Magnetic Island State School is in the unique position of
catering for a population that resides on an island eight kilometres off the
eastern coast of Australia. Although the island is a suburb of Townsville, the
constraints placed on travel between the island and the resources of that city
mean that the community experiences many of the isolation factors associated
with more remote communities.
Originally, there were three small schools on the Island
- Picnic Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Nelly Bay. A decision was made in 1970 to close
the school at Picnic Bay and in 1972, the Horseshoe Bay School closed. The
students from those schools were transported to the central school at Nelly
Bay, which then became Magnetic Island State School.
The Nelly Bay Provisional School opened on the 15th September
1924 and became a State School in September 1928. The original school building
has been relocated within the grounds but is still used as a classroom. As the
school population has grown, additional learning areas have been built or
transported from other sites. School facilities now include an outstanding
resource centre, outdoor and indoor learning spaces, well maintained sporting
and arts facilities and a ‘Stephanie Alexander’ kitchen garden. All learning
spaces include wi-fi networking, there is a computer lab, as well as moveable
laptops and iPads for all students to access. The school also manages the Gerry
Winn Community Pool, located on the school site.
Overwhelmingly, the Island community is supportive of the
school with many positive community partnerships, including; MICDA (Magnetic
Island Community Development Association); MINCA (Magnetic Island Nature Care
Association); MIFCO (Magnetic Island Fauna Care Organisation) Magnetic Island
Museum; Men’s Shed; local Rotary Club; Community Care; R.S.L.; SeaLink
Queensland; Magnetic Island Boat Club; and the local Police (Adopt-a-Cop). The
school, its practices and facilities, are seen as integral to the well-being of
the Island, with many of the school’s resources being valued and used by the
different organisations within the community.