A new alternative school in the heart of Nambour is giving young people who have struggled in mainstream education a fresh start, with some remarkable results in its first year of operation.
Kairos Community College opened its Nambour campus in January, offering a different approach to education for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 who have found traditional schooling difficult.
Campus head Tim Robinson told the Nambour Chamber of Commerce that the college was already making a profound difference in the lives of some students and their families.
He recalled a recent parent-teacher evening when he noticed a mother crying as she spoke to several staff members.
But her tears were of relief and happiness. Her son, who had struggled to attend school since Year 8, was now getting up every morning eager to go.
“He just hasn't been coming to school since year eight and now he's getting up every day and saying: 'I'm ready. I'm ready to go.' And he's got friends,” Mr Robinson recalled her saying.
The college caters for a maximum of 68 students, with classes limited to 17 students, supported by a teacher, teacher aide and youth worker.
Mr Robinson, who spent more than 20 years in mainstream education, said working in an alternative schooling environment had been personally rewarding.
“It was a revelation to me to wake up at the beginning of term two this year and actually realise I was looking forward to going to work,” he said.
The college has been operating from the former ANZ Bank building in Nambour, but will relocate to the former mower centre in Coronation Drive next year while a permanent campus is constructed.
Three classrooms are being developed at the site, with the permanent facility expected to be ready in 2028.
Mr Robinson said the college expected to have 51 students next year, with a handful of places still available in Years 10 and 11.
He also appealed to Nambour businesses to consider offering work experience placements to Kairos students from November 23–26.
“If any of our Kairos students cold call you for the opportunity to work in your business, I would love you to consider them,” he said.
Tim Robinson says the new alternative school in the heart of Nambour, is giving young people who have struggled in mainstream education a fresh start.