Education Minister Grace Grace joined students, staff and stakeholders for the official opening and blessing of Stage One of Newman Catholic College, Smithfield.
“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to partner with the non-state sector to ensure Queensland has the infrastructure we need to provide better services, as well as supporting good local construction jobs,” Ms Grace said.
“That’s why I was delighted to officially open the Newman Catholic College.”
The innovative new school welcomed its first cohort of 140 students in January this year, with students embracing STEM subjects and modern facilities including 3D printers and dedicated science and design technology spaces.
Cairns Catholic Education Services Acting Executive Director, Ian Davis, said Newman was designed to give students a true 21st Century education and to foster lifelong learning.
“The College will work collaboratively with JCU so that learning and teaching are enhanced at all year levels, but especially in the senior phase, from Year 10 onwards,” Mr Davis said.
“It’s all about creating opportunities to connect students at Newman and our other Catholic secondary colleges with high-order thinking skills, new horizons and opportunities, as well as access to world class educational facilities and educators.
“This ‘knowledge partnership’ will benefit all of our Catholic schools across the Diocese of Cairns, with students and staff able to embrace the latest learning and teaching methodologies and technologies.”
Newman Catholic College Principal Lauretta Graham said the partnership with JCU will bring real benefits to students and staff.
“There will be exciting extension opportunities and transition programs for our students, where we want them to be able to work with JCU academics, graduates and students to create an innovative learning environment of enquiry, discovery, mentoring and collaboration,” she said.
Vicar for Education in the Cairns Diocese, Father Kerry Crowley, blessed the college and led prayers for the students, families and staff who will form the Newman Catholic College community.
Enrolment applications may be made online for places in Years 7 and 8 in 2023 and for Years 7, 8 and 9 in 2024.
To find out more, go to Newman Catholic College, Smithfield.
