It is a pleasure to welcome your child/children to Durack State School and to wish them happiness and success in all aspects of their school life. Our school strives to provide high quality education programs with an emphasis on creating learning environments that are innovative and enriching. Staff place great emphasis on the development of students' oral language, literacy and numeracy skills.
We have an inclusive approach where specialists provide programs that cater for individual needs while supplementing classroom practice. Programs include EALD, learning support, oral language and students with disabilities programs.
Various enrichment programs focus on our gifted and talented students. These include academic competitions and challenges, chess, debating, robotics and coding, with leadership being a key focus leading up to and in Year 6. We also support elite athletes to progress to Regional and State levels. Cultural dance, choir, instrumental music and keyboard opportunities are part of the performing arts program.
Classroom computers with internet access offer exciting opportunities to integrate information and communication technology as a teaching tool in all areas of learning. All students can access interactive "Smart Board" technology, iPad technology and Robotics. Currently the school is progressing from stand-alone computers to having laptops integrated into the classroom settings.
As you may be aware Durack was very fortunate to be part of the State Schools of Tomorrow initiative in the Inala area. Durack is one of six schools that benefited from the $69.5 million renewal project. Construction started in 2009 and was completed in mid-2012. Under the Building Education Revolution scheme a further $3 million resulted in a new hall that encompasses the performing arts and physical education being completed in 2011.
Meanwhile a C & K kindergarten was constructed on site and saw its first enrolments in 2012. Durack has indeed been very fortunate to have a new school environment that has been designed for 21st century learning and we continue to build upon this with the assistance of our P&C. Various other projects include additional prep classroom, special education buildings, staffroom extension and outdoor learning areas.
Durack became a National Partnership school in 2010. This provided an additional $1,300,000 to the school over the 2010 – 2013 periods to enhance literacy, numeracy and science performance. This initiative has seen outstanding results in Year 3 and value adding across the school which has been recognised by the Education Department. 2014 saw the introduction of Great Results Guarantee funding to allow continuation of key initiatives to support Numeracy and Literacy. Investing in Success funding continues to provide opportunities for further Numeracy and Literacy innovation in 2016. Our innovative approach to the delivery of the Mathematic curriculum, led to winning the 2018 State Showcase award in the early years and primary section, while being recognised by ACCARA for outstanding value adding in NAPLAN for 2 years in a row.
Our students are recognised as "Durack Dragons - Safe, Respectful, Learners". Our school uses the iconic dragon as a unifying symbol to our school wide positive behaviour program. This program has resulted in recognition as State Showcase Finalists in 2011 and 2012.
We have enjoyed the opportunity to have students enrol from overseas studying at our school. This adds a further richness to out multicultural environment. We became an accredited International School in 2013.
As of 2014 we became enrolment managed. In response to rapid growth and being recognised as preferred school beyond our community.
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to become a part of your child's school experience. Please feel free to join the Parent and Citizens Association or become actively involved as a volunteer. We gratefully accept help in the school and I urge you to get involved for your child's sake. Studies have repeatedly shown that children who have parents involved with their school do better in their studies.
To ensure open lines of communication are maintained, information is sent home regularly, via the fortnightly School Newsletter and student communication books. As the Newsletter (can also be accessed online) contains information about the day to day operation of the School, including excursions and other variations to the School routine, it is important that attention is given to its contents.
The staff at Durack State School endeavour to be role models for our students. Positive attitudes greatly enhance a child's chances of developing their full potential at school. Please do not hesitate to contact class teachers on any matter concerning your child's education. You will always be welcome.
We are very proud of the quality education our school provides. I look forward to working with you to ensure our school maintains its vitality, relevance and effectiveness.
Principal