Albany Creek State High School Archives

Albany Creek State High School Takes Centre Stage at Sydney Eisteddfod’s Dance of Champions

Albany Creek State High School made their mark on the national dance scene after competing as a finalist in the prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod’s 2024 Dance of Champions.

Held last Sunday, 8 September, the high school represented Queensland alongside 14 other elite dance groups across Australia in a dazzling display of talent, creativity, and teamwork at The Concourse Concert Hall in Chatswood.

The competition was fierce, with each group vying for the top spot and a share of the $8,000 prise pool. The Jury Vote Winner was Dance North Academy, which was celebrated for their moving performance of “Hallelujah.” The People’s Choice Winner went to Ravenswood School for Girls, captivating the audience with their performance of “Phantom.”

Adjudicator Danielle Evrat emphasised the high standards of the competition, noting the adjudicators were searching for the complete package: outstanding technique, seamless teamwork, captivating storytelling, exceptional performance quality, and above all, a group that could evoke a powerful emotional response. The diverse range of dance styles, from ballet to contemporary, and the elaborate costumes added to the spectacle of the event.

Sydney Eisteddfod CEO Annette Brown highlighted the collaborative spirit of the event, stating that the focus was on supporting each other and ensuring everyone was prepared to give their best performance. She remarked on the refreshing sight of so many young people fully engaged in the moment, without the distraction of mobile phones or screens.

Now in its seventh year, The Dance of Champions continues highlighting the Sydney Eisteddfod calendar. Esteemed dance professionals Danielle Evrat and Ryan Sheppard judged the event, which Shaun Parker hosted.

The afternoon we also featured guest performances by Ev & Bow Youth Company and Burns Bay Dance Studio’s Special Olympics, further showcasing the depth and breadth of young dance talent in Australia.

While Albany Creek State High School may not have won the top prize, its participation in this esteemed competition is a testament to its dedication, skill, and passion for dance. It has undoubtedly made its school and community proud, and its experience at the Dance of Champions will inspire future endeavours.

Published Date 12-September-2024

Students Banned from Albany Creek Woolies Spark Outrage

Woolworths Albany Creek caused quite a stir when it prohibited high school students from entering the store one Wednesday afternoon, citing concerns over alleged theft and disruptive behaviour.

According to a concerned parent’s account, around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 22 May 2024, employees instructed every student from the nearby Albany Creek State High School to leave the premises.

The parent alleged an employee cited “sick of the theft” as the reason for expelling the teenagers, disregarding whether they had engaged in any misconduct.

The incident ignited a heated debate among community members. Some condemned the supermarket’s actions as discriminatory, arguing it unfairly targeted all students, including well-behaved individuals. Others sympathised with Woolworths, citing recurring issues with disruptive and stealing students that ultimately disrupted the shopping experience.

Albany Creek State High School to Woolworths — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

A former student’s parent revealed the longstanding tensions, stating students had been warned for years about being unwelcome at that particular Woolworths location. This sentiment was echoed by other parents who witnessed students stealing, harassing customers, and recklessly riding bikes and scooters within the shopping centre.

In a statement, a Woolworths spokesperson acknowledged the “isolated incident” and confirmed engaging with the local high school to address the underlying issues that prompted such a drastic measure.

As the Albany Creek community grapples with finding a resolution, discussions between parents, the school administration, and Woolworths representatives are expected to continue.

Published 27-May-2024

Works Commence on New Speed Limit Zones at Two Albany Creek Schools

Did you know that Albany Hills State School and Albany Creek State High School are set to receive a major safety boost, as works commence to install a new 40 km/hr speed limit zone outside the two schools?

Read: Albany Creek High School Students Raise Funds for Homeless Youth Accommodation Program

The new 40km/hr school zone will cover a 770-metre stretch, extending from just north of Jinker Track to just south of Folkstone Avenue. It will feature active flashing lights to alert drivers to the lower speed limit.

School speed limit zones are put in place to slow down traffic near schools during the hours when students are arriving and leaving. These zones are marked by signage that indicates the reduced speed limit and the specific time periods it is in effect.

