Queensland Department of Education

Victoria's teachers once saved her life. Now she's making sure school staff are the ones being looked after.

In 1988, 14 year old Victoria boarded the Jupiter cruise liner alongside 475 other British students and teachers for a week-long educational voyage. Less than an hour in, a freight ship struck the vessel and it began to sink off the coast of Athens.

Fortunately her teachers got her to safety. Decades on, that day still shapes the work she does.

It led her to a Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Coordinator role at Pine Rivers Special School Community.

'I'm passionate about safety, because my teachers saved my life and now, I want to give back to them,' she said.

Before roles like hers existed, safety work landed on teachers on top of their classroom and leadership duties. WHS Coordinators now help schools strengthen safety practices, respond to incidents, identify risks before they escalate, and support staff to return to work safely after a work-related injury.

This year, coordinators have been recruited across all 46 of Queensland state special schools- a first step towards an additional new 139 WHS Coordinators delivered over four years.

'Most schools we work with have never had this specialised support before, so it's critical we keep connected, share expertise and learn from each other along the way.

Victoria is now helping induct the newest cohort.

'These days are incredibly important. Because I've been in the role for a couple of years, I can pass along my learnings and give specific examples of what has worked so new co-ordinators can hit the ground running.'

Thank you, Victoria. The profession is lucky to have you!

870 students. 65 schools. One giant virtual classroom.

Earlier this week, hundreds of our students from across the state logged in together for Queensland's Biggest Classroom, a virtual lesson marking Queensland Day this Saturday.

Students in Years 5 and 6 tackled a question bigger than the Big Pineapple: what makes a Queenslander? 🤔🍍

From iconic landmarks and historical moments to local legends, favourite foods and industries, they shared what they reckon makes our state unique.

Among them was Charlie from Abergowrie State School, who logged in from North Queensland to join hundreds of other students in one virtual classroom. 💻

The event was hosted by the Queensland Virtual Academy (QVA), and marked the academy's first birthday, capping a year in which it delivered more than 13,000 lessons to students right across the state.

'Hosting the Biggest Lesson is exciting for the QVA. Enabling students to access quality learning experiences, no matter where they are, is our core mission,' said QVA Principal Gavin.

'The spirit of Queensland Day is celebrating the state's culture, diversity and achievements and, by hosting this lesson, we highlight the importance of education and fostering a sense of unity and pride among students.'

And the QVA itself? It's not a one-off event but an ongoing virtual academy. It beams specialist subjects and lessons into classrooms across the state in real time, with a dedicated teacher leading each one, while students stay enrolled at their local school.

Now we want to hear from you 👀 what are your favourite Queensland icons, places or moments?

We'll go first: established in 1850, the Warwick East State School holds a special place in our hearts as our oldest continuously operating state school. 🏫💙

Tell us yours in the comments. 👇

She built a career on words, but Jackie French once struggled to get them on to the page. ✍️

The award-winning children’s author of more than 200 books, including the beloved ‘Diary of a Wombat’, credits two Queensland state school teachers with changing the course of her life. 📚

At Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School, Miss Davis saw something others might have missed.

‘Miss Davis spent hours guiding my hand to help me write. Without her I'd have been illiterate,’ Jackie said.

‘She made me realise I could read fluently, but I was unable to write and had problems focusing on numbers and single words.’

Years later at Brisbane State High School another teacher helped shape her future.

‘Mrs Pauli gave me great books to read and it wasn’t until decades later, when we finally met again, she told me she spent weeks finding the exact literature she thought I needed,’ she said.

‘It was the best possible education for a writer. But the kindness and confidence she showed in giving me those books meant far more.

‘She knew I’d be a good writer. I owe her my career.’ ❤️

Jackie says those experiences didn’t just prepare her for university, they set her up for life.

‘It was possibly the most superb education possible for a girl in Australia back then, developed by dedicated teachers, who hunted for every possible way to challenge gifted students,’ she said.

Jackie said teachers and stories have the power to change lives.

‘The best possible investment for our future is the education we give our kids. Giving time can be far more valuable than money,’ she said.

‘A book can change a child’s life. A book can change the world.’

Thanks Jackie for sharing your story — a powerful reminder of the impact great teachers can have.

At noon last Wednesday, children, parents and teachers across Australia stopped what they were doing to read the very same book at the very same moment. 🦘

That's the magic of National Simultaneous Storytime, an annual event run by the Australian Library and Information Association, now in its 26th year. One picture book, read aloud together, all at once, in classrooms, libraries, lounge rooms and bookshops nationwide.

This year's book was Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller.

And while most schools gathered indoors, students at Mena Creek State School in Far North Queensland took story time somewhere far more memorable: the rainforest surrounds of Paronella Park. 🌿📚

Best reading nook in Queensland? They might be onto something.

