Jamboree Heights is an unusual name for a suburb from which the school takes its name. The following background explains how it evolved:
1959-1974
In the Christmas/New Year period of 1967 - 1968 the Eighth Australian Scout Jamboree was held and approximately 15 000 Scouts from 20 nations attended. They camped in the area now known as Jamboree Heights, which opened as a suburb in 1969. Thus many street names, for example Guide Street, Brownie Street, Patrol Street and Emblem Street reflect the early beginnings of the area. The kookaburra was chosen by L.J.HOOKER as the emblem for the suburb and also the school’s icon, as, before development destroyed natural habitats, the area abounded with many native fauna, among which were large colonies of kookaburras, whose noisy laughter made them a feature of the surrounding bushland. The suburb has maintained some native forest pockets. Galahs, parrots and white cockatoos still frequent the native trees, whilst tame possums visit the school play shed and gardens to the great delight of the children who enjoy seeing them. In the early days of the school, koala sightings were not uncommon, and still today, residents claim that they are still around, though in smaller numbers.
1974- 2006
Jamboree Heights State School was meant to open in late January 1974, but on the first day of school there were no teachers and no students present! Brisbane was in the grip of the worst flood since 1893 and our school, along with three quarters of the city, was under water. Completion of the school was delayed and for some weeks after the flood waters had subsided, the enrolled students had to be accommodated at nearby Jindalee State School. Eventually, however, the Principal, Mr Basil Beanland, his staff of six teachers and one secretary and 160 pupils, settled into the new school. Upon Mr Beanland's retirement in late 1979, the name of the street at the front of the school was changed, and today it bears his name. During 1985/86, the school numbers peaked at 1016, but with the opening of the Good News Lutheran School opposite and nearby Middle Park State Primary School, the enrolment dropped to a more manageable 700. Facilities at the school improved, which included the opening of the pool in 1986.
