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Eagle Junction State School Students Excel in Latest NAPLAN Results

Photo Credit: Eagle Junction State School/ Facebook

Eagle Junction State School has secured its place among Queensland’s top-performing schools in the 2024 NAPLAN results. The school has consistently demonstrated strong academic performance, placing amongst elite private schools with much higher fees.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests were administered to students across Australia earlier this year. Clayfield College students in Year 5 achieved impressive results, with an average score of 552.6 across all five test areas: reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and numeracy. This places them amongst the top schools in the state, including Brisbane Grammar School, St Margaret’s Anglican School, and St Peters Lutheran College.

Educational Landscape

*Photo Credit:* *Eagle Junction State School/ Facebook*

Eagle Junction State School (EJSS) has built a strong reputation for its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and holistic student development. From 2013 to 2020, EJSS consistently ranked in the top 3% of Queensland primary schools based on academic performance.

The school fosters a culture of “visible learning,” where students are actively involved in their education and understand their learning progress.

Furthermore, EJSS boasts strong community support, excellent facilities, and a focus on developing essential life skills through extracurricular activities and its “Eagle Junction Learning Powers” program.

Queensland Schools Shine in National Rankings

*Photo Credit:* *Eagle Junction State School/ Facebook*

Across Australia, many schools celebrated strong NAPLAN results. In Tasmania, Fahan School topped the rankings for both primary and secondary schools. At the same time, in the Northern Territory, Haileybury Rendall School and The Essington School were the top performers for primary and secondary schools, respectively.

Queensland’s top school was the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology. However, private schools continued to dominate the top positions in most states.

NAPLAN Results Spark Debate

While NAPLAN results provide valuable insights into school performance, they have also sparked debate about the emphasis on standardised testing. Some argue that NAPLAN puts undue pressure on students and teachers, while others maintain that it is a useful tool for measuring educational outcomes.

Published Date 05-December-2024

Volunteers Bring Warmth to Aged Care Residents in Wooloowin

Clifford House in Wooloowin is seeing the joy of community spirit through volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting elderly residents with companionship, activities, and kindness.

Community Connection Through Volunteering

Volunteers like Rose Tilyard have become integral to creating a vibrant and supportive environment for residents in Wooloowin.

Rose, who once worked as a nurse at Clifford House for over 20 years, now spends two days a week assisting with activities, outings, and one-on-one interactions. She says her volunteer work allows her to build connections with residents in ways she couldn’t while nursing. Bringing her pet dog on visits has also brought extra smiles, with residents lighting up at the presence of a furry companion.

Rose Tilyard, Wooloowin — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Supporting People in Vulnerable Circumstances

While aged care is a major focus, other volunteers are extending their compassion to different sectors of the community.

Melody Fawssett, another local volunteer, spends her time at a Queensland correctional centre, providing emotional and spiritual support to incarcerated women. She describes listening to their stories and helping them process their circumstances as both challenging and rewarding.

Similarly, Joanne Foster, a volunteer chaplain at the Wesley Hospital, has been offering emotional support to patients for nearly 15 years, seeing her role as a privilege to bring comfort to those in difficult times.

Opportunities for Community Involvement

Carinity, the organisation supporting Clifford House and other services, has been part of the Queensland community since 1949, offering a wide range of support including aged care, youth shelters, and disability services.

Volunteers are currently needed in suburbs like Boonah, Bundaberg, and Townsville, but for Wooloowin residents, Clifford House offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to their local community.

Information on volunteering opportunities is available online for those interested in making a difference in their community.

Published 5-Dec-2024

Past Breathes New Life into Inner-City Community in Wooloowin

Photo Credit: Real Estate

Brisbane’s inner north is experiencing a housing boom, with Cedar Woods Properties spearheading the development of Greville at Wooloowin.

This master-planned community seamlessly combines Wooloowin’s rich history with modern living, offering a unique mix of townhouses, apartments, and heritage homes.

