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{{Infobox school
{{Infobox school
| motto = Establishing a positive culture of high expectations for learning and life
| image = File:Abergowrie State School 1953.jpg
| caption = Abergowrie State School, 1953
| motto = {{Lang|la|Nihil Sine Labore}}
| motto_translation = Nothing without hard work
| location = [[Abergowrie, Queensland|Abergowrie]], [[Queensland]], [[Australia]]
| location = [[Abergowrie, Queensland|Abergowrie]], [[Queensland]], [[Australia]]
| address = 5 Venables Road
| address = 5 Venables Road
Line 10: Line 13:
| established = 1953
| established = 1953
| principal = Aaron Davies
| principal = Aaron Davies
| years = [[Kindergarten|Prep]] - [[Year 6]]
| years = [[Kindergarten|Prep]] – [[Year 6]]
| enrollment = 7
| enrolment = 7
| enrollment_as_of = 2023
| enrolment_as_of = 2023
| website = [https://abergowriess.eq.edu.au/ Official site]
| website = [https://abergowriess.eq.edu.au/ Official site]
}}
}}


'''Abergowrie State School''' is a [[State school|public]] [[co-educational]] [[primary school]] located in the town of [[Abergowrie, Queensland|Abergowrie]], [[Queensland]], [[Australia]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Abergowrie State School {{!}} Department of Education |url=https://schoolsdirectory.eq.edu.au/Details/1275 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205230932/https://schoolsdirectory.eq.edu.au/Details/1275 |archive-date=2024-12-05 |access-date=2024-12-05 |website=Schools Directory}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=ACARA Data Access Program - School Profile 2023 |url=https://dataandreporting.blob.core.windows.net/anrdataportal/Data-Access-Program/School%20Profile%202023.xlsx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501085934/https://dataandreporting.blob.core.windows.net/anrdataportal/Data-Access-Program/School%20Profile%202023.xlsx |archive-date=2024-05-01 |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=[[Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority]]}}</ref> It is administered by the [[Department of Education (Queensland)|Queensland Department of Education]], with an enrolment of seven students and a teaching staff of two, as of 2023.<ref name=":1" /> The school serves students from [[Kindergarten|Prep]] to [[Year 6]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Due to the school's low enrollment figures, the school collaborates with a number of other schools within the region on curriculum development and in inter-school sporting events.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fernbach |first=Nathalie |last2=Wyles |first2=Dwayne |date=2020-09-13 |title=Small Queensland schools treasured by teachers, families and students |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-14/queensland-schools-with-low-student-numbers-tiny-school/12590246 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722143133/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-14/queensland-schools-with-low-student-numbers-tiny-school/12590246 |archive-date=2024-07-22 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[ABC News Australia|ABC News]] |language=en-AU}}</ref>
'''Abergowrie State School''' is a [[State school|public]] [[co-educational]] [[primary school]] located in the town of [[Abergowrie, Queensland|Abergowrie]], [[Queensland]], [[Australia]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Abergowrie State School {{!}} Department of Education |url=https://schoolsdirectory.eq.edu.au/Details/1275 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205230932/https://schoolsdirectory.eq.edu.au/Details/1275 |archive-date=2024-12-05 |access-date=2024-12-05 |website=Schools Directory}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=ACARA Data Access Program - School Profile 2023 |url=https://dataandreporting.blob.core.windows.net/anrdataportal/Data-Access-Program/School%20Profile%202023.xlsx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501085934/https://dataandreporting.blob.core.windows.net/anrdataportal/Data-Access-Program/School%20Profile%202023.xlsx |archive-date=2024-05-01 |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=[[Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority]]}}</ref> It is administered by the [[Department of Education (Queensland)|Queensland Department of Education]], with an enrolment of seven students and a teaching staff of two, as of 2023.<ref name=":1" /> The school serves students from [[Kindergarten|Prep]] to [[Year 6]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
Due to the school's low enrolment figures, the school collaborates with a number of other schools within the region on curriculum development and in inter-school sporting events.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Fernbach |first1=Nathalie |last2=Wyles |first2=Dwayne |date=2020-09-13 |title=Small Queensland schools treasured by teachers, families and students |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-14/queensland-schools-with-low-student-numbers-tiny-school/12590246 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722143133/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-14/queensland-schools-with-low-student-numbers-tiny-school/12590246 |archive-date=2024-07-22 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[ABC News Australia|ABC News]] |language=en-AU}}</ref> Although enrolment has declined, with many parents opting to send their children to schools in the nearby town of [[Ingham, Queensland|Ingham]], the Education Department has chosen to keep the school open due to the distance of other educational facilities.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Balanzategui |first=Dr Bianka Vidonja |date=2023-10-16 |title=Abergowrie State Primary School, a brief history |url=https://interpretinginghamhistory.blogspot.com/2023/10/bursting-at-seams-little-history-of.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208020352/https://interpretinginghamhistory.blogspot.com/2023/10/bursting-at-seams-little-history-of.html |archive-date=2024-12-08 |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Interpreting Ingham History}}</ref>

