An impressive set of refurbished sporting facilities to help young students learn and develop skills in basketball, volleyball, tennis, handball and cricket, was officially opened today at Shailer Park State School last week.
Shailer Park State School principal Káren Kuskey was passionate about the positive effect the refurbished facilities will continue to have on young students and the community.
“The impact of these enhanced sporting facilities on our school community is amazing and I can’t explain just how grateful we all are for the benefits they will bring to both our school and the broader community, for many years to come,” Ms Kuskey said.
Ms Kuskey said 2022 had been a huge year, trying to find “our new normal” and to keep the consistency of school for students who are “the constant”.
“Our basketball courts are open, after lots of delays with weather and man power we made it,” she said.
“When I arrived at Shailer Park 18 months ago, I saw the courts and was determined that our students would play on something better. This is now what we have, courts that will inspire new players and better players from this community.
“Thank you to Mick de Brenni for his support of our school, it was a great privilege to have him open our courts and also have some fun with our students.”
Logan Thunder basketball coach Greg Day was also there to run some drills with students and teachers.
Basketball Queensland donated some balls to the school.
“As we move into 2023, we have lots of new projects underway, with new amenities block currently under construction and we will start next year with a total refurbishment of our tuckshop,” Ms Kuskey said.
“A very big thank you to our P&C who with the support of our school community made a huge financial contribution to this project to make it happen.
Education Minister Grace Grace was represented at last week’s courts opening by Springwood MP Mick de Brenni.
“Congratulations to the whole school community on today’s official opening of more than $200,000 worth of upgraded facilities, awaited by young students with much excitement,” he said.
“The state government delivered a budget this year focussed on good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle for Queenslanders.
“Today’s official opening is just one example, where state government funding has refurbished the surfaces of basketball courts at the school, installing new line marking and holes for flexible nets, so they can accommodate tennis and volleyball.
“It’s also provided all new poles, backboards, pads and nets and the whole basketball court area is now fenced for safety, with a 1.2m wide gate for easy access.
“The funding also refurbished cricket pitches and handball courts, with new line marking, synthetic cricket turf and fencing, with some of the internal fencing across the project being retractable.
“This avoids interrupting games going on side by side, reducing time running after stray balls, so students can spend more time refining their skills.”
He said it was great to see that students, as well as local community groups in the Shailer Park area can enjoy more active sports, play, and healthy competition, using the new facilities.
“I acknowledge and thank the Shailer Park State School P&C for contributing some $30,000 towards the facilities which is another stellar effort from the team,” he said.