The first residents have already moved into their new townhouses, marking a significant milestone for the project. Construction on the second, sold-out release is underway, exceeding the halfway mark.

Prime Location Meets Historical Significance

Located just 5km from Brisbane’s CBD, Greville occupies a 3.5-hectare site steeped in history. Over the next five years, the development will deliver diverse housing options catering to various lifestyles.

The heart of Greville will be an expansive 4,000 sqm public park, alongside exclusive resident amenities. This ensures a vibrant community hub where residents can relax and connect.

Swift Progress Meets Market Demand

Cedar Woods is making rapid progress on the project. The strong sales performance of the first two releases, selling out shortly after launch, has allowed the developer to accelerate construction.

The first collection of 12 townhouses was completed within a year, with residents now settled in. Construction of the second release, comprising 25 townhomes, is progressing swiftly.

This efficient delivery is a major drawcard for buyers, especially in the current market.

Townhouses Offer Value in a Booming Market

The next phase of Greville will launch 20 three-bedroom townhouses in the southern precinct. Construction is anticipated to begin early next year.

Cedar Woods believes these townhouses offer excellent value compared to detached houses. With prices starting from $1.325 million, they are significantly cheaper than the suburb’s median house price of $1.57 million, which has risen by a remarkable 26.5% in the past year.

Modern Design Meets Heritage Preservation

Designed by Rothelowman Architecture Studio, the townhouses and apartments at Greville seamlessly blend Wooloowin’s character with contemporary finishes. This is further complemented by the preservation of the historic Holy Cross laundry building from the 1800s. In a later release, this structure will be transformed into heritage homes.

A Community Focus with Local Appeal

Over 80% of buyers are locals who appreciate the site’s historical significance and the vibrant lifestyle being created at Greville.

Residents already have access to various community amenities, including a recreation area with a pool, BBQ facilities, and alfresco dining options. Additionally, the expansive Greville Park, which opened last year, provides a central green space for the community.

Exceptional Connectivity

Greville boasts exceptional connectivity, offering residents easy access to Kedron Brook, the Northern Bikeway and Busway, and local shops and restaurants.

This focus on community, combined with the project’s prime location and diverse housing options, positions Greville as a desirable address in Brisbane’s thriving inner city.

Published Date 19-November-2024

Clayfield Among Suburbs Saddled with Significant Mortgage Debt

Clayfield is among many suburbs grappling with significant mortgage debt as a stark wealth divide emerges across the state. While luxury property buyers are splashing cash on prestige homes, many middle-income families are financially strained.

New data from Digital Finance Analysts (DFA) reveals that Queensland homeowners owe an average of $297,851, significantly lower than New South Wales and Victoria. However, this average masks a concerning trend: many Queenslanders, particularly those in popular inner-city and suburban areas, carry substantial mortgage burdens.

Affluent Suburbs, Significant Debt

Affluent suburbs like Ascot, with an average mortgage of $1.38 million, top the list. But the financial pressure extends beyond elite areas. Once-affordable suburbs such as Albany Creek, Kuraby, Miami, and Robina, where property prices have surged in recent years, are among the top 50 suburbs with the highest debt levels.

Clayfield’s Debt Burden

Clayfield residents, in particular, face a significant financial burden, with an average mortgage of $778,710. This trend is evident in many other popular Brisbane suburbs, including Indooroopilly, where the average mortgage exceeds $796,000.

Cash Buyers Drive Luxury Market

While many Queenslanders struggle with mortgage repayments, high-net-worth buyers pay cash for luxury homes in prestigious areas like Teneriffe, Hamilton, Mermaid Beach, and Surfers Paradise. These buyers, often established business owners, downsizers, or older homeowners, can secure properties without financing, driving up prices in these exclusive markets.

Financial Pressure Mounts

Martin North, CEO of DFA, warns that many households are under significant financial pressure, spending over 40% of their disposable income on housing costs. Younger families, particularly first-time buyers, are among the most vulnerable, but the strain also affects more affluent groups.