The school celebrated its 70th anniversary on 11 November 2023.<ref name=":5" /> A [[school zone]] was also introduced the very same year, causing the speed limit to drop from 100&nbsp;km/h to 60&nbsp;km/h during school hours.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-23 |title=Council Connections: School Zone Introduction - Abergowrie State School |url=https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/council-connections-23-february-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329004839/https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/council-connections-23-february-2023/ |archive-date=2023-03-29 |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=[[Hinchinbrook Shire Council]]}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
Prior to the establishment of the school, school aged kids had to attend a school out of Abergowrie, with students traveling via bus, being picked up at 7am and often waiting hours to be picked up by the bus after school had ended.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=1952-03-03 |title=Discouraging farmers |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/172094011 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Daily Mercury]] |pages=1 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=1952-03-03 |title=Primary Production in North - "Discouraged by State Government" - Liberal Leader's Allegation. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42712691 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Cairns Post]] |pages=3 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> In some cases, students returned home as late as 6pm.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
Gordon Murphy, the then Regional Director of the Northern Educational Region, appears to have been the first to initiate plans to establish a primary school in Abergowrie.<ref name=":16" /> He sent Frederick Nothdurft, the then District Inspector, to Abergowrie in May 1951 to investigate a need for a school.<ref name=":16" /> By then, there were only seven school aged kids within the region, but Nothdurft suggested in his report that a site for a school should be located near [[St. Teresa's College, Abergowrie|St Teresa's Agricultural College]] due to the likelihood of population development.<ref name=":16" /> When a bus route in the region began, these kids were sent to Long Pocket State School.<ref name=":16">{{Cite book |title=Silver jubilee : the first twenty-five years Abergowrie State School 1953-1978. |publisher=Abergowrie State School |publication-date=1978 |pages=4 }}</ref> They were picked up at 7am and often waited hours to be picked up by the bus after school had ended.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=1952-03-03 |title=Discouraging farmers |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/172094011 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Daily Mercury]] |pages=1 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=1952-03-03 |title=Primary Production in North - "Discouraged by State Government" - Liberal Leader's Allegation. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42712691 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Cairns Post]] |pages=3 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> In some cases, students returned home as late as 6pm.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />


A resident of Abergowrie had spent a considerable amount of time collecting the names of school aged children for a school within the region to be considered and in early 1952, eight acres of land was set aside for 'school purposes'.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1952-03-04 |title=Town plan made for Abergowrie |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/63200361 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |pages=1 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> By November of the very same year, the Department of Education set aside [[Pound sign|£]]2,224 for the construction of the school.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1952-11-07 |title=New School Buildings |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42759864 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Cairns Post]] |pages=5 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> Construction was well underway by January 1953<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-01-08 |title=Ingham Notes - Abergowrie Line |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42788612 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Cairns Post]] |pages=4 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-01-08 |title=Abergowrie development |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169917278 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Daily Mercury]] |pages=13 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> and was completed by early February.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-02-06 |title=Ingham Notes - Abergowrie Progress |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42784591 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Cairns Post]] |pages=7 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref>
A resident of Abergowrie had spent a considerable amount of time collecting the names of school aged children for a school within the region to be considered and in early 1952, eight acres of land was set aside for 'school purposes' in the Abergowrie town plan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1952-03-04 |title=Town plan made for Abergowrie |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/63200361 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |pages=1 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> On 1 April 1952, a public meeting took place to consider applying for a school with the Education Department, which subsequently led to an application with a list of prospective pupils being sent in.<ref name=":16" /> Within the very same month, another district inspector, A. H. Biddle, was sent to the region to conduct another investigation into the matter and ultimately concluded that a school should be established.<ref name=":16" />


