Official Visit to Mareeba State School

Mayor, Cr Toppin; Principal, Mrs Simpson; staff, students and supporters of Mareeba State School 

I too acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands around Mareeba, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders, including our Indigenous Leader, Miss Haylee Highbury, and the Indigenous Ambassadors who provided today’s ‘Welcome to Country’. I very much took forward to the Indigenous Boys dance performance, and indeed to witnessing the School signing choir.

I am delighted to be making our first visit to Mareeba State School here on the Atherton Tablelands. Thank you for making me feel so welcome.

Your School has a long and proud history that goes back to 1893.  From those humble beginnings, the School gradually grew in size from 46 students to around 840 today.

What changes this school must have witnessed, as it transitioned from being that small, remote school, to becoming this large, modern, well-connected educational facility.

Just as your school has undergone a journey of change, so too will you, as you travel through life.

Learning to read, write and do maths gives you the start you need to achieve your dreams and ambitions. At school you learn about our world, and are taught how to make good choices and how to be a loyal friend and team mate.

Not knowing what lies ahead makes life exciting, but also a little daunting.

Two things have helped me tremendously – being inquisitive and being a good listener. By showing interest and asking questions, you will always learn something new to help you on your way.

Soon I will read a story to students from Prep to Year 3. 

It is about our Vice-Regal Dog, Gavel, who went on his own journey to search and decide where he wanted to go in life. He tried many jobs, listening to and learning from others, so in the end he could make the best decision for himself. 

May I commend your Principal, Mrs Simpson, your teachers and the whole school community for their diligence and attentiveness in striving to ensure Mareeba State School provides a quality education, where – as the School mission affirms – every day, in every classroom, every student is learning and achieving.

Thank you, students, I look forward to speaking to many of you throughout the morning.