Blog

New Mango Hill Secondary School Principal Welcomed with Open Arms

Education Minister Grace Grace has announced Michael Rogers as the foundation principal of Mango Hill’s new secondary school, which will welcome the first year 7 and 8 students in 2020.

Ms Grace said Mr Rogers started out as a HPE and science teacher at Indooroopilly in 2001 and has taken up a number of principal roles since, marking 10 years of leadership in July this year.

“I’m delighted to congratulate Michael on his appointment and I have every confidence he will succeed,” Ms Grace said.

“Michael’s been given the unique opportunity of leading a new school from scratch, starting in the role on the first day of term 3.

“He is the current Acting Principal at Sunnybank State High School, and over the past 12 months has worked as principal at Pine Rivers State High School and Everton Park State High School.

“Michael was also the former Deputy Principal of Kenmore State High School where he started in 2009 so he’s no stranger to leading high schools.”

Murrumba MP Steven Miles welcomed Mr Rogers’ appointment, marking another milestone for the Mango Hill community.

“It’s great to have a principal on board at this state-of-the-art $64 million school which will welcome up to 350 year 7 and 8 students on day one of the 2020 school year,” Mr Miles said.

“The school will eventually accommodate up to 2000 students in years 7-12.

“Michael has plenty of experience up his sleeve and I have no doubt he will do a great job at Mango Hill.

“The local community can’t wait for the school to open, with plenty of parents interested in enrolling their children at the school as the area continues to grow.

“Population forecasts show secondary student numbers will increase from just over 2800 to 4650 students in the Mango Hill and North Lakes areas in the next two decades.”

Ms Grace said there’s just over 200 days left until the school opens.

“Stage One of Mango Hill will include an admin building, information services centre, junior general learning centre, central covered eating area and canteen, sports centre and an oval,” she said.

“The first stage will also deliver a science centre, including junior applied technology and hospitality.

“The contractor FK Gardner and Sons are doing a great job on site, with the project supporting 170 full-time jobs.”

Mr Rogers said he was honoured to make another positive difference in the education of young Queenslanders.

“I’m really excited to take on this challenge and shape the direction of this new school,” Mr Rogers said.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the school community, taking a collaborative approach as we all work towards the first students commencing at the school from Term 1, 2020.”

Ms Grace said the Mango Hill school was one of eight new schools opening in Queensland in 2020, investing approximately $438 million and supporting almost 1400 jobs.

These include Mango Hill, a new state secondary college in Fortitude Valley, new secondary schools in Coomera, Calliope, Yarrabilba and Ripley Valley, a new primary school in Ripley Valley, and a new special school in Caboolture.

For more information on the new high school at Mango Hill visit: www.qld.gov.au/buildingeducation

07/08/2019 | mandah

Construction of Mango Hill State High School gets Underway

A new state secondary school will be delivered by the Department of Education, on a 14.1 hectare site at Mango Hill, opening to Year 7 students in Term 1, 2020.

Master planned to accommodate up to 1700 students across Years 7 to 12, the Mango Hill State Secondary School site is currently being excavated with building construction due to commence shortly.

The North Lakes and Mango Hill area is one of the fastest growing areas in Queensland with population growth averaging more than 2,000 per annum since 2006. Rapid population growth is forecast to continue over the medium to longer term with the local population expected to exceed 45,000 by 2036. Within this population, the proportion of school aged and pre-school aged exceeds the state average placing an additional burden on local schools.

The Department has completed schematic design and a detailed business case for this new school in conjunction with Building Queensland. The contract for the design of the new school was awarded to FK Gardner & Sons (FKG) in March 2019. Preparation works, including demolition works and the installation of fencing, were undertaken following acquisition of the site late in 2018.
The site acquisition caused a controversy within the Community and many were sad to see their beloved Mango Hill Goat Farm close its’ doors to the many public open days, usually held for the purpose of raising funds to assist other community members.

The site is bound by Capestone Residential Estate to the north, which was another issue of contention to the residents of the Estate.

Kinsellas Road East is a Council sub-arterial road, and has been identified for future upgrades to become a ‘future Council local collector’ (also known as the North-South Urban Arterial (NSUA)). Richard Road is a partially formed road at a rural standard and is marked as a future Council local collector road also.