The school opened on 23 February 1953,<ref>{{Citation |author1=Queensland Family History Society |title=Queensland schools past and present |publication-date=2010 |edition=Version 1.01 |publisher=[[Queensland Family History Society]] |isbn=978-1-921171-26-0}}</ref> but its official opening date is recorded as 6 July 1953.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-14 |title=Opening and closing dates of Queensland schools |url=https://education.qld.gov.au/about/history/Documents/historical-summary-prior-1999.xlsx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724064755/https://education.qld.gov.au/about/history/Documents/historical-summary-prior-1999.xlsx |archive-date=2024-07-24 |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=[[Queensland Department of Education]] |language=en}}</ref> Shortly after its opening in February, student enrolment was estimated to peak at 28, however, by 13 March 1953, student enrolment had reached 44 and was continuing to grow, despite the school's maximum capacity being 40.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=1953-03-14 |title=Abergowrie School Already Too Small |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62476330 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |pages=5 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> It was noted that additional accommodation was needed.<ref name=":4" /> By 1954, the school's enrolment had reached 86.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-12-12 |title=£1M in New Sugar Wealth from Abergowrie - Will Grow |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51099256 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Courier-Mail]] |pages=7 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> The construction of an additional room was approved in 1954; however, the shortage of materials prevented its erection.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1954-02-10 |title=Record Numbers At Ingham Schools |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62514734 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |pages=5 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> The timber had been obtained by March but was stuck in [[Maryborough, Queensland|Maryborough]] due to the local floods at the time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1954-03-10 |title=Ingham District - Ingham, March 9. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62510697 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |pages=5 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref>
On 12 June 1952, the Education Department approved the construction of a state school.<ref name=":16" /> By November of the very same year, [[Pound sign|£]]2,224 was set aside for the construction.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1952-11-07 |title=New School Buildings |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42759864 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Cairns Post]] |pages=5 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> Under the supervision of T. J. Cook, the district supervisor from the [[Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy|Department of Public Works]], the construction of the school building commenced during the Christmas and New Year period.<ref name=":16" /> Work was well underway by January 1953<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-01-08 |title=Ingham Notes - Abergowrie Line |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42788612 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Cairns Post]] |pages=4 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-01-08 |title=Abergowrie development |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169917278 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Daily Mercury]] |pages=13 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> and was completed by mid-February.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-02-06 |title=Ingham Notes - Abergowrie Progress |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42784591 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Cairns Post]] |pages=7 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=1953-02-18 |title=New School at Abergowrie - Ingham, February 17. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62481933 |access-date=2024-12-07 |publisher=[[The Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |language=en |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-02-18 |title=New School at Abergowrie |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62481933 |access-date=2024-12-08 |work=[[The Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |pages=6 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref>


The school opened on 23 February 1953<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Citation |author1=Queensland Family History Society |title=Queensland schools past and present |publication-date=2010 |edition=Version 1.01 |publisher=[[Queensland Family History Society]] |isbn=978-1-921171-26-0}}</ref> and was officially opened by the MLA for Hinchinbrook at the time, [[Cecil Jesson]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-03-05 |title=New school |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169918295 |access-date=2024-12-08 |work=[[The Daily Mercury]] |pages=6 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> Shortly after its opening, student enrolment was estimated to peak at 28, however, by 13 March 1953, student enrolment had reached 44 and was continuing to grow, despite the school's maximum capacity being 40.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=1953-03-14 |title=Abergowrie School Already Too Small |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62476330 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |pages=5 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> It was noted that additional accommodation was needed.<ref name=":4" /> By 1954, the school's enrolment had reached 86.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1953-12-12 |title=£1M in New Sugar Wealth from Abergowrie - Will Grow |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51099256 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Courier-Mail]] |pages=7 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> The construction of an additional room was approved in 1954; however, the shortage of materials prevented its erection.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1954-02-10 |title=Record Numbers At Ingham Schools |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62514734 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |pages=5 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> The timber had been obtained by March but was stuck in [[Maryborough, Queensland|Maryborough]] due to the local floods at the time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1954-03-10 |title=Ingham District - Ingham, March 9. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62510697 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[The Townsville Daily Bulletin]] |pages=5 |via=[[Trove]]}}</ref> It began construction in April but was not completed until much later that year due to further difficulties and delays.<ref name=":17">{{Cite book |title=Silver jubilee : the first twenty-five years Abergowrie State School 1953-1978. |publisher=Abergowrie State School |publication-date=1978 |pages=6 }}</ref> The school's overcrowding at this time was so severe that one class was taught under the school during the construction of the extra classroom.<ref name=":17" />
In 2021, the school introduced an Indigenous [[Australian Aboriginal English|yarning circle]] "to connect its school community with the area's traditional owners."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wyles |first=Dwayne |date=2021-12-04 |title=Traditional owners guide north Queensland school's yarning circle |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-04/traditional-owners-guide-abergowrie-school-yarning-circle/100670126 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810044213/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-04/traditional-owners-guide-abergowrie-school-yarning-circle/100670126 |archive-date=2023-08-10 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[ABC News Australia|ABC News]] |language=en-AU}}</ref>