The decision reflects the close physical proximity of the two educational institutions and underscores the perceived need for enhanced security measures in the shared vicinity.

This reduced speed limit zone will be in effect during peak school hours, operating from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on school days.

As schools reopen for Term 2, motorists must exercise vigilance and caution when driving through school zones, being mindful of the reduced speed limits intended to create a safer environment for students, and obeying all parking and loading restrictions in these areas.

Read: Brendale Company Aims To Reboot Local Vehicle Manufacturing Industry

To stay updated on school zone speed limits and further information on how speed limits are set, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ website.

Published 11-April-2024

Albany Creek Student Allegedly the Latest Victim of Troubling TikTok Challenge

A Year 11 student of Albany Creek State High School allegedly became the latest victim of a dangerous TikTok challenge when he was choked until he lost consciousness in class last week.

Read: Albany Creek SHS Students Build Solar-Powered Lights for Papua New Guinea Villages in Need

It has been widely believed that the incident as part of a growing list of youth seriously injured, and even killed by the “Blackout Challenge,” a viral stunt encouraging participants to choke themselves until they lose consciousness.

However, there have been statements that this may have been the result of what may have been a prank gone horribly awry and not due to participation in the Challenge at all.

According to students, the victim lost consciousness after being choked by one of his classmates, who did not release his hold until the victim hit his head on a desk before falling to the floor and beginning to have seizures. An ambulance was immediately called to transport the student to the hospital.

The Department of Education confirmed the Albany Creek incident has been reviewed and disciplinary action was taken per the school’s conduct code. Police say they will continue investigating the disturbance.

The student even posted a selfie on Snapchat whilst still being treated in the hospital with the caption “Ty to everyone who’s asked abt me,” saying he appreciated the concern.

What is the Blackout Challenge?

The blackout challenge intends to restrict oxygen to the brain for a period of time, resulting in a temporary loss of consciousness. The stunt has been linked to the deaths of between 15 and 20 children since gaining traction online.

In 2021, a mother from NSW warned other parents to look after their children’s social media activity after her 14-year-old son died whilst allegedly attempting the challenge due to pressure from social media.

The blackout challenge has sparked several legal battles seeking to hold the social media platform accountable. In 2022, a parent from Pennsylvania sued TikTok and its parent company ByteDance after her 10-year-old daughter died attempting the challenge.

Court documents showed the dangerous dare appeared on the girl’s TikTok “For You Page,” which recommends content based on user activity. However, a federal judge dismissed the case, ruling the platform is shielded by the United State’s Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects internet companies from liability for content posted by third-party users. The distraught mother vowed to continue fighting to change the controversial law.

Following multiple deaths of teens who participated in this challenge, TikTok has since blocked search results associated with the game.

Read: Albany Creek High School Students Raise Funds for Homeless Youth Accommodation Program

Whether this choking incident in Albany Creek was the result of a dangerous schoolboy prank or participation in the Blackout Challenge, parental oversight of social media activity and school action on risky pranks and similar activities are crucial to prevent similar tragedies.

Published 27-November-2023

Albany Creek SHS Students Build Solar-Powered Lights for Papua New Guinea Villages in Need

Well done to the students of Albany Creek State High School who are lighting the way for rural communities in Papua New Guinea by building solar-powered lights for them, guided by the Origin Energy Foundation and Australian charity SolarBuddy.

Read: Tesla Owners Explore Bunya Biogas: A Unique Alternative Energy Initiative in Brisbane

Around 270 Year 7 students at the school built about 100 solar lights as part of the Lights for Learning Program and to provide new opportunities for children living in energy poverty in Papua New Guinea.

Access to electricity in Papua New Guinea is dire, with only 13 percent of the population having reliable power, according to SolarBuddy.

Solar-Powered Lights — Participants of Lights for Learning Program (Photo supplied)

This severe lack of lighting after dark makes it difficult for children to study or read at night. As a result, an estimated 38 percent of Papua New Guinean children under eight years old cannot read or write.

Albany Creek State High School Principal Janelle Amos said the program offers a myriad of benefits for both students involved in the assembly of the solar-powered lights as well as those disadvantaged children living in light poverty.

