Official Visit to Cordalba State School

Good morning staff, students and members of the wider Cordalba State School community.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of this region, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

Firstly, I would like to thank Mayor Dempsey for suggesting that I visit your wonderful School.

I am thrilled to be making my first visit to Cordalba State School – in fact, we think this may the first ever Governor visit to this School since it was opened as the Isis River Provisional School back in 1881!

That is an oversight which I am proud to correct!

As Governor of Queensland, I am responsible for making sure our State enjoys stable government. I preside over many ceremonies and present awards to numerous brave and clever Queenslanders.

I also travel around the State meeting as many people as I can. And you know students, that is the part of my job I like the best!

As a boy, I lived in the country and, like you, I enjoyed all the advantages of attending small, friendly schools.

My parents were both teachers – and yes, they did make sure that I did my homework! – but they also helped me to understand the importance of learning.

Learning is about working hard in the classroom. But you also learn when you help others, or try something new.

You learn when you play with friends, make music or create art.

You even learn when you visit new places. In fact, when I arrived here today, I learnt that “Cordalba” means “place of koalas” in the local Aboriginal language!

My advice to you is to get involved in school life and make the most of the opportunities which come your way. 

As your School motto says, ‘It is not the winning, it is the taking part that counts’.

Soon I will read a story to Prep and Grade 1 students about a wonderful dog named Gavel who lives with me at Government House in Brisbane.

I like this story because, although Gavel does not know what sort of dog he wants to be, he listens to others, he tries many different things and in the end, he makes the best decision for himself.

I thank your wonderful teachers and families who work very hard to make sure you can learn. I understand from Mr Parsons you have up-to-date interactive technology in your classrooms, an excellent library and other facilities to help you gain the skills and knowledge needed for success.

I now look forward to answering some of your questions and then presenting the Students of the Week with their awards.

Thank you.