Real estate agents report that buyers who purchased in the last 12-18 months are particularly hard-hit. Rising interest rates, inflation, and the cost-of-living crisis have exacerbated the financial burden, forcing many to sell their properties sooner.

As the gap between the haves and have-nots widens, the future remains uncertain for many Queensland homeowners. While the luxury property market thrives, many face a growing financial burden and a diminishing sense of security.

Published Date 13-November-2024

Clayfield College Shines Bright at LUX 24 Arts Festival

Photo Credit: Clayfield College/ Facebook

Clayfield College will illuminate the night again with its annual LUX 24 exhibition.

This long-standing tradition, which has captivated audiences for years, will showcase the exceptional artistic talents of students across all year levels on 8 November.

The event will transform the campus into a vibrant cultural hub, featuring a diverse range of artistic expressions. From stunning visual arts to captivating live performances, LUX 24 offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy a delicious “Fork and Walk” dinner, while young artists can participate in engaging workshops.

By celebrating its students’ creative spirits, Clayfield College continues to foster a strong tradition of artistic excellence.

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LUX 24 is a testament to the school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education that nurtures both academic and artistic pursuits.

Published Date 04-November-2024

Growing Enrolments Signal Success at St Agatha’s Primary School in Clayfield

St Agatha’s Primary School in Clayfield has been identified as one of the schools experiencing major growth in enrolment, according to Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE).

Read: Catholic Primary Schools Navigate Increasing Enrolment Pressure as High Schools Expand to Lower Years

At the heart of this success is a strong community-focused approach that prioritises family engagement and early education partnerships. Principal Anne-Marie Maw emphasises the crucial role that current school families play in their growth story.

“Our parents’ support plays a vital role in attracting new families looking for a caring, supportive, and welcoming educational environment for their children,” she said, highlighting the school’s reputation for nurturing excellence.

Photo credit: St Agatha’s Primary School, Clayfield/Facebook

The school has developed strategic partnerships to ensure student success from the very beginning. “Our partnerships with local kindergartens further enhance this appeal for prospective parents,” Ms Maw explained.

“These collaborations create a seamless transition for children moving from early childhood education to primary school, allowing them to feel familiar and supported in their new environment.”

This commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience resonates deeply with the school’s leadership. “It’s a great responsibility and an absolute privilege to have a family choose our school for their child,” Ms Maw noted.

Photo credit: St Agatha’s Primary School/Google Maps

The growth at St Agatha’s reflects broader developments across BCE’s network of schools in South-East Queensland. BCE Executive Director Dr Sally Towns emphasises the organisation’s responsive approach to community needs.

“BCE proactively responds and adapts to the needs and demands of our communities across our 146 schools across South-East Queensland,” Dr Towns said. “While BCE has responded to growth in large greenfield areas like Yarrabilba, Aura, and Coomera, our focus will also remain on improving facilities at our existing schools, meeting the needs of our growing region.”

This commitment extends to BCE’s broader mission of educational excellence. “BCE is dedicated to fostering thriving, faith-filled learning communities that align with the needs of our expanding communities, creating a better future for all,” Dr Towns added.

Read: Young Clayfield Artist Honours Nano Nagle’s Legacy in National Contest

Looking ahead, BCE’s strategic growth continues, with plans to expand Prep intake across 16 schools in 2025, responding to demographic shifts and rising student numbers across the region. St Agatha’s success story demonstrates how strong community engagement and strategic planning can create an educational environment that meets the evolving needs of Brisbane families.

Published 5-November-2024

Parents Urged to Monitor Children’s Social Media Use Amid Rising Concerns

Experts are sounding the alarm for parents, emphasising the need for close supervision of children using social media platforms.