It has been determined that there are some less than ideal areas of the site, specifically the low lying north-eastern corner, which will be used as the sports oval, as it is unable to accommodate any school related building infrastructure and dedication of land to the future North-South Urban Arterial road along Kinsellas Road East and Richard Road frontages of the site. Furthermore, ensuring school infrastructure is outside the radius of the telecommunications tower east of the site is a health consideration.

The concentration of the school campus is to be built on the highest and widest part of the site. The proposed buildings within the school grounds will comprise of a mix of heights between one and three storeys. The design also creates separate Junior and Senior learning areas that will consolidate cohort years within a defined area.

The catchment zone is still to be determined, however it appears as though it will split the existing North Lakes State College catchment area, and will extend generally along Kedron Brook to the north, west towards Anzac Avenue and south towards Freshwater Creek / Hays Inlet. The final catchment boundary will be determined through further consultation between the Department of Education and local school principals closer to the school opening date.

Enrolments will open following the appointment of a foundation school principal in mid-2019.

Parents and carers interested in enrolling their children at this new school are encouraged to sign up for updates via the project website: https://yoursay.buildingfutureschools.advancingeducation.qld.gov.au/new-schools

15/05/2019 | mandah

MHSS Farewells Principal Tracy Egan

Mango Hill State School farewells their foundation Principal, Tracy Egan.

After eight years as Principal at Mango Hill State School, Tracy Egan has stepped down.

A Guard of Honour was held by teachers and students as a tribute for her as she walked out of the school on Friday 5th April.

Tracy was appointed as Foundation Principal for Mango Hill State School, which opened in 2012 with 244 enrolled students. Today there are approximately 1240 students enrolled, as well as over 140 staff members.

Tracy oversaw many fantastic achievements, including:

– State Finalist in the 2017 Showcase Awards for Excellence in School National Wakakirri winners for 2018.

– Eight new building projects throughout the years including the Prep/Year 1 and Senior class double storey buildings and the Dock (Support Services). There were many other smaller building projects, such as the multipurpose court and most recently the shade structure over the Piazza.

– MHSS hosted four Mud Runs – a fundraising event never before held by a school.

– A new school bus route to cater for the growing number of students in the catchment.

– Outstanding academic results and one of the top performing state schools in the region.

There’s no doubt the school community will miss her inspirational leadership

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your kind words, emails, cards, gifts and kindness over this period and particularly with the guard of honour. I am truly overwhelmed and feel so blessed to have had the privilege of opening and leading our school community. I will miss the children enormously and look forward to popping in from time to time to see them all”, Tracy said.

14/05/2019 | mandah

Community News & Views

Have Your Say on Mango Hill State High School

The proposal for Mango Hill State School has been lodged.

It is due to be opened in 2020 and will accommodate 1500 students.

Residents can make a submission, on or before the 24th of January 2019, to the Infrastructure Designation team at: infastructuredesignation@dsdmip.qld.gov.au or mail to: The Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning – Planning Group, PO Box 15009, City East, QLD 4002. If you have any questions, call 1300 967 433.

05/12/2018 | mandah

North Lakes Residents Reject Golf Course Proposal

On 21st November, the Mango Hill Community Hall was filled to capacity with over 120 residents (bulk coming from North Lakes) to hear Representatives of TVRG (Proposers of a Retirement Village on what is now the North Lakes Golf Course) and the Save North Lakes Golf Course Management Committee participate in a public forum, moderated Laurence Christie, President of the Mango Hill Progress Association.

The Proposers were represented by Justin Harrison of TVRG, Simon Forsayth (Town Planner) and Peter Kelly (Consultant). The Save North Lakes Golf Course Management Committee was represented by Phillip Carlson, Ryan Harris and Matt Williamson, Justin Harrison opened the Forum to make it clear that the Golf Course would close, his retirement village would be built, taking up 11 hectares of the 70 hectare Golf Course with some 57 hectares being returned to the community as “open space” for which he was seeking community comment on its future use.

