Over the past decade, hundreds of young people have come through Carinity Education Rockhampton’s gates at a time when mainstream education was no longer meeting their needs.
Many arrived carrying challenges of their own, unsure where they fitted in, struggling with confidence, or feeling disconnected from learning.
Carinity Education Rockhampton has celebrated 10 years at its Glenlee campus. Jordan Bailey, the school’s VET Coordinator and longest-serving staff member, has witnessed that journey from the beginning.
“We’re here to give hope to the young people who walk through our gates having already experienced more challenges and disappointment during their young lives than they should have,” Jordan said.
“Carinity Education gives them something different. A place where they belong, where they’re accepted for who they are, and where someone sees their potential, even when they can’t quite see it themselves.”
For 2022 graduate Jack Simmons, the support he received from staff made a lasting difference.
“Their time, patience and understanding made a real difference,” Jack said during an emotional speech he delivered at the anniversary celebrations.
“Having teachers who were willing to work with me and support me through my education helped me keep going and gave me the opportunity to finish school and move forward with my life.”
Jack started at Carinity Education Rockhampton in Year 7 and completed his entire high school education at the school. His mum chose Carinity because she believed its approach would suit the way he learned and help keep him engaged.
“I struggled with the confinement of a classroom and Mum felt I would fall through the cracks of mainstream schooling. She had been to view Carinity in the early days and walked away thinking it would be perfect for me,” Jack said.
“She knew that the Carinity way – especially the hands-on learning, self-paced individual program and the general encouragement the staff provide – would keep me engaged
Looking back, he said some of the most valuable lessons went beyond the classroom.
“One of the biggest things this school taught me was how to handle situations in life. I learned that sometimes, it’s better to walk away from an argument or a frustrating situation rather than let your emotions take over.”
It is something Jack has carried with him into adulthood and the workplace.
“Learning not to be hot-headed and to think before reacting has helped me both in my personal life and in the workplace.”
Since graduating, Jack has worked as a light vehicle mechanic and is now a tow truck driver. His work has included heavy vehicle salvage, and he has even had exposure to supervising other staff. The lessons he learnt at school continue to shape how he approaches life.
“Life isn’t always going to go your way, and you’re not always going to agree with everyone. But learning to stay calm, show respect and handle situations maturely are skills that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Years after graduating, his connection with the school remains.
“One of the things I appreciate most is knowing that I can still come back to the school and feel connected to the community. It’s great to see what’s happening, catch up and know that I’m still welcome here, even years after graduating,” Jack said.
Former student Alexander Close has also carried lessons from Carinity Education Rockhampton into his working life.
Now a Restaurant Business Manager with McDonald’s Australia, Alexander leads a team of more than 70 staff and recently relocated to Toowoomba to continue developing both personally and professionally.
While his new work commitments meant he couldn’t be at the anniversary event, he sent a message of support that also highlighted how the impact of the school’s support extends beyond the classroom.
“Looking back on my time at Carinity, I realise the school played a crucial role in helping me gain valuable life and work experience. Through a wide range of certifications and tailored learning programs, I was supported in my pursuit of different goals,” Alexander said.
The lessons Alexander learned at the school have been vital to his post-school success.
“I still carry with me the important things I learnt about trying my best and persisting through challenges. When I experience self-doubt, I find that reflecting on how far I’ve come since I started at Carinity helps me overcome it.”
Former student Cooper Shaw, who now works for Young Engineers Central Queensland, believes that sense of support is what makes the school so different.
“It’s okay to be scared. It’s normal to feel stressed and worry about things not working out. I can promise you that if you do the right thing and trust that everyone genuinely cares about you, you won’t slip through the gaps,” Cooper said.
Reflecting on his own experience, Cooper said the impact of Carinity can be summed up in a few simple words.
“The school gives kids a chance.”
As Carinity Education Rockhampton reflects on 10 years at Glenlee, Cooper’s words are a sentiment that echoes across hundreds of student stories.
It’s a testament to the school and what it has achieved in its relatively short history that, a decade after the Glenlee campus opened, former students are still coming back through its gates.
They return to catch up, see what has changed and reconnect with a place that remains a vital part of their personal story.
