Students make history on first day at new school

HISTORY was made and future traditions were created today as the foundation students of Sunshine Coast’s newest school started their first classes.

Years of planning finally came to life as Good Samaritan Catholic College at Bli Bli welcomed its first intake of 180 students from Prep to Year 3, and Year 7.

Principal Greg Myers brimmed with pride as he greeted parents and children at the school on Wednesday morning saying it was his “dream job”.

“It’s fantastic to see it come to life,” he said.

“There has been a lot of work to get here. It’s nice to see the kids in their rooms and the teachers are happiest with kids in front of them.”

Construction and staff hiring began in April before “all hands on deck” started to prepare the school this month.

Mr Myers said the first intake of staff and students were a part of more than just a Catholic school.

“For the kids to be a part of a foundation school is really special,” he said.

“For teachers, this may only happen once in your career. These people will start something special that will last for decades.”

About 50 per cent of Prep students live in the surrounding Bli Bli estates.

Mr Myers it was a “huge compliment” to learn some parents moved to the area for the education opportunity at Good Samaritan.

“We intend to be a community school and put our promises into practice,” he said.

“Bli Bli has had quiet growth and as we grow, we will meet the needs of the kids and be an active part of this community.”

Student numbers were expected to soar to 1500 by 2029 as they gradually filled all classes from Prep to Year 12.

Sunshine Coast Daily – 30 January, 2019 – Shayla Bulloch