In return, Phillip, Ryan and Matt were adamant that there were significant legal questions as to the validity of TVRG’s proposals and that North Lakes residents who had purchased their homes on the bases that the Golf Club was central to the then Mango Hill Development Control Plan (DCP) from its inception, had every right to expect that the North Lakes Golf Course should remain in its current status.

Some 20 residents asked a series of direct and general questions of the Developers as to why the Golf Club could not be retained, the future plans of the owners and seeking guarantees and detailed plans for the future proposed open space. Though passionate at times, the general demeanour of those present was in the main orderly and respectful.)

In short, TVRG failed to convince residents of the merits of the proposed changes with very little detail of those changes being presented.

Written by Laurence Christie

04/12/2018 | mandah

Wakakirri Announces National Story of the Year Winner…Mango Hill State School Takes the Primary Title!

Mango Hill State School in Queensland has claimed the top award in the biggest performing arts festival for schools in Australia!

Wakakirri is Australia’s largest performing arts event for primary and secondary schools. This year’s search for the Story of the Year saw 240 schools hit the stage at 40 events at professional theatres around the country.

Mango Hill State School took out Story of the Year with their inspiring performance ‘What About the Children?’, in which a young boy discovers a way to make a difference when he learns about children who have been left homeless after a hurricane in Haiti. This was the school’s fifth year participating in Wakakirri and their first time winning Story of the Year.

Mango Hill showed everyone that they too can become a “helping hero” in a performance the Wakakirri National Panel called “visually and creatively sensational”. The students also became real life helping heroes, dancing for donations just like the characters in their story and donating money raised to the Save The Children Foundation.

Big stories about big issues have been at the forefront of Wakakirri this year. Popular themes explored by students have included reconciliation, environmental conservation and mental health.
Wakakirri provides a platform for thousands of students to tell stories that explore their thoughts, ideas and aspirations through dance and drama.

Other national winners in Wakakirri’s Primary Challenge include Carranballac P-9 College, Seaforth Public School, Sacred Heart Primary School Thornlie, St Philip’s Christian College Gosford, Torrens Primary School, Enoggera State School, Jells Park Primary School, Rose Park Primary School and Richmond North Public School.

In the Secondary Challenge, New South Wales school Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Tumbi Umbi Campus took out Story of the Year for their stirring interpretation of John Marsden’s ‘The
Rabbits’ .

The Wakakirri Story Dance Challenge will return in 2019. Registrations open now, see website for details: www.wakakirri.com

08/11/2018 | mandah

Mango Hill Armistice Centenary Festival

We Remember 1918-2018

One hundred years ago, on 11 November 1918, four bloody years of brutal conflict came to an end. Almost 62,000 Australians died fighting for our freedom and in service of our nation in WWI.

As a celebration of this significant event in our history, the Mango Hill Progress Association has proudly organised the Mango Hill Armistice Centenary Festival for the entire community to come together and celebrate.

This Festival is a free family orientated event that will commemorate the Centenary of the Armistice of 11/11/1918 that led to the cessation of fighting on the Western front to end World War I.

Chris Whiting, MP for Bancroft, said that “The signing of the Armistice on 11 November 1918 brought an end to the horrors of the First World War, and I am pleased that the Mango Hill Progress Association has been chosen to help our community commemorate the centenary.

“The Mango Hill Progress Association have a history of running great events for our community, and I have no doubt that the Armistice Day Festival will be another event that is embraced by the local community.

“The Mango Hill Progress Association has been granted nearly $10,000 in funding from the Queensland Government to run their Centenary of Armistice Day Festival.

“The funding for this festival will allow our community to better commemorate our service men and women,” Chris Whiting said.

Laurence Christie, Mango Hill Progress Association President said that the event will provide an opportunity for the local community to remember and commemorate the final months of the First World War.

“We will have period music, static displays and other entertainment to provide an enjoyable experience for the entire family,” Mr Christie said.

The Festival will feature free rides for kids, a re-enactment of the actual signing of the Armistice by students of Grace College in an official Ceremony, a theatre presentation of the “Journey of a Bugle through WW1”, participation of Army Cadet Unit, re-enactors in Period Uniform and period musical entertainment by Fin Taylor’s WW1 Ensemble.