“The learning aspect of this program aligns with science and geography curriculum as it involves students learning about the importance of renewable energy, which is critical at a time when the country is transitioning to cleaner energy technologies.

“This project also allows students to acknowledge that not all citizens have equal access to resources and, by participating in building a solar light with the intention of giving it to someone less fortunate, provides students with an opportunity to think of others.”

Head of the Origin Energy Foundation Michelle Zahra said, “Since this initiative began five years ago, more than 9,000 Australian students and their teachers, like those at Albany Creek State High School, have helped deliver more than 10,000 lights.

“With the introduction of SolarBuddy lights, children in PNG are studying 78 percent longer and reliance on kerosene and other dangerous fuels has been reduced by 8 percent,” said Ms Zahra.

“Since these fuels are also the single biggest expenditure for households, that money can now be spent on food, health and education.

Read: Stationery Aid Ltd in Bunya Shines as Finalist in the 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award

Ms Zahra added that origin volunteers who take part in these workshops find it incredibly rewarding to see the impact STEM education has on school students as they become global citizens for a day, discovering how simple renewable energy technologies can make a real difference to energy poverty.

Published 17-November-2023

Albany Creek State High School Among Queensland Schools Impacted by Asbestos Discoveries

Photo Credit: Queensland Government / asbestos.qld.gov.au

Over the past year, Queensland state schools, including Albany Creek State High School, have encountered numerous incidents of asbestos discoveries, with nearly 600 reported cases in 2022.

Read: Substantial Acreage on Bunya Now Preserved as a Koala Habitat

Out of the 575 reported asbestos incidents in 2022, Ithaca Creek State School in Bardon topped the list with 11 incidents. Additionally, three schools had ten incidents each, namely Mackay State High School, Woody Point Special School, and Woree State School. Meanwhile, Albany Creek State High School experienced two incidents last year.

Other schools in the top ten included Gordonvale State High School, Moorooka State School, Springwood Road State School, Harristown State School, Leichhardt State School, and Mitchelton State High School.

Whilst the 2022 figures indicate a slight decrease in asbestos incidents compared to 2021, the numbers remain higher than those recorded in 2019 and 2020.

In 2019, there were 542 incidents across 297 schools, followed by 568 incidents in 2020 across 302 schools. However, it further rose in 2021, with 740 incidents reported across 354 schools.

According to Education Minister Grace Grace, asbestos discoveries in schools built before the 1990s are not uncommon. The Department of Education acknowledges that with the increase in infrastructure upgrades and flood damage repairs, detecting it is more likely than ever.

She highlighted the importance of managing potential asbestos exposures and emphasised that not all reported cases in the database are confirmed incidents.

The department, she said, has implemented a comprehensive program for the safe management and removal of asbestos in schools. In addition, the government is investing in various initiatives such as the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program, the Advancing Clean Energy Schools solar panel program, and the Schools Refresh Program.

Read: TJM Brendale Celebrates 50 Years Of Empowering Off-road Enthusiasts With Cutting-edge Gear

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was once widely utilised in construction and various products worldwide. The presence of undamaged asbestos in buildings where people work or study does not pose an immediate danger.

However, individuals who frequently engage in activities such as repairs and renovations that could release asbestos fibres into the air are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. It particularly becomes hazardous to health when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled into the lungs.

Published 14-May-2023

Albany Creek SHS Students Clinch Top Honours at the Salute to Excellence Awards

A student of Albany Creek State High School clinched the top prize for Tourism whilst two other locals were recognised for their abilities in the annual 24th annual Salute to Excellence Awards.

After completing a rigorous Skills Test in June 2021, Linh Nguyen was named the Tourism winner with Georgia Newell as runner-up and Leisel Clements as a finalist. They all attend Albany Creek State High School.

The yearly event, mounted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s (QTIC), is a tough competition involving students, schools, employers and training organisations in the tourism and hospitality industry. The competitors were judged on their cooking skills in the commercial kitchen, abilities in food and beverage service, and tourism holiday itinerary presentation.