Construction on a teachers' residence was approved and completed in 1955 at the cost of £3,166.<ref name=":17" /><ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LkNJAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Abergowrie+State+School%22+-wikipedia |title=Parliamentary Papers |date=1955 |publisher=[[Legislative Assembly of Queensland|Queensland Parliament Legislative Assembly]] |volume=1 |pages=18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zNblMPztFH0C&q=%22Abergowrie+State+School%22+-wikipedia |title=Annual Report |date=1955 |publisher=Queensland Department of Works |pages=18, 84 |language=en}}</ref> The following year, another classroom and a library were constructed and in 1957 electricity was installed in the school and the teachers' residence.<ref name=":17" /> Between 1957 and 1978, another classroom and a larger library were added.<ref name=":17" /> Tennis Courts were opened in November 1977 by the member for Hinchinbrook at the time, [[Ted Row|Edward Row]].<ref name=":18">{{Cite book |title=Silver jubilee : the first twenty-five years Abergowrie State School 1953-1978 |publisher=Abergowrie State School |year=1978 |pages=14 }}</ref>

The school celebrated its golden jubilee on 26 April 2003.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=2003-02-15 |title=Golden Jubilee |url=http://www.abergowrss.qld.edu.au/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Abergowrie State School |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030215061959/http://www.abergowrss.qld.edu.au/ |archive-date=15 February 2003 |via=[[The Wayback Machine]]}}</ref> The celebrations included a [[Anzac Day|Dusk service]] on the 25 April,<ref name=":9" /> which approximately 500 people attended.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=2004-12-16 |title=50th Anniversary |url=http://www.abergowrss.eq.edu.au:80/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Abergowrie State School |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041216082640/http://www.abergowrss.eq.edu.au:80/ |archive-date=16 December 2004 |via=[[The Wayback Machine]]}}</ref> Approximately 1000 people attended the celebrations the following day.<ref name=":10" /> The event was organised by Carlo Cavallo.<ref name=":9" />


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
[[File:Abergowrie State School Historical Enrolment Data.png|thumb|Abergowrie State School Enrolment Data from 2008 to 2023<ref name=":11" />]]
⚫
In 2023, the school had a student enrollment of seven with two teachers (1.4 full-time equivalent) and five non-teaching staff (2 full-time equivalent). Female enrollments consisted of five students and Male enrollments consisted of two students; Indigenous enrollments accounted for a total of 14% and 9% of students had a language background other than English.<ref name=":1" />
In 2021, the school had a student enrolment of 12 students with two teachers (1.4 full-time equivalent) and five non-teaching staff (1.8 full-time equivalent). Female enrolments consisted of six students and Male enrolments consisted of six students; Indigenous enrolments accounted for a total of 0% and 0% of students had a language background other than English.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=ACARA Data Access Program - School Profile 2008 – 2023 |url=https://dataandreporting.blob.core.windows.net/anrdataportal/Data-Access-Program/School%20Profile%202008-2023.xlsx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617064603/https://dataandreporting.blob.core.windows.net/anrdataportal/Data-Access-Program/School%20Profile%202008-2023.xlsx |archive-date=2024-06-17 |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=[[Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority]]}}</ref>

In 2022, the school had a student enrolment of 12 students with two teachers (1.4 full-time equivalent) and five non-teaching staff (1.9 full-time equivalent). Female enrolments consisted of seven students and Male enrolments consisted of five students; Indigenous enrolments accounted for a total of 33% and 0% of students had a language background other than English.<ref name=":11" />

⚫
In 2023, the school had a student enrolment of seven with two teachers (1.4 full-time equivalent) and five non-teaching staff (2 full-time equivalent). Female enrolments consisted of five students and Male enrolments consisted of two students; Indigenous enrolments accounted for a total of 14% and 9% of students had a language background other than English.<ref name=":1" />

== Academic achievement ==
[[NAPLAN]] results are not publicly available because they require at least 11 participants and an 80% participation rate to be released.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Student Results |url=https://myschool.edu.au/school/47089/naplan/results |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=My School |publisher=[[Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority]] |language=en-AU}}</ref> However, the school achieved 100% (or close to) participation in the [[Premier's Reading Challenge]] for 2015, 2018, 2020 and 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 October 2024 |title=Hall of fame |url=https://readingchallenge.education.qld.gov.au/hall-of-fame |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241023025914/https://readingchallenge.education.qld.gov.au/hall-of-fame |archive-date=2024-10-23 |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=[[Premier's Reading Challenge]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Indigenous engagement ==
In 2021, the school introduced an Indigenous [[Australian Aboriginal English|yarning circle]] "to connect its school community with the area's traditional owners."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wyles |first=Dwayne |date=2021-12-04 |title=Traditional owners guide north Queensland school's yarning circle |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-04/traditional-owners-guide-abergowrie-school-yarning-circle/100670126 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810044213/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-04/traditional-owners-guide-abergowrie-school-yarning-circle/100670126 |archive-date=2023-08-10 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=[[ABC News Australia|ABC News]] |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> The [[Hinchinbrook Shire Council]] provided $1,238 in community grants to the Parents and Community Association of the school to assist with the official opening.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-06 |title=Council Connections - Community Activity Grants |url=https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/council-connections-6-october-2021/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025010342/https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/council-connections-6-october-2021/ |archive-date=2021-10-25 |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=[[Hinchinbrook Shire Council]]}}</ref> Following this, the school established the Native Bush Tucker Garden and introduced the [[Warrgamay language]] into the curriculum.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=27 May 2024 |title=Queensland Reconciliation Awards 2024 |url=https://www.qld.gov.au/about/events-awards-honours/awards/reconciliation-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001003552/https://www.qld.gov.au/about/events-awards-honours/awards/reconciliation-awards |archive-date=2024-10-01 |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=[[Queensland Government]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite news |last=Testa |first=Christopher |date=2024-05-29 |title=Tour company, colonial memorial among those honoured at Queensland Reconciliation Awards |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-29/indigenous-groups-celebrate-meaning-reconciliation-week-awards/103906958 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924213837/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-29/indigenous-groups-celebrate-meaning-reconciliation-week-awards/103906958 |archive-date=2024-09-24 |access-date=2024-12-12 |work=[[ABC News Australia|ABC News]] |language=en-AU}}</ref> Due to these efforts, the school won the Education category in the 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":15" />

