Official Visit to Patrick Estate State School

Thank you, Mr Marshall, for your kind introduction and welcome.

I too acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, and extend respectful greetings to Elders.

I am delighted to be back at this very special school. I visited just over four years ago, in September 2015. Students who are currently in Years 4, 5 and 6 may remember that visit?

I was asked, “what is the most interesting aspect of my role as Governor?” I said visiting schools all over Queensland, and meeting The Queen, whom I represent. I was at Buckingham Palace just last month – Her Majesty is very knowledgeable about Queensland!  

Since I last visited Patrick Estate State School, I have been to hundreds of schools in every corner of Queensland, including this year to Dajarra State School, which is a very small school – even smaller than yours, with just 18 students!

It is near the Queensland border with the Northern Territory, south of Mount Isa – at least two full days’ driving from here!

Some Dajarra State School students may never have seen the ocean. They would have loved to be at your swimming carnival this week!

Queensland is an enormous State, full of wonderful little towns and communities like Patrick Estate.

I have a special connection to this school – my father was the Head Teacher here, like Mr Marshall, more than 60 years ago. I was a very young child at the time; younger even than the current Preppies. But I have vivid, happy memories of growing up in regional Queensland.

Girls and boys at schools around Queensland – whether in Dajarra or here at Patrick Estate – share many things in common.

Most importantly, they all come to school eager to learn, and eager to read – I know reading is very important at Patrick Estate State School.

Students, do your best at everything you do, thereby you will succeed. And remember to thank those who support you along the way, including your teachers.

Finally, I wish the Year Six students well on their journey next year to high school. Congratulations, I know this school community is very proud of you all!

Thank you for welcoming me to your wonderful school again. I look forward to shortly visiting the classrooms, and to seeing the school performance. A safe and Merry Christmas to you all.