Wollemi Flexi Schools Network
About this Network
2016 saw the development of the new Wollemi Flexi School Network. This network consists of Albert Park Flexible Learning Centre, Mount Isa Flexible Learning Centre, Rockhampton Flexible Learning Centre and the developing Southport Flexible Learning Centre. The network name comes from the almost extinct Wollemi Pine. This critically endangered 200 million years old tree was only discovered in 1994 by David Noble in the Wollemi National Park. Our Flexi school network adopted the name due to the similarities between the Wollemi Pine and our flexi school network. For example, Wollemi Pines in the wild are genetically indistinguishable from each other, however each plant can appear wildly different depending on where it grows. Similarly, each of our flexi schools has a commitment to common ground and operation by principles but day to day practice can look extremely different depending on the community that evolves around it. This metaphor captured beautifully the diversity and uniqueness of the group of schools within this network.
Each school is an individually registered Non State School that does not charge fees or levies and has its own unique history which is placed within the local communities that it serves. Each school is a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition and adheres to the Edmund Rice Catholic Schools Charter.
Our prime focus is to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people under our care. We take our responsibilities for child safeguarding extremely seriously and therefore we commit to ensuring that all of our schools have appropriate policies and practices to make it a place that is both safe and inclusive. Central to this, is student voice and agency. Our school’s child safeguarding programs are regularly updated and checked for compliance with regulatory requirements.
Every day our schools provides breakfast, morning tea and lunch for the young people. The aim of the Flexible Learning Centres (FLCs) is to respond to the complex needs of young people who have been marginalised from mainstream education. Each school achieves its aim by building honest and authentic relationships with young people and their families, supporting and celebrating the uniqueness and dignity of each individual young person. FLCs provide holistic learning experiences that address the social needs of young people and promote their emotional, cognitive, spiritual and academic development. The purpose of the learning experiences is to empower young people to take personal responsibility for their actions and learning, achieve greater autonomy and self-reliance and to engage in the transition to further education and/or employment. Peter Tracy – Principal
Network Contacts
1 Hale Street Milton QLD 4064