Read: Young Clayfield Artist Honours Nano Nagle’s Legacy in National Contest

This warning follows a troubling investigation that found teenagers are being exposed to disturbing content. According to the UNICEF Teens Online Behaviour Survey, around 62% have been exposed to harmful content including hate speech and violent imagery while 60% have seen violent/gory content online.

social media — Photo credit: Sasha Kim/Pexels

One of the teenagers affected is a TikTok user from Clayfield, further underscoring the relevance of this issue for local families. This incident has sparked conversations among parents about the dangers of unsupervised social media use.

“While greater responsibility from governments is key, all decision makers, including those in the ICT sector, parents and teachers, need to listen to young people so that their views can be incorporated into policies, strategies and programmes,” said Cornelius Williams, Associate Director & Global Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF.

“Efforts to tackle online sexual abuse and exploitation are more effective when children’s opinions and perspectives are included, and this helps guarantee young people can take full advantage of the benefits the Internet offers

Since its launch in 2018, TikTok has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the fastest-growing social media platforms globally, with over 1 billion downloads. Its algorithm is designed to keep users engaged, presenting a continuous stream of captivating content that can quickly draw in young users.

As concerns about the psychological effects of social media continue to grow, researchers and child psychologists are increasingly alarmed by the findings. Studies indicate a troubling correlation between social media usage and rising rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide among teenagers.

Read: Elissa’s Courageous Journey: Clayfield Mother Fights Cancer After Husband’s Recovery

In these challenging times, community awareness and parental involvement can make a significant difference in safeguarding the mental health of children. As this situation develops, local families are reminded to prioritise supervision and open communication regarding their children’s interactions with social media platforms like TikTok.

Published 4-November-2024

Young Clayfield Artist Honours Nano Nagle’s Legacy in National Contest

A Year 6 student from St Rita’s College Clayfield, Eva M, has created an artwork that reflects the spirit of hospitality and inclusivity, earning her a place in the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia’s (NEAA) 2024 Nagle Prize Competition.

Inspiring Artwork for a National Competition

Eva’s entry for the NEAA competition illustrates the values and traditions upheld by St Rita’s College and is inspired by the life of Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters and a figure respected for her dedication to education and community care. Her artwork features a central light symbolising the role of Nano Nagle as the “Lady of the Lantern,” representing warmth, care, and guidance for those in need. The piece also includes open hands to reflect values of hospitality and inclusivity, qualities that her school community strives to model.

To further enhance her message, Eva incorporated traditional First Nations symbols as a tribute to Indigenous Australian culture, emphasising her respect for Australia’s original custodians. This symbolic addition aligns with St Rita’s College’s dedication to reconciliation, making her artwork both culturally relevant and meaningful within the context of Australian heritage.

Eva’s use of imagery highlights the importance of unity and community in fostering a welcoming environment, showing how diverse people and cultures are connected through hospitality. This reflects St Rita’s College’s mission to promote empathy, kindness, and service among its students. The College expressed great pride in Eva’s talent and the dedication she poured into her submission, which they believe truly represents the heart of their school community.

The NEAA’s Role and Standards

The NEAA, founded in 2013 by a smaller group of Presentation schools, encourages schools across Australia to honour the legacy of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Charism. By offering the Nagle Prize, the NEAA recognises student achievements that reflect the educational and community-focused values Nano Nagle championed in her work. The NEAA is also committed to maintaining Child Safe standards, with strict protocols to ensure all activities support the dignity, safety, and respect of every student involved.

Eva’s artwork proudly represents St Rita’s College, and the community eagerly awaits the competition results, inspired by the young artist’s dedication to the values of inclusivity, reconciliation, and service.

Published 31-Oct-2024

State Facilitated Development Declared For Lutwyche Property to Address Housing Crisis

In a bold move to address the ongoing housing crisis, a property in Lutwyche has been earmarked for a significant development project that could provide homes for hundreds of struggling families sooner than expected.

Read: Rapid Sale: Clayfield Apartment Snapped Up Within Hours of Listing

The plan aims to transform 612 Lutwyche Road and its associated property, 53 and 57 Lamington Avenue into a thriving residential and commercial hub. The project, which has been declared a State Facilitated Development (SFD), is set to deliver 340 apartments along with communal areas, amenities, and retail spaces.