You may have spotted the bright green and yellow sunflower lanyards out and about lately. They’re becoming a simple but powerful symbol of inclusion and understanding. 🌻

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia & New Zealand is a simple way for people with non-visible disabilities to signal they may need support, understanding or extra time.

For Maryborough State High School principal Simon Done, a proud Hidden Disabilities Sunflower wearer, the initiative has become much more than a symbol.

After being introduced to the initiative by a school guest last year, Simon brought the program into the workplace at the beginning of this year.

School staff wear sunflower lanyards or white supporter lanyards and pins to help foster understanding, inclusion and conversation.

‘This is not a “bolt on” or “box tick” in the school,’ says Mr Done.

‘It is felt, lived and believed by so many. It can be a great conversation starter.

‘It’s a little thing but has a huge impact.’

Across the globe, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is helping create more understanding for people with non-visible disabilities. Through our EnAbled Workforce Strategy, initiatives like this are helping foster more inclusive workplaces and school communities.

Small symbols can start important conversations. 💚💛

Senior jerseys off, Maroons jerseys ON. ❤️

Proof Queensland state schools don’t just shape graduates…we also shape Maroons. Good luck to all our former students representing the Maroons in Game 1 tonight.

Let's show ‘em how Queensland does it. 💪🏉

Every young person who walks through the gates of Northern Beaches State High School - Townsville is capable of great things. Principal Thomas Frankling's job is to make sure they know it. 🌏🎓

That belief has earned him a place at Harvard University after being awarded the prestigious Harvard Principals’ Scholarship.

'Excellence is not defined by post code. This scholarship sends a clear message to our students and school community that we "walk the talk".

When Mr Frankling first heard about the scholarship, he didn’t think he had much chance of receiving it.

‘My school coach and colleague, Liz, encouraged me to apply. She challenged me to be brave, like I do with my students, and that’s why I took the chance. I’m grateful for that nudge.

‘It’s about having that growth mindset, and I think people respond when leaders do as well as say.'

Later this year, Mr Frankling will travel to the Harvard Graduate School of Education alongside fellow scholarship recipients Dr Ruth Winfield from Vincentia High School and Ms Caroline David from Woonona High School, pictured here. 📸

Recipients are selected by an independent panel based on demonstrated leadership, commitment to public education, and the capacity to translate the Harvard experience into lasting improvement for their school and community.

Mr Frankling has led Northern Beaches for the past few years, after more than two decades in state education across teaching and leadership roles in regional Queensland.

'I'm looking forward to connecting with principals from around the world and learning from scholars and colleagues that are transforming communities through education.

'That’s the "big picture" of what I'm hoping to come back with, as well as a Harvard hoodie for my kids.’

While hoodies in Townsville might be up for debate, what isn't is Mr Frankling's dedication to his school community.

‘The thing that really defines our school community is our strong sense of belonging and the way staff support our students.'

Big congrats, Mr Frankling — hoodie reveal pending. 🧥👀

A kid from outback Queensland is now running news operations at CBS in New York. 🗽

Ross Dagan grew up in Blackall — a town of around 1,300 people in the remote Central West — and walked through the gates of Blackall State School for the first time in 1976.

Fifty years later, he's the Executive Vice President of News Operations and Transformation for CBS News and Stations, one of America's most iconic broadcasting institutions. 📺

He credits it all to where he started.

'Despite relative remoteness, the school being smaller was often better,' Ross said.

'The intensity and focus of that supercharged the educational opportunity.’

Ross said he was lucky enough to find "that" teacher on his very first day of school.

'Miss Marie Messer had a profound impact on my life, and many others from Blackall,' he said.

'In many respects, she set up what the next 12 years of my life would be like in a safe, supportive environment where there was opportunity for all who wanted it.'

A global career spanning five countries followed. But Ross says the most important thing he learned had nothing to do with media.

'The most important thing I learned at school was respect,' he said.

'My mum cleaned at the nearby pre-school. My dad built fences for some of the big stations around Blackall. They taught me, and my hometown taught me, to respect all around you.

'That has helped me walk into any room in the world and not only be proud of where I am from, confident I am qualified to be there, but also respectful of the people and the circumstance.'

Today, there are 90 students enrolled at Blackall State School, serving a close-knit community roughly 1,000km north-west of Brisbane.

It’s one of more than 1,250 Queensland state schools ensuring students in rural and remote communities have access to a quality education, no matter where they call home.

Blackall State School's motto is "Strong foundations – broad horizons.”

For Ross, it turned out to be a promise kept.

Thanks, Ross, for sharing your story and reminding us that some of the most remarkable careers can start a long way from the spotlight!