Ripley Central State School, one of four brand-new schools delivered by the Palaszczuk Government in 2023, was officially opened on Wednesday by Education Minister Grace Grace, Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard and Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum.
The new state school, which first opened its doors on day one of the 2023 school year, is designed to help meet increased enrolment demand in a high growth area of South-East Queensland.
The Palaszczuk Government has invested $67 million into Stage 1 of the new primary school.
Other schools which opened this year included Woogaroo Creek State School in Augustine Heights, South Rock State School in Yarrabilba and Palmview State Secondary College on the Sunshine Coast.
Together, the four new schools represent a combined investment of almost $330 million.
The investment has helped stimulate the economy by supporting about 900 local jobs, echoing the Palaszczuk Government’s strong focus on creating good jobs and better services to enhance a great Queensland lifestyle.
Stage 1 of the new school project includes an administration block; 24 learning areas suitable for Prep, junior and senior students; five multi-purpose rooms; a resource centre referred to as the Curiosity Centre; an indoor multi-purpose hall and outdoor multi-purpose sports court; as well as canteen, oval, playgrounds, outdoor learning areas, amenities, internal roads, car parking and a bicycle storage area.
In addition, all classrooms, staff rooms and the library were air-conditioned as part of the project.
With the completion of Stage 2 to come, the overall capacity of the school will be suitable for about 1,200 students.
Almost 220 foundation students commenced on day one this year and enrolments are expected to continue rapidly in this fast-growing community.
Attributable to Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard:
"Congratulations to the entire Ripley Central State School community on the official opening," Ms Howard said.
"This school is set to ensure the growing number of families moving to this beautiful part of Queensland have access to a world-class education."
Attributable to Bundamba MP Lance McCallum:
"A strong community spirit already shines through at Ripley Central State School as it delivers more world-class education and record frontline teaching staff to our rapidly growing Ripley community," Mr McCallum said.
"The Palaszczuk Government has opened 25 new schools since 2015, including two in Ipswich this year, with even more on the way with Bellbird Park State School under construction right now and due to open in 2024."
Attributable to Ripley Central State School Foundation Principal Wuanita Meyrick:
"I feel really privileged to have been entrusted with the task of leading the establishment of a brand new school in our local community," Ms Meyrick said.
"We’ve worked together to ensure all school community stakeholder voices have been truly heard and we’ve captured our shared vision into our school motto of ‘Passion and Purpose’.
"The new facilities have gifted us with contemporary learning environments that help us achieve our own vision for teaching and learning in flexible, tailored ways which support our students as future 21st Century citizens.
"I am grateful to have worked with a team of enthusiastic staff, who have all worked with passion and purpose to support the opening of our school and lay the foundation of our school culture."