This year had one of the highest numbers of participants. Some 128 schools across Queensland take part in QTIC programs to encourage young talents to consider the tourism and hospitality industry as a career choice is essential to the growth of the sector.

“The Salute to Excellence Awards is a great stepping-stone into the industry and we take pride in seeing participants continue their journey to go on to be a chef, hotel manager, travel consultants, event managers and more,” QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said.

“The Salute to Excellence Awards is a terrific way to promote careers and to inspire both students and teachers in the incredible opportunities in tourism,” Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe as he congratulated the winners.

“Quality training leads to quality services and quality experiences for visitors – a vital ingredient for Queensland’s continued success. We need to celebrate the passion and achievements of these young, aspiring professionals and support them on their tourism journey.”

Here is the full list of winners:

Cookery Category

Winner: Abbey Kuhnell – Mount Saint Patrick College Murwillumbah
Runner Up: Erik Brown – Rochedale State High School
Finalist: Charlotte Fehser – South Bank Tafe
Finalist: Ethan Alborn – Helensvale State High School
Finalist: Hayden Drewett – Brisbane Bayside State College
Finalist: Henry Bibby – Brisbane Bayside State High School
Finalist: Cadence Purkis-Arthur – Kirwan State High School
Finalist: Shaeleigh Shearer – Calamvale Community College
Finalist: Liam Wooltorton – Helensvale State High School

Food & Beverage Category

Winner: Paris Foody – Riverside Christian College
Runner Up: Jay Lyblác – Tafe Queensland, Brisbane State High School
Finalist: Ava Croatta – Endeavour Christian College
Finalist: Emily Hudson – Riverside Christian College
Finalist: Jharlee Mcdermott – Kirwan State High School
Finalist: Micah Johnson – Riverside Christian College
Finalist: Sophie Doyle – Riverside Christian College

Tourism Category

Winner: Linh Nguyen – Albany Creek State High School
Runner Up: Georgia Newell – Albany Creek State High School
Finalist: Clay Robertson – St Patricks College
Finalist: Leisel Clements – Albany Creek State High School
Finalist: Chloe McConnell – Kirwan State High School

Teacher/Trainer Category

Winner: Leah Cremen – Calamvale Community College
Runner Up: Donna Jenkin – James Nash State High School

Albany Creek State High School Students Aiming for Salute to Excellence Awards

Three students from Albany Creek State High School battled it out with 21 other students from Queensland at the recently concluded 24th annual QTIC Salute to Excellence Awards Skills Test Day to gain the title of the best in the state in three categories: Tourism, Food and Beverage and Cookery.

At the start of 2021, the next generation of tourism and hospitality leaders participated at the Vocational Education and Training (VET) schools.

On 28 June 2021, all 24 competitors successfully completed the Skills Test where they went through a rigorous program comprising a cookery competition in a commercial kitchen, a food and beverage service competition, and a tourism holiday itinerary presentation. The students were also interviewed and assessed by a panel of judges.

The final judging round will close on 8 July and the winners will be announced during a special ceremony on 26 July at the Hilton Hotel.

“After I began my tourism course, working in the tourism industry became a serious consideration for my after-school career options. Salute to Excellence has given me the opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge and expand my experience with tourism,” Georgia Newell, the Albany Creek student said.

“I enjoy the ability to help people achieve and enjoy their dream holiday or experience. Having to push myself to prepare for Salute to Excellence has taught me so much about the tourism industry while also allowing me to expand my career options and passion for tourism.”

Fellow student Linh Nguyen was inspired to join the Salute to Excellence Awards after virtually witnessing the activities in 2020.

“After listening to the guest speakers front QTIC, and Young Tourism Ambassador, I was amazed by the opportunities available in the tourism industry. By entering the competition, I have challenged myself and gained valuable experiences,” Linh said, adding that the experience allowed the student to gain valuable and develop a professional resume.

Leisel Clements believed she could do well in the Salute to Excellence program after getting a nudge from her teacher.

“I read into it and became really interested as its a great opportunity to become a part of the tourism industry,” Leisel said.

