Official Opening of The Moreton Bay Colleges’ Early Learning Precinct Expansion

Member for Lytton, Ms Joan Pease MP; The Moreton Bay Colleges Board Chair, Ms Samantha O’Brien and Members of the Board; CEO and Executive Principal, Mr Richard Henry; Moreton Bay College Principal, Mrs Janet Stewart; Moreton Bay Boys’ College Principal, Mr Andrew Holmes; Reverend Peter Lockhart and Reverend Andrew Gunton; educators and staff; and of course, boys and girls. Good morning.  

Thank you, Pre-Prep for your beautiful singing to acknowledge the country on which we gather, and to Prep for leading the welcome prayer this morning. I too, would like to begin by respectfully acknowledging the Traditional Owners of these lands and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, including any First Nations people here today.  

Good morning and thank you all most sincerely for the warm welcome you have extended me to join you for this very special occasion, to officially open The Moreton Bay College’s Early Learning Precinct expansion. 

These two new purpose-built learning spaces for your youngest learners in Pre-Prep is an exciting addition to the world class facilities across the combined colleges. 

How very lucky you are students to be able to learn in such a beautiful space, which so cleverly takes advantage of the natural environment you enjoy here in the bay, seamlessly blending inside and outside to provide lots of opportunities for exploration, discovery and creativity.  

And I believe you even have your own art studio and kitchen garden area. What fun!  

You can really see the connection to the land and the influence of the Reggio Emilia approach, which has you, the child, at its core.  

Fundamental to the Reggio philosophy is Malaguzzi's notion that children are "rich in potential, strong, powerful, competent, and most of all, connected to adults and other children.” 

In the short time I’ve been here this morning, it’s been a delight to witness that strong connection and observe the nurturing and collaborative relationships students have with each other, and their educators.  

I have no doubt, boys and girls, that your time here in Pre-Prep and Prep will give you the best possible start to a lifelong journey of learning. 

Speaking of learning, today, I’ve brought along a special book that we produced at Government House that might help you learn a little more about me, and what I do as Governor of Queensland.  

I’m looking forward to reading it to your Prep class later this morning. 

I am sure you will all agree, that looking after our environment is so important, and I know you will take very good care of this beautiful learning environment that has been created for you, as will those who follow in your footsteps. 

I now have great pleasure of declaring The Moreton Bay Colleges’ Early Learning Precinct Expansion officially open and am proud to unveil a plaque commemorating this special day. 

Thank you.