Carinity Education Shalom, an independent Christian school in Townsville specialising in education for children from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, is expanding.
Student numbers have more than tripled since Carinity Education Shalom opened in 2019. To keep up with increasing enrolments, newly renovated buildings at the school have been built and was officially opened on August 18.
The renovated science centre and general learning areas are helping to accommodate rapid expansion of the school, whose student population has increased by 23% over the past year.
The $2.15 million building project has been jointly funded by Carinity and the Queensland Independent Schools Block Grant Authority, an Australian Government capital assistance scheme.
Executive Manager of Carinity Educational Services, Christine Hill, said as well as refurbished classroom spaces, the upgrade facilities include three withdrawal rooms, a teachers’ work room and storeroom.
Three covered outdoor learning areas have also been constructed and classroom furniture and equipment supplied.
“Our investment in these upgraded facilities provides solid evidence that Carinity Education places a high value in the development of young people in the greater Townsville area,” Christine said.
The school in Condon, formerly known as Shalom Christian College, was set to close before it was acquired by Carinity. The school has added one new student grade each year since opening and will welcome its first Year 12 cohort in 2024.
“With around 95% of its students identifying as First Nations Australians, Carinity Education Shalom provides a culturally sensitive and supportive learning environment for young people,” Christine said.
“The school also offers free extra support services focused on assisting families and maintaining student health and wellbeing.”
School Principal, Sharyn Ive, said Carinity Education Shalom is a valued space in Townsville, especially for the city’s First Nations community.
“Our school’s vision is to create a community where students are loved, accepted and supported to reach their full potential. All the staff know each child by name, and our priority is to maintain a culturally safe, secure environment where all children experience belonging,” Sharyn said.
“Our approach to teaching ensures our students are learning in a supportive environment, meeting the cultural, emotional and spiritual needs each of individual child.”
Carinity also operates the Fairfield Grange aged care community at Idalia as well as home care services around the Townsville district.