== Sport houses ==
The school originally had three houses for sporting events, Alamein, Kokoda and Tobruk, which were named after the locations where Australian soldiers had fought during [[World War II]]<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2001-12-03 |title=About our School |url=http://www.abergowrss.qld.edu.au/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Abergowrie State School Website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011203133618/http://www.abergowrss.qld.edu.au/ |archive-date=3 December 2001 |via=[[The Wayback Machine]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-10-14 |title=School History |url=http://abergowrss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/index.php/history.html |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Abergowrie State School Website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091014214940/http://abergowrss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/index.php/history.html |archive-date=14 October 2009 |via=[[The Wayback Machine]]}}</ref> to commemorate the soldier settlement in the area.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Silver jubilee : the first twenty-five years Abergowrie State School 1953-1978 |publisher=Abergowrie State School |year=1978 |pages=12 }}</ref> However, due to low enrolment numbers, the school reduced the number of houses to two in 2001.<ref name=":8" /> They were named Yamanie and Blencoe, after the Waterfalls on the upper [[Herbert River]].<ref name=":8" />

== Environmental initiatives ==
In 2009, the school received solar panels, along with energy efficient fluoro light rods.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiss |first=Andrew |date=2009-08-11 |title=Abergowrie State School Newsletter - Term 3, Week 5 |url=http://abergowrss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/images/stories/Newsletters/2009/Newsletter%20T3W5.pdf |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Abergowrie State School |page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015035749/http://abergowrss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/images/stories/Newsletters/2009/Newsletter%20T3W5.pdf |archive-date=15 October 2009 |via=[[The Wayback Machine]]}}</ref> There were a few problems with the solar panels during installation, but they were resolved.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Kiss |first=Andrew |date=2009-09-01 |title=Abergowrie State School Newsletter - Term 3, Week 8 |url=http://abergowrss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/images/stories/Newsletters/2009/Newsletter%20T3W8.pdf |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Abergowrie State School |page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015035707/http://abergowrss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/images/stories/Newsletters/2009/Newsletter%20T3W8.pdf |archive-date=15 October 2009 |via=[[The Wayback Machine]]}}</ref> It provides the school with up to 3.5kwH of electricity.<ref name=":7" />

=== Past environmental initiatives ===
In 1975, the school introduced a native tree plot, a garden with a variety of plants with some bird pools.<ref name=":18" /> It began with an Education Centenary tree being planted in 1975.<ref name=":18" /> By 1978, it had become "a haven of peace and coolness".<ref name=":18" />

In 2010, there were three separate bins near the student lunch area, a recycling, compost and a general waste bin, which students were taught how to use.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=2010-07-09 |title=Simple Lunchtime Composting and Recycling |url=http://abergowrss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/index.php/simple-composting.html |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Abergowrie State School |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709001724/http://abergowrss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/index.php/simple-composting.html |archive-date=9 July 2010 |via=[[The Wayback Machine]]}}</ref> After lunchtime, a student would empty the compost bin into a bigger compost bin and rinse out the small compost bin.<ref name=":13" /> Shredded paper was also put into this bin.<ref name=":13" /> The very same year, students were taught to re-use paper before recycling them.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=2010-07-09 |title=Paper Reusing and Recycling |url=http://abergowrss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/index.php/paper-reusing-and-recycling.html |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Abergowrie State School |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709001715/http://abergowrss.eq.edu.au/wcmss/index.php/paper-reusing-and-recycling.html |archive-date=9 July 2010 |via=[[The Wayback Machine]]}}</ref> Old paper from the [[Fax|Fax machine]] was put into a pile to be used again by students, which led to new A4 paper being required less often.<ref name=":14" />


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 37: Line 70:
== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />

