace said parents and carers played an integral role in helping their child start the school year with confidence.
Ms Grace said no matter what year level a student was entering in 2019, parents could help them look forward to the change and settle into their classes by initiating positive conversations.
“Talking to your children about the many positive aspects of schooling is a great way to influence a positive frame of mind going into the school year,” she said.
Queensland Independent Schools Parents Network executive officer Sue Kloeden added that establishing positive routines early was important for students and parents in getting back into the swing of the year.
“Decades of research has shown that parents have the greatest influence on their child’s learning when they: set high, but realistic, expectations for their child; read with them; encourage good study habits; create a stimulating home environment; and reinforce and connect learning in the classroom with everyday activities at home,” Ms Kloeden said.
Meanwhile on the roads, assistant commissioner Mike Keating of the Road Policing Command has reminded motorists the 2019 school year has begun and they should look to take extra care in school zones.
Assistant Commissioner Keating said that from today all school zones in Queensland were operational, meaning reduced speed limits would be enforced.
“We are urging motorists to slow down and abide by the reduced speed limits while approaching and driving through marked school zones.
“Across the state, Queensland motorists can expect to see police enforcing important road rules such as speeding, stopping at children’s crossings and wearing seatbelts.
“Police will also focus on monitoring the road activity between pick up and drop off times to minimise the chances of traffic crashes occurring.”
Last year police issued 15,647 speeding infringements in Queensland school zones from the beginning of 2018 to September 30, 2018.
“Please be patient, slow down and be on the lookout for children travelling to and from school, whether on foot, riding on a bike, in a car or using public transport,” Assistant Commissioner Keating said.
“I’d also urge parents and carers to have conversations with their children about basic road safety, particularly the safe and correct way to cross a road.”
