Pallara State School Archives

Pallara State School: Addressing Growth with a Split Campus Model

Pallara State School could soon implement a split campus model to accommodate the increasing student population and growing enrollment demands.

This initiative would see the former Pallara State School location at 282 Ritchie Road repurposed for Prep and Year 1 students, alleviating enrolment pressures at the main campus.

The growing number of students has prompted this proactive measure, which will see the old site transformed into a dedicated space for younger learners. This adjustment is part of a larger strategy to enhance educational infrastructure in response to demographic changes and community needs.

Community feedback on the proposed split campus model is being actively sought. Residents are encouraged to email HaveYourSay@qed.qld.gov.au by 30 August to share their views.

A Model of Innovation

Pallara State School, an independent public school operating under a private-public partnership, has earned a reputation for its forward-thinking approach to education. A recent $10.5 million expansion project added a large-scale modular education building, the first of its kind in Queensland.

This new facility, comprising 66 modular units and 17 additional classrooms, two staff rooms, and collaborative spaces across three stories, was constructed in an impressive 24 weeks.

Statewide Educational Infrastructure Strategy

In response to the anticipated 11.6% increase in the state’s school-age population between 2021 and 2031, Education Queensland implemented the split campus proposal as part of a broader educational infrastructure strategy.

The strategy focuses on creating fit-for-purpose facilities, integrating community hubs, and employing sustainable building practices. It also explores innovative models like vertical schools, exemplified by the Fortitude Valley State Secondary College.

Several school expansion and new school construction projects are underway in Queensland. The split campus initiative and the planned high school evaluation underscores the state’s commitment to modernising its educational infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population.

Published Date 20-August-2024

New School Planned for Growing Pallara Community Amidst Soaring Enrolment Numbers

The Pallara community, facing a surge in school enrolments, is actively planning for a new high school to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of students in the area.

The Pallara community’s growth has been accompanied by a sharp increase in school enrolments, pressuring current educational facilities to meet the demand.

The Pallara Future School Working Group, established a few years ago, has been pivotal in addressing these challenges. The group, in collaboration with the Department of Education, local school principals, P&Cs, and government representatives, is pushing for an independent evaluation of student numbers.

This initiative aims to secure a definitive plan for a new school in Pallara, ensuring the community’s educational infrastructure can cope with the expected growth.

Community Mobilisation and Support

Community support is crucial for moving forward with the educational developments in Pallara. Local residents are encouraged to participate by signing a petition either online or through physical forms distributed by supporters within the community.

The initiative seeks to gather widespread backing to affirm the need for a new high school, which will enhance educational opportunities and ensure that the future generations of Pallara have adequate learning environments.

Statewide Educational Trends

According to a recent analysis, several of Queensland’s primary schools, including Pallara State School, are set to experience substantial enrolment increases by 2027. Pallara State School alone anticipates an uptick of 472 students, bringing the total to 1600.

This trend is reflected across various schools in the Southeast, highlighting a broader regional need for expanded educational facilities.

The Queensland government is proactive in its approach to the looming capacity crisis in schools. With new schools planned and expansions underway, there is a concerted effort to ensure that all state schools, including those in Pallara, are equipped to handle the forecasted growth.

A Department of Education spokesman highlighted the government’s readiness to adapt to changing forecasts and provide necessary infrastructure enhancements to support student needs across the region.

Published 20-June-2024

Pallara State School Unveils ‘Garden of Service’ Honouring Veteran Families

The Pallara State School History Club has created a special “Garden of Service” on the school grounds to honour local families who have had members serve in major conflicts.

Read: Inala Wangarra’s Young Men’s Group: Nurturing Leaders, Shaping Futures

The garden opening ceremony on Thursday, April 18, was attended by representatives and veterans from the Forest Lake and Sunnybank RSL sub-branches.

The idea stemmed from the club’s award-winning 2023 Vietnam Research Project for the ANZAC Awards. After their successful project, the students decided to gather information from Pallara families about relatives who served in WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

An overgrown area next to the school’s ANZAC memorial was cleared and transformed into the garden space. Funds from their ANZAC Award win allowed them to prepare the area with mulch, dig trenches for flowers, and add paving stones.

What makes the garden uniquely personal are the engraved paving stones containing the names of the served family members and their printed handprints and family names placed beside them. Club coordinator and teacher Mr Keegan Peace transcribed the family information onto the stones.