“I most enjoy learning about the domestic tourism in Australia, specifically Outback Queensland as not many people hear about it too often. I’m hoping to gain more knowledge and experience that in future I can apply in the tourism industry.”

QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said that it was inspiring to watch the students compete with passion.

“With the current skill shortages, it has never been more important to support emerging professionals and equipping them with the skills to take on the opportunities our industry offers,” Mr Gschwind said. “It is important to put a spotlight on the importance of vocational education and training in secondary schools across the state, that is where we will find the next leaders in for industry”.

To learn more about the Salute to Excellence Awards, visit the Queensland Tourism Industry Council website.

$6M Learning Centre at Albany Creek State High Now Underway

Photo credit: qld.gov.au

Flexible and modern learning spaces await the students of Albany Creek State High School now that the construction for the $6-million centre has commenced.

The new building will have four general learning areas, two flexible learning spaces, a robotics lab, two covered outdoor collaborative learning spaces, a development area and amenities, as well as associated storage, data and prep rooms.

Apart from facilities for the students, it will also cater for the school’s growing teacher population, as there will be inclusion of new offices and a staff room equipped with a kitchen.

“The entire school community is looking forward to this new multi-purpose building, which will support our students to pursue their passions in mathematics, science, robotics, and the creative arts,” Albany Creek State High School Principal Janelle Amos said.

Principal Amos added that the new learning centre was designed to be responsive to the changing learning needs of students and flexible teaching practices.

Works for the new building is due for completion in November and will be ready for use in 2020. Students have been fully briefed in relation to movement around the site to ensure their safety.

Education Minister Grace Grace, who turned the ceremonial first sod on the site of the centre on 20 February 2019, believes the new learning centre is an important investment in the future of this growing school.

The project will be delivered as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s 2020 Ready program. The program aims to deliver the infrastructure needed to manage the increased student population in high schools resulting from the introduction of Prep in 2007.

“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to be investing in local school infrastructure in our state schools to support teaching and learning. We recognise the importance of this work to create productive and stimulating learning environments while supporting jobs and the local economy,” Ms Grace said.

Unison Projects Develops Former Garden Centre Site into Resort-Style Inspired Community

Albany Creek is set to host Preston Point, one of the biggest townhouse developments in and around Brisbane. The site, located at the former Hawkins Garden Centre site at 623 Albany Creek Road, will be developed into a 74-townhouse, resort-styled private community.

Coined as a “truly green community” settling on the banks of Albany Creek, Preston Point will feature communal vegetable gardens, fire pits, a large lawn area that’s perfect for community football games, alongside leisure amenities such as a 16-metre swimming pool for residents that is aesthetically wrapped around a deck, BBQ areas, and a bocce court.

Honoring the Area’s Historical Roots

Nestled within the 3.2-hectare site are Albany Creek’s famous 100-year-old fig trees. These iconic figures will be lovingly retained and will populate the extensively designed private green open space in the upcoming community.
During the project’s conceptualization, developer Unison Projects hosted a “naming competition” among the students of Albany Creek State High School. All the students were invited to suggest a name for the budding community and cite their inspiration behind the name.

Winning entries came from students Madalyn Martin, Stephanie McBean, and Kirra Young. Their entry “Preston Point” was inspired by John Preston, the man who originally bought the land in 1865. Each of the girls won $100 from Unison Projects and were also presented certificates by Albany Creek’s Mayor Mike Charlton.

Breaking New Ground in Green, Urban Living

Preston Point boasts of a rare taste of urban living and green natural space, located conveniently 12km away from Brisbane’s CBD and within easy reach of local amenities and infrastructure. Homes are refreshingly ensconced within natural surrounds.

Buyers can choose from 18 varieties of terrace designs, numerous stunning facades and a variety of two-, three- and four-bedroom designs. All units also feature 2.5 bathrooms and a 2-car garage. A few units will also feature a ground floor master bedroom with ensuite bath.

The $37 million estate is currently in the construction stage, after a year of civil works in the site. As a major infrastructure development in the area, Preston Point is certainly going to change the landscape of community living in the Albany Creek area.

Photo Credit: Albany Creek StateHigh School/Facebook