Grand opening for new school campus

A new alternative to mainstream senior schooling has been officially opened in the City of Moreton Bay.

The BUSY School now has a campus at 219 Gympie Rd, Strathpine, with 50 enrolments this term in Year 11.

The campus was officially opened by the Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton on October 4, after opening in term three with 32 students.

See the photo gallery at the end of this story

Principal Kylee Chandler says the community response has been positive.

“The community has identified a need for the type of education The BUSY school provides and they have been supportive of us and our students from day one,” Kylee says.

“Employers are keen to have our students on board, local government agencies are happy to support, local charities have provided resources for the students, and students are being welcomed by local training organisations and by the local university.”

The BUSY School offers an inclusive and supportive educational environment, where students can complete Year 11 and 12 while planning or starting career pathways.

For those who are, or are at risk of, disengaging with their education, the school provides an alternative approach to help them regain confidence, graduate with their QCE, and start a career path.

“A model of education that helps students re-engage with education and complete their senior schooling, while getting a head start into employment and training, is needed everywhere not just in Strathpine,” Kylee says.

“The BUSY school stared its first campus in Cairns four years ago and the Strathpine campus is number nine. This shows the need for the BUSY model of education statewide.

“Students are supported holistically: firstly by their teachers, teacher aides and learning support teachers in the classroom; then they are supported by employment pathways officers and work readiness officers who assist with career planning, work readiness and sourcing work experience and school based apprenticeships and traineeships.

“Finally, they are supported by youth workers, engagement officers and health professionals to help them cope with the demands of schooling and life in general.”

The BUSY school helps students who are disengaged from mainstream schooling through individualised learning plans, individualised timetables, an all-inclusive educational program with no fees and all learning resources, uniforms and food provided.

Class sizes are smaller, with a maximum of 16 students.

Enrolments for Year 11 in 2025 are now open and interviews are underway. Students and parents are encouraged to apply online, through The BUSY School website Strathpine page or they can phone the campus on (07) 3624 8900.

The BUSY School is a special assistance schools which caters to students who are disengaged, or at high risk of disengagement, from mainstream education.

Applicants must be between 15-19 years of age and have completed Year 10 or equivalent.

A referral form or letter of support needs to be submitted as part of the enrolment process. Each application is assessed on merit at a face-to-face interview with the campus Principal.

Check out the photos

By Dominika Lis