The Department of Education has declared that around 875,000 students were back at their desks and the 2023 school year was under way.
Minister for Education, Grace Grace marked the first day back by visiting one of the four new schools, South Rock State School at Yarrabilba in Logan.
“The start of the school year is always a very exciting time, and it’s especially exciting for our new school communities,” Ms Grace said.
“More than 571,000 students will attend Queensland’s 1,262 State schools in 2023. They will be guided by more than 55,000 teachers and 19,000 teacher aides,” she said.
She said State schools would enjoy updated respectful relationships education, as well as the rollout of the Equity and Excellence strategy.
Ms Grace said kindergarten families were beginning the year with cost-of-living relief, with 14,000 children getting kindergarten education completely free.
“Our $1 billion kindy investment is the most significant reform for this sector in a decade,” the Minister said.
“The early years are absolutely critical to a child’s future, and we want our kindy services to be both exceptional and accessible.”
She said the allocation meant that of the 58,000 families with children in kindergarten, 40,000 were to receive a reduction in fees, including 14,000 who would be paying no fees.
“For example, families that earn $60,000 and hold an Australian Government Health Care Card will benefit from free sessional kindy. That will save an average of $4,500 a year,” Ms Grace said.