At the opening ceremony yesterday, students gave speeches and interviewed veterans to learn firsthand accounts of service. Newly sworn-in Councillor Emily Kim joined the RSL guests as the students cut the ribbon, officially opening the garden to be viewed by the school and wider community.

Pallara State School launched the history club last year for students in grades 3 and 4 who have an interest in Australian and global historical events and figures.

On a weekly basis, the club organises visits from guest speakers to educate the young members about significant subjects and themes from the past. The goal is to foster an early passion for learning about history through these interactive and engaging sessions led by outside experts and authorities on various historical topics.

Read: Empowering Forest Lake Seniors: Movement Activities to Transform Aging into Active Living

The passion project allowed the students to honour local service members whilst creating a vibrant garden space on campus. The Garden of Service stands as a unique testament to the sacrifices made by Pallara’s own families.

Published 27-April-2024

New School Bus Routes Announced for 2024

Students in Pallara, Heathwood, and Forest Lake will have access to expanded school bus services starting 2024. New services will be added, whilst some existing routes will see adjustments.

Read: Pallara State School Among Brisbane Schools Facing Enrollment Surge

From 22 January 2024, the 803 bus route serving the Pallara area will offer two morning pick-up times from Brookbent Rd – 7:38 a.m. and 7:43 a.m. The afternoon 803 service will depart Pallara State School at 2:50 p.m.

The 804 route from Heathwood to Pallara State School will continue without changes.

Additionally, a new route 777 will be added to provide service between Pallara, Heathwood and Forest Lake High and St Johns. This route will have a morning pick-up at 7:30 a.m. from Brookbent Rd, with stops along several roads before reaching Pallara School at approximately 7:50 a.m.

In the afternoon, the 777 route will leave High Street in Forest Lake at 2:40 p.m., stop at Pallara School at 2:50 p.m., and reach its final stop back at Brookbent Rd by 3:13 p.m.

Finally, adjustments have been made to the district’s 789 route from Heathwood to Corinda High. The morning bus is scheduled to arrive at Corinda High School at 8:14am. Return buses are set to depart Corinda High at 3:05 p.m. and 3:10 p.m., passing through the Parkwood Dr/Watergum St stop between 3:46-3:51 p.m.

Read: Six New and Permanent Pallara Bus Stops Ready By December 2022

The expanded bus service represents a victory for the Pallara community after years of insufficient public transportation options for students. A few years ago, with no school buses available, some families were even resorting to Uber rides to get their children to and from school each day.

Although there were some TransLink stops along local streets, residents reported that buses rarely actually stopped to pick up riders. Now, thanks to advocacy efforts like community petitions that led to six new permanent bus stops built in 2022, the area will benefit from multiple new and improved routes.

Families are encouraged to review the updated routes via TransLink’s website as they plan transportation needs for the 2024 academic year.

Published 28-December-2023

Pallara State School Among Brisbane Schools Facing Enrollment Surge

Pallara State School is among the schools that are expected to face capacity issues in the coming years as rising enrollment puts pressure on some public primary schools in Brisbane.

Read: Students at Inala School Face Food Crisis Amid Rising Cost of Living

At Pallara State School, the student numbers are forecasted to jump to 1,600 by 2027, an increase of 472 from current levels.

The swell in enrollment is being driven by new housing developments in the area surrounding the school, located in the city’s south side.

According to Mandi Tran, president of the Pallara State School P&C, there are many young families moving into the area, so it is not surprising that the school is projected to see significant growth.

Mrs Tran stated that it is a substantial increase and the P&C is working closely with the education department to ensure all necessary provisions are in place.

At the start of this school year, Pallara students had to temporarily learn in portable classrooms due to delays in installing new permanent facilities. The situation highlighted the capacity crunch facing the school as it tries to accommodate the rapid influx of new students.

To help schools like Pallara meet growing demand, the Queensland Government has committed funding for major expansions. The Department of Education said the expansions at Pallara, along with nearby schools Griffin and Indooroopilly, will ensure sufficient capacity to handle continuing growth.

Artist’s impression of new learning centre at Pallara State School (Photo credit: pallarass.eq.edu.au)

For Pallara, the state has allocated money to construct a three-story building with 21 new learning spaces. The proposed development, expected to be completed in time for the 2025 school year, will include 20 classrooms with four devoted to preps, as well as one specialist classroom.