== Further reading ==

* {{cite book |title=Silver jubilee : the first twenty-five years Abergowrie State School 1953-1978. |date=1978 |publisher=Abergowrie State School}} — [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/11l3i0/alma99183465316202061 via State Library of Queensland]
* {{cite book |title=Golden jubilee Abergowrie State School : 1953 - 2003. |vauthors= |date=2003 |publisher=Abergowrie State School}} — [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/11l3i0/alma99183592267402061 via State Library of Queensland]
* ''Abergowrie State School Listing.'' — [https://www.schoolandcollegelistings.com/AU/Abergowrie/1946044319004218/Abergowrie-State-School via School and College Listings]
* ''Abergowrie’s Yarning Circle.'' — [https://frrr.org.au/blog/2023/11/21/abergowries-yarning-circle/ via Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal]


== External links ==
== External links ==


* [https://abergowriess.eq.edu.au/ School website]
* [https://abergowriess.eq.edu.au/ School website]
[[Category:Schools in North Queensland]]

[[Category:Public primary schools in Queensland]]
[[Category:Public primary schools in Queensland]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1953]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1953]]

Latest revision as of 07:00, 29 December 2024

Abergowrie State School
Abergowrie State School, 1953
Address
Map
5 Venables Road

Abergowrie, Queensland, Australia
Coordinates18°28′29″S 145°53′00″E / 18.47478°S 145.88340°E / -18.47478; 145.88340
Information
School typePublic co-educational primary
MottoNihil Sine Labore
(Nothing without hard work)
Established1953
PrincipalAaron Davies
Years offeredPrep – Year 6
Enrolment7 (2023)
WebsiteOfficial site

Abergowrie State School is a public co-educational primary school located in the town of Abergowrie, Queensland, Australia.[1][2] It is administered by the Queensland Department of Education, with an enrolment of seven students and a teaching staff of two, as of 2023.[2] The school serves students from Prep to Year 6.[1][2]

Due to the school's low enrolment figures, the school collaborates with a number of other schools within the region on curriculum development and in inter-school sporting events.[3] Although enrolment has declined, with many parents opting to send their children to schools in the nearby town of Ingham, the Education Department has chosen to keep the school open due to the distance of other educational facilities.[4]

The school celebrated its 70th anniversary on 11 November 2023.[4] A school zone was also introduced the very same year, causing the speed limit to drop from 100 km/h to 60 km/h during school hours.[5]

History

[edit]

Gordon Murphy, the then Regional Director of the Northern Educational Region, appears to have been the first to initiate plans to establish a primary school in Abergowrie.[6] He sent Frederick Nothdurft, the then District Inspector, to Abergowrie in May 1951 to investigate a need for a school.[6] By then, there were only seven school aged kids within the region, but Nothdurft suggested in his report that a site for a school should be located near St Teresa's Agricultural College due to the likelihood of population development.[6] When a bus route in the region began, these kids were sent to Long Pocket State School.[6] They were picked up at 7am and often waited hours to be picked up by the bus after school had ended.[7][8] In some cases, students returned home as late as 6pm.[7][8]

A resident of Abergowrie had spent a considerable amount of time collecting the names of school aged children for a school within the region to be considered and in early 1952, eight acres of land was set aside for 'school purposes' in the Abergowrie town plan.[9] On 1 April 1952, a public meeting took place to consider applying for a school with the Education Department, which subsequently led to an application with a list of prospective pupils being sent in.[6] Within the very same month, another district inspector, A. H. Biddle, was sent to the region to conduct another investigation into the matter and ultimately concluded that a school should be established.[6]

On 12 June 1952, the Education Department approved the construction of a state school.[6] By November of the very same year, £2,224 was set aside for the construction.[10] Under the supervision of T. J. Cook, the district supervisor from the Department of Public Works, the construction of the school building commenced during the Christmas and New Year period.[6] Work was well underway by January 1953[11][12] and was completed by mid-February.[13][14][15]

The school opened on 23 February 1953[14][16] and was officially opened by the MLA for Hinchinbrook at the time, Cecil Jesson.[17] Shortly after its opening, student enrolment was estimated to peak at 28, however, by 13 March 1953, student enrolment had reached 44 and was continuing to grow, despite the school's maximum capacity being 40.[18] It was noted that additional accommodation was needed.[18] By 1954, the school's enrolment had reached 86.[19] The construction of an additional room was approved in 1954; however, the shortage of materials prevented its erection.[20] The timber had been obtained by March but was stuck in Maryborough due to the local floods at the time.[21] It began construction in April but was not completed until much later that year due to further difficulties and delays.[22] The school's overcrowding at this time was so severe that one class was taught under the school during the construction of the extra classroom.[22]

