Queensland Department of Education

?? Important update ?? Following the impact of ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Department of Education has been working to assess schools to ensure they are safe for reopening. For tomorrow Monday, 10 March: ? Schools in Noosa, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba will reopen. ?? Schools in the Gold Coast Local Government Area will remain closed due to ongoing extreme weather. ?? Schools in Brisbane, Logan, Redlands, Somerset, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Scenic Rim, and Lockyer Valley are still being assessed for safety today. Some will reopen, while others will remain closed due to weather impacts. The aftermath of ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to bring unpredictable weather, so school statuses may change through the afternoon and overnight. Please stay informed and continue to check for the latest updates in real-time at closures.qld.edu.au. This site will continue to be updated until 5pm today. Schools will also contact families directly with updates. Stay safe! Avoid flooded roads, follow emergency services advice, and tune in to local updates. #IfItsFloodedForgetIt?? Important update ??

The Global Engagement (GE) team within the Department of Education International (DEi) deliver targeted global learning programs, initiatives and events to Queensland state school students and teachers. The Osaka World Expo Ambassador Program is a unique opportunity to collaborate with Japanese peers and build cross-cultural connections, critical thinking, and leadership, preparing students and teachers for a global future. Year 11, Year 12 and STEAM teachers are encouraged to apply for this program to explore solutions to global challenges and develop leadership skills in delivering STEAM curriculum in an international setting. Japanese language proficiency is not a requirement for this opportunity. Travel dates: August 2025 ? Return domestic flights to and from Brisbane ? Return international flights ? Accommodation ? GoSafe travel insurance ? Most meals ? Visa if required To learn more or apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/gqh6NqbQ #DepartmentOfEducationInternational #OsakaWorldExpoAmbassadorProgram

?? IMPORTANT UPDATE ?? The recovery from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is underway, and more schools across South East Queensland are preparing to reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, 12 March. ?? For real-time school status updates, visit: closures.qld.edu.au (including Catholic and independent schools). Updates will continue to be added until 5pm. ?? Schools will also contact families directly with updates. ?? Early childhood service closures can be found on the service and temporary closure website https://lnkd.in/ehSg3Vdi. ?? For the latest disaster recovery and emergency updates, visit: https://lnkd.in/guPUsWFM Stay safe, follow emergency services advice, and avoid flooded roads. #IfItsFloodedForgetIt Thank you to schools, students, staff and families for your patience.

We’re passionate about meaningful partnerships and safe and sustainable transport for our students. ??

?? Are you ConnectED? If you’re a departmental employee, don’t forget to check out todays ConnectED article! ConnectED is a fit-for-all fortnightly newsletter that provides important information to each area of the department in one convenient location. Explore the following today: ?? Australia’s Best Teacher: call for nominations ?? Growing Global Competence Fund information session ?? Accessing other regions’ information on Regional Connect ?? ACEL awards: nominations open ?? School visits by fire safety advisors ?? New Occupational Violence and Aggression resources Read more: https://lnkd.in/ddih-Fzq #DepartmentalUpdates #ConnectED

The Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (ECRA) is recruiting for Senior Regulatory Officers to fill current and future temporary and permanent vacancies across the 8 regions in Queensland. The successful candidates will possess strong analytical, decision-making, and exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage risk, prioritize tasks and work collaboratively with different stakeholders. Responsibilities include: ? Apply relevant early childhood education and care (ECEC) legislation, standards, policies and guidelines in the regulation of the ECEC sector within the context of the Regulating for Quality policy. ? Conduct assessment and rating of education and care services across Queensland. ? Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including Regional Offices, and ECEC providers and services to achieve regulatory outcomes. To attend an information session on becoming a Senior Regulatory Officer or to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/dc9BJ4e9 Applications close: Sunday 30 March 2025. #SeniorRegulatoryOfficer #EarlyChildhood #TalentPool