Earlier this year, Pallara State School announced additional temporary hire spaces will be installed before the end of 2023 to ease the transition between school years as the permanent expansion takes shape.

Read: Forest Lake Teen Charlie Eggins Breaks Rubik’s Cube World Record

For growing schools across Brisbane, striking the right balance between meeting current demand and planning for the future will be key to ensuring a quality learning environment for students.

Published 10-October-2023

Building Expansion Can’t Keep Pace with Pallara State School Enrolment Surge

Construction delays at one of Queensland’s fastest-growing schools, Pallara State School, can’t keep pace with the rapid growth of student enrollment. Due to this increased demand and current overcapacity, some parents have expressed concerns that their children might not have classrooms when the new school term starts.

Following the opening of Pallara State School in 2016, several housing developments around the area have pushed the Department of Education to prioritise the school’s expansion.

In June 2022, the Queensland Government’s 2022 to 2023 budget included the delivery of $4.4 million for more classrooms. However, the new buildings apparently won’t be ready until late March 2023, per a spokesperson.

Instead, the Department of Education will be setting up alternative classrooms until the actual buildings become operational. But some parents feel this solution will affect their children’s learning despite assurances that these temporary spaces will have classrooms and play areas conducive to learning.

An official from Pallara State School said that if the new buildings are already installed, the school could accept 1,260 students as opposed to the current maximum enrolment capacity of 1,142 students.

Pallara State School Bus Adds New Forest Lake and Heathwood Stops

Did you know that the 803 school bus service to Pallara State School has expanded, extending to service areas such as Sanctuary Pocket and Chain of Ponds estates in Forest Lake and Heathwood?

The 803 school bus service to Pallara State School extended its services on the 12th of July 2021, utilising existing bus stops in Old Blunder Rd and Wadeville St as well as additional bus stops in Sanctuary Pocket and Chain of Ponds estates to expand the existing 803 route.

Councillor Angela Owen encourages parents to give their children the opportunity to use this school bus service as less cars on the road means reduced congestion around the school. The 803 school bus service brings children all the way from Heathwood Estate to Pallara State School and back.

Morning		Afternoon
7:55 a.m.	Parkwood Dr near Juniper Street	2.42 p.m.	Vied Rd near Landel St
7:55 a.m.	Parkwood Dr near Acacia St	2.44 p.m.	Esky Rd near Kraft Rd
7:55 a.m.	Parkwood Dr near Coolibah St	2.46 p.m.	Laxton Rd near Esky Rd
7:56 a.m.	Parkwood Dr near Laurel St	2.50 p.m.	Ritchie Rd near Wadeville St
7:58 a.m.	Ritchie Rd near De Vries Rd	2.53 p.m.	Parkwood Dr near Juniper St
7:59 a.m.	Ritchie Rd at Ritchie – Van Dieren	2.54 p.m.	Parkwood Dr near Coolibah St
8:00 a.m.	Laxton Rd near Ritchie Rd	2.55 p.m.	Parkwood Dr near Laurel St
8:05 a.m.	Vied Rd near Landel Rd
8:08 a.m.	Sweets Rd near Ritchie Rd
8:11 a.m.	Kraft Rd near Esky Rd
8:13 a.m.	Ritchie Rd at Palla

Pick-Up Rules and Regulations

Drop-off and pick-up areas have been marked with passenger loading zone signs, and passengers who wish to enter or leave the bus have a maximum of two minutes to do so. Parents are allowed to leave their vehicles to help their children enter safely, however they are not allowed to stray and walk too far from their vehicles.

Parents can also stay in the signed area for a maximum of two minutes, and taking any longer will result in a fine. In the event that a student is not ready to enter the vehicle, parents will have to drive around and queue once again. Children should only enter and leave vehicles at the signed area as it is unsafe to let them in or out while waiting in a queue.

It is also important to remember that parking and stopping across pedestrian crossings is a criminal offense that could lead to fines as it endangers the crossing supervisors, students and parents who make use of the crossing. The Pallara State School has a large parent car park next to the drop off/pickup areas, and parking on the road outside of the grounds is not permitted and could result in fines.

The Pallara State School can be found at 39 Ritchie Rd, Pallara. For more information, visit their website here.