Centenary Heights State High School - QLD State Award Winner
21 October 2010
Congratulations to Centenary Heights State High School in Toowoomba, QLD, who were last night named State Impact Award Winner for their partnership with The Older Mens Network (TOMNET).
The school will receive a total of $100,000 towards their school-community partnership and will now represent QLD for the title of National Impact Award Winner where they could receive a further $400,000 in funding. The National Award Winner will be announced at a ceremony in Sydney on 26 November.
The partnership with TOMNET provides mentoring to students from Years 10-12 who are at risk of dropping out of formal education. TOMNET members volunteer their time to assist and support teachers and students on a weekly basis through building relationships, improving numeracy and literacy and undertaking specific projects. They also provide monetary donations to purchase equipment, improve facilities and provide food for the students.
Jodi Cryan, Head of NAB Schools First, said that this is a genuine partnership and one Schools First is proud to declare a State Impact winner.
"This impressive program offers students a second chance and has been strategically developed to answer a specific need at the school," said Jodi.
"The relationships that have formed between students and seniors are steeped in vocational mentoring and the learning exchanged helps retain students who might otherwise be at risk of leaving formal education at a senior level."
“The education of young people rests on the shoulders of the entire community, and this is a shining example of how students can flourish when school and community work together."
“The calibre of NAB Schools First Local Impact award winners has been formidable. This year, we received 880 incredibly strong applications from around the country, including 13 outstanding local Impact award winning partnerships from QLD, so Centenary Heights State High School has every reason to feel exceptionally proud of their achievements."
"We hope that these funds will allow the partnership to continue to thrive and benefit more young people.”
To date, NAB Schools First has awarded $10.15 million to 195 Australian schools to support and sustain their effective school-community partnerships. Another $5 million in funding will be available to schools in 2011.