At the Queensland Department of Education, we’re committed to unlocking the potential of every young Queenslander. A thriving and capable workforce is essential to achieving this goal, which is why our Equity and Excellence Strategy prioritises professional growth and continuous improvement. The Education Futures Institute (EFI) plays a key role in this mission, by providing all staff with opportunities to upskill and enhance their expertise through high-quality, targeted professional development programs. One of EFI’s flagship initiatives, the Middle Leader Program, is designed to strengthen the leadership skills and knowledge of middle leaders to effectively lead teams, develop learning cultures and enhance teaching and learning outcomes in Queensland schools. The 12-month program involves: ? face-to-face intensive phases ? mentoring, including site visits ? network learning opportunities ? self-paced learning modules. If you’re a middle leader in the Department of Education with a permanent role as a teacher or school leader, this is your chance to take your leadership to the next level. Places are limited - apply today: : https://lnkd.in/gFy8d53x

This International Women’s Day we’re sharing a special story about two teachers making history. ? Kim Becksinsale of Sunshine Beach State High School and Cass Percival of Urangan State High School made history with their team in 2024 as the first all-female team to win the Legend Adventure Race in 35 years! For context, Adventure Racing is an intense endurance sport that involves multi-day trekking, navigating with a map and compass, and tackling challenges on mountain bikes, kayaks, and on foot. For Kim and Cass, winning felt like a dream. ‘We had to pinch ourselves!’ Kim shares. This incredible achievement was made even more astounding as Cass had only just become a new mum, and Kim was recovering from leg surgery. ‘It seems that we have really provided an opportunity for more women in the sport to see that they can achieve great outcomes,’ Kim says. Kim also runs a Survivor camp at Sunshine Beach State High School; a leadership camp helping students build resilience, teamwork, and self-discipline, by providing an opportunity to push past their perceived limits, work collaboratively and endure unexpected weather conditions. Kim explains, ‘I want to show them that being resilient, never giving up, and having self-discipline is important in all aspects of life.’ At Urungan State High School, Cass leads the Cert II Outdoor Rec students on a 3-day self-supported hike on K'Gari every year. ‘We get to see lots of places that are only accessible on foot. We camp in the walker’s camp at Lake Mackenzie (Boorangoora) on our second night. It’s a magical place to be at night and we are usually the only ones there,’ Cass said. Kim shares, ‘Crossing the finish line with this amazing all-female team, including Alina Mc Master, Del Lloyd, and Cass Kimlin, was one of the best moments of my life.’ Good luck to the Mountains Designs Wild Women as they set to compete in this the 2025 race this week. #InternationalWomensDay

After many years of dedicated service to Redbank Plains State High School and the wider community, Flo and Steve Scott are heading off to enjoy a well-earned retirement in Toowoomba. Flo began her journey with our department in 1987, cleaning and then managing the Kruger State School canteen, before joining Redbank Plains State High School in 2014 to manage the canteen and Uniform Shop. Steve started with our department in 2000 and joined Flo in 2022 as Groundsman. Together, they have poured their hearts into making this school and this community an incredible place. Beyond their roles, Flo and Steve have been key members of the P&C Association, alongside their daughter Rachel, the current P&C President. Their tireless advocacy has secured vital funding and they have organised events like trivia nights, working bees, and more shaping Redbank Plains State High School into the inclusive and supportive school it is today. Their commitment to service extends beyond the school, with significant contributions to the Redbank Plains Sub-Branch of the RSL. Each year, they’ve played a crucial role in organising ANZAC Day commemorations, working with local schools and the Ipswich Council to ensure these events are marked with dignity and respect. Steve and Flo’s impact will be felt at Redbank Plains State High School for many years to come. Thank you both for your unwavering dedication, generosity, and service! You leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire. #TeacherStories #GreatStoriesStartHere

Earlier this week, Belmont State School introduced incubators, eggs, and newly hatched chicks into the classroom to engage students in a hands-on learning experience. But with an unexpected cyclone warning forcing school closures, staff quickly sprang into action to ensure their tiny guests were safe. Prep teacher Janet Cowin and a dedicated team of admin staff stepped up without hesitation, taking the eggs and chicks home to continue their care. Janet’s household soon became a makeshift nursery, though her schnauzers weren’t exactly thrilled! Beyond the fluffy chaos, this moment showcases the dedication, teamwork, and resilience of Queensland educators, who go above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences for students even in the face of challenges. Teachers like Janet bring passion and commitment to their roles every day. A huge thank you to all our educators who go above and beyond to support their students even in the most unexpected situations!