Ringing of the Bells: At 7.00pm at the very moment that was 11.00am on the Western Front, 150 Bells will chime out over Danzy Buchanan Park to replicate the Bells chiming out of the Churches of Europe at that time and the Guns falling silent to end the fighting. Shortly after at 7.05pm, KC’s Fireworks Spectacular Finale will light up the night sky as a Celebration of the end of WW1.

Join in on Sunday 11th November, from 2pm at Danzy Buchanan Park, Mango Hill Village.

08/11/2018 | mandah

Attempted Murder Appeal

Detectives have released vision of a vehicle believed to be linked to an incident last week where a man was stabbed at Mango Hill.

The 46-year-old man attended a property on Lamington Road around 12.30pm on October 10 when his vehicle was prevented from passing by a white hatchback parked on the roadway with a man standing beside it.

The victim exited his vehicle to speak with the man when another two vehicles pulled up behind, blocking him in as the man approached him armed with a knife.

Investigations indicate at this point the man lunged at the victim a number of times, striking him in the torso.

The victim grabbed a metal pole, using it on his attacker and hit him a number of times, injuring him before he entered the white hatchback.

The man drove from the scene with the other two vehicles following behind.

The victim was transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with a serious but non-life-threatening stab wounds.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen a small white sedan or similar model in the area around the time of the incident to come forward.

It is believed the vehicle sustained a smashed rear window during the incident and was reportedly missing a rear registration plate.

Police are also concerned for the health of the man due to possible injuries sustained during the incident.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP1801883527

17/10/2018 | mandah

Plans Unveiled for Mango Hill School Bus Route

The Queensland Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council have unveiled plans for a new bus route to service Mango Hill State School’s growing community.

State Member for Murrumba Steven Miles said the proposed, dedicated bus route would drive along Napier Avenue, Campbell Drive and Capestone Road before and after school.

“Parents have told us they want more travel options for their kids, and I’m pleased to announce that the state government, Translink and council are working to make this happen,” Mr
Miles said.

“Students will be able to walk out their front door in the morning, hop straight onto a bus and arrive safely at the school gate.

“It will take cars off the road and ease overall congestion in Mango Hill during peak drop-off and pick-up times.”

Division 4 Councillor Julie Greer said council would upgrade the Campbell Drive and Jepson Street roundabout to allow a dedicated bus service to safely manoeuvre through the proposed route.

“In coming months, crews will get stuck into upgrading the roundabout, widening the intersection and replacing the existing curbs with more suitable painted lines and skirting,” Cr Greer said.

“The planned roadworks and bus service means we’ll have reduced congestion during peak times and that our parents won’t have to queue every day to drop off or pick up their young ones safely.

“It’s a fantastic announcement for the community and gives students the option to now walk, cycle or ride the bus to get to school.”

Mango Hill State School Principal Tracy Egan welcomed the plans and said it was a great result for students living in the nearby estates.

“When we surveyed our families on what they wanted in terms of getting to school, the overwhelming majority supported a dedicated bus route for their kids,” Ms Egan said.

“Our student population has hit well over the 1,000-mark and will continue to grow, so a dedicated bus service is a much needed and much welcome outcome.”

The route is expected to be in service by Term 1, 2019.

State Member for Murrumba Downs Steven Miles, Mango Hill State School Principal Tracy Egan and Cr Julie Greer with Mango Hills State School students Brooke Wilson, Chloe Wilson and John Mooney.

28/09/2018 | mandah

Mango Hill State School Art Show

A great night was had at the Annual Art Show, Book fair and cultural evening with the class art auctions raising $8615 for the school!

The show was an absolute cracker of an event, with beautiful and creative class project artworks up for auction with winning bids ranging from $80 to $470!!

The school was privileged to have chief Auctioneer, Mitch from Ray White running the program. Special thanks to Darren Suhle and his team at Ray White who support the school each year with an auctioneer. Thank you also to Luke Howarth (Member for Petrie) for his attendance and support.

Well done to all students, teachers and staff!

28/09/2018 | mandah

Victory for Heritage Mango Trees

Mango-trees-saved-by-mango-Hill-Progress-Association

The Mango Hill Progress Association has achieved an interim victory in seeking to limit the loss of Mango trees along Anzac Avenue with a decision by the Queensland Department of State Development, to not approve the original location of an access road onto Anzac Avenue.

