I can’t believe this is my 10th calendar year at Oakey High. I won’t say it seems like yesterday but...
It was wonderful to start the year on Australia Day at Arthur Shooter Park. It was an honour to give an address on this contested day and I commend Nev Cherry and all the organising committee for putting on such a great event. It was wonderful to witness Oakey High teacher Mrs Debbie Goudie receive the Oakey Citizen of the Year Award and current Oakey High student Sally Clifford receive the Oakey Junior Sports Award.
This year we have about 475 students. More than what we had upon my arrival in 2016 but way less than the 570 we had a few years ago. We know where every student has gone and there is no pattern to the slide in numbers. Our 9 feeder schools once had 185 in their year 6 classes, now they have about 120. That makes it hard.
All this said, our results into 2024 were sensational thanks to the 100 odd staff who call OSH home and the families who support our students to be the best plumbers, nurses, carpenters and teachers of the future all the while encouraging them to be good people at the same time.
A few triumphs in 2024 include:
- Opening of our magnificent $9 million hall and the school’s 60th anniversary.
- 100% of students got a QCE or QCIA (the bit of paper at the end of year 12).
- 100% of year 12s passed “general” subjects- the university pathway subjects.
- 100% of year 12s passed external exams.
- 100% of year 12s got a VET cert (State average 69%).
- Suspension and exclusions way down on the previous year.
While so much has gone right about the start of the year- including 90% of students having a laptop, some behaviours have been unsafe and disrespectful. We thank the parents and carers who work with us to get the best we can out of our students.
We will not compromise our standards and we will continue to ensure teachers can teach and students can learn.
Have a grand 2025.
Danny Keenan