Brighton State School Centenary Celebration

Minister Hinchliffe; Cr Cassidy; Principal, Mr Padgett; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys.

Kaye and I are delighted to be celebrating with you the centenary of Brighton State School. I thank the school community, in particular the P&C, for inviting us. Congratulations to the School band, thank you students.

I too acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands around Brighton, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

This School has always had a strong connection with community. In fact, it was members of the local community who lobbied the Queensland Government in 1916 for a new school at Brighton. 

In 1916, the nearest primary school was in Sandgate and many Brighton students probably had to walk – yes, walk! – there and back every school day.  

The new school at Brighton was ready just in time for the first 31 students to arrive in January 1920.

And it is not a happy coincidence that they had just lived through a pandemic caused by a virus – the Spanish Flu.   

Since January 1920, thousands of children have passed through the gates of this School.  

They have been fussed over, worried about, encouraged and supported by generations of parents and other caregivers. They have been taught with skill and dedication by generations of wonderful teachers.  

I have a soft spot for teachers – and parents! – because my parents were in the State primary system. I know just how much effort goes into being a good teacher and an encouraging parent. 

There have been dramatic changes since this school first opened. For instance, the smart phones we all take for granted would have seemed like magic to those first students in 1920. 

And I predict that the children who open your time capsule in 100 years will think our technology is terribly old-fashioned.

But some important things have not changed.

Now, as in 1920, parents in Brighton see education as the key to the future of their families.

Now, as then, parents and teachers encourage students to learn as much as they can, to challenge themselves, to be kind, positive and curious. I’m sure every student is listening carefully to this advice!    

And now, as then, life-long friendships and memories are made at this school.

Let us remember the teachers, support staff, P&C members, volunteers, parents and students who have contributed to the success of Brighton State School throughout those 100 years.   

I congratulate the school and its community on reaching this marvellous milestone. I thank them for striving every day to give our young people the best possible start in life.

And I wish the school and all the students here today the brightest of futures.

Thank you.