Construction on a teachers' residence was approved and completed in 1955 at the cost of £3,166.[22][23][24] The following year, another classroom and a library were constructed and in 1957 electricity was installed in the school and the teachers' residence.[22] Between 1957 and 1978, another classroom and a larger library were added.[22] Tennis Courts were opened in November 1977 by the member for Hinchinbrook at the time, Edward Row.[25]

The school celebrated its golden jubilee on 26 April 2003.[26] The celebrations included a Dusk service on the 25 April,[26] which approximately 500 people attended.[27] Approximately 1000 people attended the celebrations the following day.[27] The event was organised by Carlo Cavallo.[26]

Demographics

[edit]
Abergowrie State School Enrolment Data from 2008 to 2023[28]

In 2021, the school had a student enrolment of 12 students with two teachers (1.4 full-time equivalent) and five non-teaching staff (1.8 full-time equivalent). Female enrolments consisted of six students and Male enrolments consisted of six students; Indigenous enrolments accounted for a total of 0% and 0% of students had a language background other than English.[28]

In 2022, the school had a student enrolment of 12 students with two teachers (1.4 full-time equivalent) and five non-teaching staff (1.9 full-time equivalent). Female enrolments consisted of seven students and Male enrolments consisted of five students; Indigenous enrolments accounted for a total of 33% and 0% of students had a language background other than English.[28]

In 2023, the school had a student enrolment of seven with two teachers (1.4 full-time equivalent) and five non-teaching staff (2 full-time equivalent). Female enrolments consisted of five students and Male enrolments consisted of two students; Indigenous enrolments accounted for a total of 14% and 9% of students had a language background other than English.[2]

Academic achievement

[edit]

NAPLAN results are not publicly available because they require at least 11 participants and an 80% participation rate to be released.[29] However, the school achieved 100% (or close to) participation in the Premier's Reading Challenge for 2015, 2018, 2020 and 2022.[30]

Indigenous engagement

[edit]

In 2021, the school introduced an Indigenous yarning circle "to connect its school community with the area's traditional owners."[31][4] The Hinchinbrook Shire Council provided $1,238 in community grants to the Parents and Community Association of the school to assist with the official opening.[32] Following this, the school established the Native Bush Tucker Garden and introduced the Warrgamay language into the curriculum.[33][34] Due to these efforts, the school won the Education category in the 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards.[33][34]

Sport houses

[edit]

The school originally had three houses for sporting events, Alamein, Kokoda and Tobruk, which were named after the locations where Australian soldiers had fought during World War II[35][36] to commemorate the soldier settlement in the area.[37] However, due to low enrolment numbers, the school reduced the number of houses to two in 2001.[35] They were named Yamanie and Blencoe, after the Waterfalls on the upper Herbert River.[35]

Environmental initiatives

[edit]

In 2009, the school received solar panels, along with energy efficient fluoro light rods.[38] There were a few problems with the solar panels during installation, but they were resolved.[39] It provides the school with up to 3.5kwH of electricity.[39]

Past environmental initiatives

[edit]

In 1975, the school introduced a native tree plot, a garden with a variety of plants with some bird pools.[25] It began with an Education Centenary tree being planted in 1975.[25] By 1978, it had become "a haven of peace and coolness".[25]