This location was identified by BGM in DA/33328/2016 (Development application) for an 80 house block development.

As recommended by the Progress Association, SARA (Queensland State Assessment and Referral Agency) which coordinates all responses from the various State Government Departments on proposed local developments, has stated in its letter of 14th September: This location is the current “turn around lane” entry into Nuway Landscape yard.

Whilst any further incursion onto Anzac Ave is not ideal, the Progress Association accepts:
• There must be an access road onto Anzac Ave and this is the best location.
• Some further trees may be lost.

However, as was our recommendation back in 1996 with the duplication of Anzac Ave and the formation of the current “U-turn facility” at this location, the Association will advocate strongly for “relocation” of as many trees as possible to the western side of Anzac Ave. In 1996, six trees were successfully transplanted and continue to grow on the western side of Anzac Avenue.

Current Situation:
Moreton Bay Regional Council has approved a 6-month deferment in the DA application process from BGM effective to 28th February 2019, after which further consideration of the their DA will be considered.

The Mango Hill Progress Association is pleased with the terrific response from the community at large and thanks all local media outlets, over 6900 individuals who signed petitions and our State Members for their support.

“The Price of Peace is Eternal Vigilance”. It is up to everyone in the community to keep an eye on what goes on in their Community.

Written by Laurence Christie , President – MHPA

27/09/2018 | mandah

Land Resumption for Mango Hill State High School Confirmed

Local residents, Darryl & Mary Ebert, along with their son, Michael, put up a good fight to save their family property of forty years from a State Government acquisition of the land for the purpose of building a State High School.

The Ebert family reside on their goat farm located on Kinsellas Road East. During their time there, they have planted and nurtured some 1470 trees, all due to be cut down to make way for the proposed High School.

They’re quite well known in Mango Hill for the community goat days held on their property, with one being held just yesterday! They raised an incredible $1092.75 from the gold coin entry to be donated to farmers doing it tough!

The Eberts put up a good fight against the land resumption, citing better suited neighbouring properties, already owned by the State Government and Urbex. They felt that their land was unsuitable for the High School for the following reasons, according to the change.org petition:

1. Long walking distance from main roads, bus routes and train lines.
2. Displacement of wildlife, including an already dwindling population of koalas, kangaroos and bird life.
3. Community character, the farm is an important and valued part of our community.
4. Concerns over health risks of nearby power pylons and Ross River fever due to the large volumes of mosquitos present during the warmer months and the fact that people have contracted Ross river fever at the proposed site previously.
5. Traffic congestion through a narrow residential area with no off street parking backing onto the proposed site. (Capestone)
6. Flood area; the proposed site is a flood zone, and would require large earthworks to make it suitable for a school (this also having an impact on surrounding homes and the environment)
7. Trees aged over 100 years old being felled and the impact this has on the environment and overall feel of the neighbourhood.
8. Dangerous surrounding road which has claimed many lives in past years (Kinsellas Road East)
9. A family farm of 40 years and it’s residents being told they need to pack up and go.
10. The surrounding residents who border the property line having not had full disclosure their properties would be backing on to a high school.
11. More responsibility should be given to council to help prevent future resumption’s by way of better management and planning of community ammenities at an early planning stage.

The good news touted by the State Government today is that land has been secured for the purpose of a high school in Mango Hill.

Sadly however, this is a resumption of private land with the Ebert family losing their fight to remain on their property. They have until the 31st of October to relocate.

The Queensland Government Gazette published the Taking of Land Notice (No 03) 2018 on the 17th of August 2018.

Member for Murrumba Steven Miles welcomed the news of the new High School for the area.

“I know many parents are excited about sending their kids to a high school right here in Mango Hill.

“This acquisition will allow the education department to get to work on the building plans, to allow the school to open its doors to students from 2020.”

Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said the new High School would take pressure off North Lakes State College.

“North Lakes State College is bursting at the seams, and I’ve been campaigning since 2015 for another high school in the area.”

The school will eventually accommodate up to 1800 students.

20/08/2018 | mandah

Or

Best of Local Magazine