St Andrew’s Anglican College in Peregian Springs will commemorate its 20 birthday this week, celebrating the Vision and Spirit it took to grow from a block of land to a leading school in just two decades.
Opening its doors to the community in 2003, St Andrew’s started its journey with 163 students from Prep to Year 7 and 18 staff under the direction of Foundation Principal Sue Simon. The grounds comprised of just four buildings – Stage 1 of the College Master Plan.
Now in its twentieth year, the College has grown significantly, at capacity with 1450 students, employing more than 400 staff and boasting world-class facilities.
The campus has grown and developed, with Stage 14 of the masterplan including multi-use playing courts/field and undercover car parking opening by the end of this year.
Stage 15, due to start at the end of 2023, will feature a $50m Performing Arts centre, to be built in two stages, in between the construction of a $20m STEAM facility.
Sue Simon said in her reflections of those first years, “Having the privilege of leading the College in the early days has been the honour of my career.”
“The highlight of those days was interviewing students for enrolment, and I came up with the brainwave of making a very ordinary small office look more ‘school-like’, by displaying the drawings of the children who had come in for interview. I asked them to draw a picture of what they wanted their new school to be like and soon enough, the garish yellow walls of our cramped conditions came alive with the creativity of my future students, and I could start to be excited for them – and for us all.”
From its initial inception, community, building relationships and providing opportunities has always been at the core, three driving factors Principal Chris Ivey identifies as key to the College’s success.
“When the doors first opened in 2003, we had a focus on seeing each student as an individual, knowing their learning and developmental needs are different. We embraced and supported that, within our own limitations,” he said.
“We have held true to what we believe, about valuing people, relationships, about providing opportunities, to allow students to learn more about themselves.”
As the College looks to the future, Mr Ivey said the challenge is to continue to stay true to those values as a much larger school but remain curious and courageous to change and improve what is needed to achieve the best outcomes for all students.
“We have the same challenge to keep going, to keep thinking, keep looking, keep researching, knowing it is about enabling our students to achieve their personal best in whatever context we offer, both within and outside the classroom,” Mr Ivey said.
“It will always be our job to enable each student to progress in their education, but also in their character and to begin to figure out who they are in the world, what their values are and how they will contribute to their community.
“There is not a one size fits all to the education of each student and that is why over the past 20 years we have adapted, changed, refined and improved; to ensure we reflect the fact that we want to do the best we can.”
In a move to give back to the community, the College has initiated a 20th Year Foundation Scholarship, offering 100 per cent remission of tuition fees for the duration of a secondary education, for a student/s who would not otherwise be able to afford a St Andrew’s Education.
The Foundation Scholarship will be offered to a student who demonstrates and embodies the values and characteristics of what it means to be a St Andrew’s student and celebrates those who are curious, courageous and committed to the pursuit of excellence to achieve their personal best.
For the past 20 years, St Andrew’s Anglican College has been inspiring students to achieve their best through providing an outstanding educational experience alongside an unrivalled co-curricular program, and the recipient must show a commitment to be engaged in all aspects of College life, embrace new challenges, make the most of opportunities, is committed to their studies, supports others in their journey and show determination to pursue their dreams
Additionally, the College will host their annual Foundation Day on Friday 21 July, including the running of the Diamond Dash, a highly coveted inter-house relay across all year levels, which began in that first year in 2003.
A new Alumni versus staff race will also be introduced as a new tradition.
Celebrations will continue and open up to the entire community on Saturday 22 July, with the College’s annual Community Fair from 1pm to 8pm, presented by Mortgage Choice Peregian beach and Noosaville and Total Tools Noosaville.
There will be rides, plenty of food trucks, stalls and fireworks. Live and Local music, including Sunshine Coast schools Battle of the Bands, will feature on the Peregian Beach Hotel stage kicking on until late with 10 Toes and Sunshine and Sons pouring local brews.
For more information visit saac.qld.edu.au/college-fair/ or saac.qld.edu.au/enrolment/scholarships/
