thebayislands.au – Local hub for SMBI

Introduction

Education on the South Moreton Bay Islands caters to young learners while maintaining convenient access to mainland schooling for secondary students. With quality island primary schools, integrated transport for high school students, and a strong community focus on education, SMBI families enjoy excellent learning opportunities in a supportive environment.

🏫 Primary Schools

Russell Island State School

Overview

Grades: Prep to Year 6
Enrollment: Approximately 200 students
Location: Central Russell Island, near town centre
Website: russellislandss.eq.edu.au

Programs & Facilities

Australian Curriculum — literacy, numeracy, science, humanities
Sports programs: Swimming, athletics, ball sports
Arts & music programs
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiatives
Island heritage & environmental studies
Modern classrooms with technology integration
School library & reading programs

Community Focus

Strong parent involvement & school community
Annual school fetes and fundraising events
Partnerships with local organizations
After-school care available

Macleay Island State School

Overview

Grades: Prep to Year 6
Enrollment: Approximately 150 students
Location: Central Macleay Island
Website: macleayislandss.eq.edu.au

Programs & Facilities

Full Australian Curriculum with academic excellence focus
Outdoor education programs utilizing island environment
Sports: Golf (proximity to Macleay Island Golf Club), swimming, athletics
Creative arts & music
Technology & digital literacy programs
Environmental & sustainability education
Student leadership programs

Community Involvement

Active P&C (Parents & Citizens) Association
Community events & school celebrations
Local business partnerships
Volunteer reading programs

👶 Early Childhood Education

Kindergartens & Preschools

Early learning options across the islands include:

Community Kindergartens: Russell & Macleay Islands offer community-run kindergarten programs for 3–5 year olds
Private Childcare: Family daycare and small group care options
Playgroups: Community-based playgroups meet at halls and libraries
Programs: Early literacy, socialization, school readiness

Prep Year

Both Russell and Macleay Island State Schools offer comprehensive Prep (first year of school) programs:

Full-day, 5-day-per-week programs
Play-based learning with structured activities
Transition to school support
Parent orientation sessions

🎓 Secondary Education

Mainland High School Access

SMBI students access quality secondary education on the mainland via integrated ferry + bus transport:

Cleveland State High School

Grades: Year 7 to Year 12
Programs: Academic pathways, vocational education, STEM, arts, sports
Specializations: Marine studies, technology, creative industries
Travel Time: ~45 minutes total (ferry + bus)
Website: clevelandstatehigh.eq.edu.au

Victoria Point State High School

Grades: Year 7 to Year 12
Programs: Comprehensive academic & vocational pathways
Specializations: Sports excellence, performing arts, technology
Travel Time: ~40 minutes total (ferry + bus)
Website: victoriaptstatehigh.eq.edu.au

School Transport for Secondary Students

Integrated Transport System

Ferry Services: Morning departures timed for school arrivals
Bus Connections: Coordinated bus services from Redland Bay Marina to schools
Go Card: Student concession fares available
Total Journey: Door-to-door time typically 45–60 minutes

Cost-Effective Options

School transport subsidies available through Queensland Education
Monthly Go Card passes for students
Family concession options

🎨 Extra-Curricular Programs

After-School Activities

Sports Clubs: Junior soccer, cricket, swimming, sailing
Arts & Crafts: Community art workshops for children
Music: Instrumental lessons available on islands and mainland
Environmental Programs: Junior rangers, nature clubs
Scouts & Guides: Youth development programs

School Holiday Programs

Community centre holiday activities
Sports clinics (golf, bowls, tennis)
Arts & drama workshops
Library programs & reading challenges

📚 Libraries & Learning Resources

Island Libraries

Russell and Macleay Islands have community libraries offering:

Children's & young adult book collections
Homework support & study spaces
Computer & internet access
School holiday programs
Storytime sessions for young children
Free Wi-Fi for students

Digital Learning Resources

Online Learning Platforms: Schools utilize digital curriculum tools
NBN Internet: Reliable home internet supports remote learning
Device Programs: Schools provide laptops/tablets to students
Queensland Education Resources: Access to state-wide learning materials

🎯 Special Needs & Support Services

Learning Support

Special education programs at both island primary schools
Teacher aides for individualized support
Speech therapy & occupational therapy (visiting services)
Guidance officers for wellbeing & learning support

Inclusive Education

Differentiated learning for diverse abilities
English as Additional Language (EAL) support
Gifted & talented programs
Social-emotional learning initiatives

💰 Costs & Financial Assistance

Public School Costs

Typical Annual Costs (Primary School)

Voluntary Contributions: $100–300 per year
School Materials: $50–150 per year
Uniforms: $150–300 (initial setup)
Excursions: $50–200 per year

Secondary School Costs

Voluntary Contributions: $200–400 per year
Materials & Resources: $200–400 per year
Uniforms: $300–500 (initial setup)
Transport (Ferry + Bus): $800–1200 per year with student concessions

Financial Assistance Available

Schoolkids Bonus: Federal government payment for school costs
Education Queensland Support: Assistance for low-income families
Transport Subsidies: School transport concessions
Indigenous Education: Targeted support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students

🎓 Tertiary Education Access

TAFE & Vocational Training

TAFE Queensland: Campuses in Cleveland & Redlands (50–70 mins from islands)
Programs: Trades, business, hospitality, healthcare, IT
Apprenticeships: Local businesses offer apprenticeship opportunities

Education & Schools on the South Moreton Bay Islands