Petrie Terrace State School 150th Anniversary Celebration

Councillor Matic; Principal Hackshall; students, staff and supporters of Petrie Terrace State School.

Thank you for the warm welcome you have extended to me this afternoon on an important day in the history of this school.

It is a pleasure to join you for the 150-year celebrations of this school – small by today’s standards, but big of heart and with a clearly defined sense of community.

Our Queensland capital of Brisbane was a young settlement of just under 15,000 people when this historic school opened its doors back in 1868.

Indeed, the city of Brisbane and Petrie Terrace State School have matured together over the past 150 years,

While much has changed, what has remained is this city’s – and importantly, this school’s – unshakable spirit of community.

Newcomers to Brisbane often tell me that they feel at home and accepted from the day they arrive.

They tell me this is a city – a community – that cares.

We care about our children. We care about their education. We care about their future.

Petrie Terrace State School has been instrumental in shaping this future for 150 years, and it is my sincere hope that it will continue to do so for many years to come.

Education lies at the very heart of our success as a city, as a State, and as a country.

During my time as Governor I have had the pleasure of visiting more than 60 Queensland schools, and each visit is highly rewarding.

From our rural, regional and remote areas, to our major metropolitan cities, I am always impressed by both the commitment and application of our students, and by the professionalism and dedication of our teachers and other staff.

Today, Petrie Terrace State School is certainly no exception, and I acknowledge your achievements as another academic year – year 150 in your history – continues into Term 4.

Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys – congratulations on this marvellous anniversary, and thank you once again for the invitation to be part of your celebrations.

I wish you all the very best for the years ahead.

Thank you.