The SFD process introduces an alternative pathway for assessing certain development applications. This specialised route is designed to expedite projects that align with state priorities, with a particular focus on infill development and affordable housing initiatives.

Housing crisis — Photo credit: Google Street View

For the Lutwyche project, around 15 percent of the apartments will be designated as affordable housing units, targeting low to moderate-income households. These units will be rented at rates significantly below market value, ensuring accessibility for those who need it most.

The affordability plan includes strict guidelines to maintain the integrity of the initiative:

1. Affordable units will span studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations.

2. Rents will be capped at 75 percent of market rates.

3. Tenant eligibility will be based on income criteria.

4. The affordable housing designation will be maintained for a minimum of 40 years.

5. Annual audits will ensure compliance with eligibility and rental rate requirements.

The Lamington Markets project has undergone significant evolution since its initial approval. In 2021, plans were greenlit for two 12-storey towers featuring 134 apartments, a sprawling 4500 sqm indoor market hall, a rooftop urban farm, and a craft brewery.

However, the current proposal represents a substantial expansion of the original concept, more than doubling the number of apartments to 340 and incorporating a stronger focus on affordable housing.

This development is part of a broader initiative to accelerate housing solutions in Queensland. The new approach aims to streamline planning and development processes, potentially reducing approval times to as little as 75 business days for qualifying projects.

Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Industry experts believe this project could serve as a model for future developments, demonstrating how private sector initiatives can contribute to solving the housing affordability crisis. The inclusion of both residential and commercial spaces is expected to create a vibrant, self-sustaining community within Lutwyche.

Read: Developer Lodges Plans for Multi-Purpose Complex with Drive-Thru Restaurant in Clayfield

As this project moves forward, it promises to be a significant step towards addressing housing needs in the area, potentially changing the lives of hundreds of families who have been struggling to find affordable homes in the current market.

Published 3-October-2024

Developer Lodges Plans for Multi-Purpose Complex with Drive-Thru Restaurant in Clayfield

Plans have been submitted for an ambitious mixed-use development at the corner of Sandgate Road and Junction Road in Clayfield, promising to transform the local landscape with a 24/7 food and drink outlet, complete with a drive-thru and outdoor dining area.

Read: Rapid Sale: Clayfield Apartment Snapped Up Within Hours of Listing

The proposed development, designed by Verve Building Design, aims to revitalise the site at 830-832 Sandgate Rd and 139 Junction Rd. The plans call for the demolition of the existing single-storey commercial building fronting Sandgate Road to make way for the new complex.

The development is set to retain and repurpose an existing building, dubbed Building A, which will offer 835 square metres of gross floor area. This space will be divided among various uses, including 291 sqm for medical and healthcare services, 51 sqm for office space, 79 sqm for a food and drink outlet, and 414 sqm dedicated to five two-bedroom residential units.

A new structure, Building B, will house the primary food and drink outlet, spanning 248 sqm, complemented by a 50sqm alfresco dining area. The development also includes provisions for ample parking, with 46 car spaces, five motorcycle bays, and a dedicated ambulance space. The drive-thru facility will accommodate up to 10 vehicles.

In a nod to environmental considerations, the plans incorporate 508 sqm of landscaping, resulting in a total site coverage of 27.4%. Additionally, 214 sqm will be dedicated to road improvements.

A key feature of the development application is a new slip lane and vehicle entrance from Sandgate Rd, providing access to basement parking, a loading area, and ground-floor parking spaces. The existing Junction Rd vehicle access will be retained, while new pedestrian access and the drive-thru will be situated along Sandgate Rd and at the intersection corner.

Read: Hendra Gears Up for Golden Arches: McDonald’s Proposed for Nudgee Road

The developers are seeking approval for round-the-clock operations, seven days a week, potentially bringing new life to the area during both day and night.

Published 24-September-2024