Regional Government House: Official visit to Pormpuraaw State School

Mayor Kendall; Principal, Ms Anna Walsh; Pormpuraaw State School students, staff and supporters.

Kaye and I are honoured to join you on the west coast of the Cape this morning as we continue the Regional Government House program – a time for us to meet people from communities across Queensland – for the fourth time.

I at once acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we gather, and pay respect to their Elders past and present – with encouragement to their young emerging leaders.

I have had the pleasure of visiting more than 55 Queensland schools since becoming Governor in 2014, and today is my first visit to Pormpuraaw.

It is wonderful to return to a regional primary school, and yours is most certainly set in a beautiful part of our State.

There is something very special about our regional schools.

Both of my parents were teachers – my father was a Principal like Ms Walsh – and I was fortunate to attend a number of regional schools while growing up.

You are part of a small – and special – community, and your primary school years will yield many valuable and rewarding lessons that will stay with you for the rest of your lives.

While learning is of utmost importance, it cannot be achieved without attendance.

Much can be achieved by attending school every day – and please remember you will also get to spend time with your friends, and your teachers, who care for each and every one of you!

So that is why I am proud today to present awards to two students for their outstanding attendance records at Pormpuraaw State School.

Once again, thank you for your warm welcome this morning, and congratulations to our award winners.

We wish you all every success for the rest of the school year.