High demand for Carinity Education’s special assistance schooling model has led to an expansion of its services to Mount Chalmers in the Livingstone Shire.
A sister campus to the existing Carinity Education Rockhampton school at Glenlee, the Mount Chalmers site currently caters to around 40 students in years 7 and 8.
Students in years 9 to 12 continue to study at the Glenlee campus, which opened in 2016 with 24 students in years 7 to 10.
At the end of last year, the school had 130 enrolled students across all senior grades.
Carinity, which also has special assistance schools in Hervey Bay, Brisbane and Gladstone, purchased the former Mount Chalmers State School to be its junior school campus as demand for enrolments has increased.
Principal Lyn Harland said there are over 120 young people enquiring and on waitlists wanting to attend Carinity Education Rockhampton.
“The special assistance school provides education, vocational training and mentoring for young people who previously struggled in the mainstream education system,” she said.
“The Mount Chalmers campus offers a serene and tranquil environment in which students can learn, supported by youth workers and therapeutic assistance in the classroom.”
Ms Harland said there is a growing need for schools that support the whole student.
“Since opening the Carinity Mount Chalmers campus earlier this school term, student numbers have increased by almost 20 per cent,” she said.
“Students continue to thrive because we believe that providing education in a caring environment is a key component to finding success in school.
“The relationships between our staff and students help to build trust and create a sense of safety for the young person, enhancing their capacity to learn.
“We try to keep our class sizes smaller than average so there is more opportunity for students to have important one-on-one support with teachers.
“We work with the young people to understand and hear their story, help them to face their challenges, and support them as they move towards a brighter future.”
It is the first time in 18 years that students have been at the former Mount Chalmers State School site.
The school in the former mining community opened in 1901 but the population dwindled, and the school closed with five enrolled
students.