In 2010, there were three separate bins near the student lunch area, a recycling, compost and a general waste bin, which students were taught how to use.[40] After lunchtime, a student would empty the compost bin into a bigger compost bin and rinse out the small compost bin.[40] Shredded paper was also put into this bin.[40] The very same year, students were taught to re-use paper before recycling them.[41] Old paper from the Fax machine was put into a pile to be used again by students, which led to new A4 paper being required less often.[41]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Abergowrie State School | Department of Education". Schools Directory. Archived from the original on 5 December 2024. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d "ACARA Data Access Program - School Profile 2023". Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. Archived from the original on 1 May 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  3. ^ Fernbach, Nathalie; Wyles, Dwayne (13 September 2020). "Small Queensland schools treasured by teachers, families and students". ABC News. Archived from the original on 22 July 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Balanzategui, Dr Bianka Vidonja (16 October 2023). "Abergowrie State Primary School, a brief history". Interpreting Ingham History. Archived from the original on 8 December 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  5. ^ "Council Connections: School Zone Introduction - Abergowrie State School". Hinchinbrook Shire Council. 23 February 2023. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h Silver jubilee : the first twenty-five years Abergowrie State School 1953-1978. Abergowrie State School. 1978. p. 4.
  7. ^ a b "Discouraging farmers". The Daily Mercury. 3 March 1952. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via Trove.
  8. ^ a b "Primary Production in North - "Discouraged by State Government" - Liberal Leader's Allegation". The Cairns Post. 3 March 1952. p. 3. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via Trove.
  9. ^ "Town plan made for Abergowrie". The Townsville Daily Bulletin. 4 March 1952. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via Trove.
  10. ^ "New School Buildings". The Cairns Post. 7 November 1952. p. 5. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via Trove.
  11. ^ "Ingham Notes - Abergowrie Line". The Cairns Post. 8 January 1953. p. 4. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via Trove.
  12. ^ "Abergowrie development". The Daily Mercury. 8 January 1953. p. 13. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via Trove.
  13. ^ "Ingham Notes - Abergowrie Progress". The Cairns Post. 6 February 1953. p. 7. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via Trove.
  14. ^ a b "New School at Abergowrie - Ingham, February 17". The Townsville Daily Bulletin. 18 February 1953. Retrieved 7 December 2024 – via Trove.
  15. ^ "New School at Abergowrie". The Townsville Daily Bulletin. 18 February 1953. p. 6. Retrieved 8 December 2024 – via Trove.
  16. ^ Queensland Family History Society (2010), Queensland schools past and present (Version 1.01 ed.), Queensland Family History Society, ISBN 978-1-921171-26-0
  17. ^ "New school". The Daily Mercury. 5 March 1953. p. 6. Retrieved 8 December 2024 – via Trove.
  18. ^ a b "Abergowrie School Already Too Small". The Townsville Daily Bulletin. 14 March 1953. p. 5. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via Trove.
  19. ^ "£1M in New Sugar Wealth from Abergowrie - Will Grow". The Courier-Mail. 12 December 1953. p. 7. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via Trove.
  20. ^ "Record Numbers At Ingham Schools". The Townsville Daily Bulletin. 10 February 1954. p. 5. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via Trove.
  21. ^ "Ingham District - Ingham, March 9". The Townsville Daily Bulletin. 10 March 1954. p. 5. Retrieved 6 December 2024 – via Trove.
  22. ^ a b c d e Silver jubilee : the first twenty-five years Abergowrie State School 1953-1978. Abergowrie State School. 1978. p. 6.
  23. ^ Parliamentary Papers. Vol. 1. Queensland Parliament Legislative Assembly. 1955. p. 18.
  24. ^ Annual Report. Queensland Department of Works. 1955. pp. 18, 84.
  25. ^ a b c d Silver jubilee : the first twenty-five years Abergowrie State School 1953-1978. Abergowrie State School. 1978. p. 14.
  26. ^ a b c "Golden Jubilee". Abergowrie State School. 15 February 2003. Archived from the original on 15 February 2003. Retrieved 8 December 2024 – via The Wayback Machine.
  27. ^ a b "50th Anniversary". Abergowrie State School. 16 December 2004. Archived from the original on 16 December 2004. Retrieved 8 December 2024 – via The Wayback Machine.
  28. ^ a b c "ACARA Data Access Program - School Profile 2008 – 2023". Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
  29. ^ "Student Results". My School. Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  30. ^ "Hall of fame". Premier's Reading Challenge. 11 October 2024. Archived from the original on 23 October 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  31. ^ Wyles, Dwayne (4 December 2021). "Traditional owners guide north Queensland school's yarning circle". ABC News. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  32. ^ "Council Connections - Community Activity Grants". Hinchinbrook Shire Council. 6 October 2021. Archived from the original on 25 October 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  33. ^ a b "Queensland Reconciliation Awards 2024". Queensland Government. 27 May 2024. Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
  34. ^ a b Testa, Christopher (29 May 2024). "Tour company, colonial memorial among those honoured at Queensland Reconciliation Awards". ABC News. Archived from the original on 24 September 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  35. ^ a b c "About our School". Abergowrie State School Website. 3 December 2001. Archived from the original on 3 December 2001. Retrieved 8 December 2024 – via The Wayback Machine.
  36. ^ "School History". Abergowrie State School Website. 14 October 2009. Archived from the original on 14 October 2009. Retrieved 8 December 2024 – via The Wayback Machine.
  37. ^ Silver jubilee : the first twenty-five years Abergowrie State School 1953-1978. Abergowrie State School. 1978. p. 12.
  38. ^ Kiss, Andrew (11 August 2009). "Abergowrie State School Newsletter - Term 3, Week 5" (PDF). Abergowrie State School. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2009. Retrieved 8 December 2024 – via The Wayback Machine.
  39. ^ a b Kiss, Andrew (1 September 2009). "Abergowrie State School Newsletter - Term 3, Week 8" (PDF). Abergowrie State School. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2009. Retrieved 8 December 2024 – via The Wayback Machine.
  40. ^ a b c "Simple Lunchtime Composting and Recycling". Abergowrie State School. 9 July 2010. Archived from the original on 9 July 2010. Retrieved 11 December 2024 – via The Wayback Machine.
  41. ^ a b "Paper Reusing and Recycling". Abergowrie State School. 9 July 2010. Archived from the original on 9 July 2010. Retrieved 11 December 2024 – via The Wayback Machine.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
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