Our School
Location,
Characteristics and Facilities
Pioneer State High School was established in 1986 to provide "A Quality Education in a Positive Caring Environment" for all students from the surrounding communities, including Andergrove, Beaconsfield, Slade Point and the Northern Beaches suburbs of Mackay.
The school adopted a
nautical theme, which permeates its traditions - like four
'islands' as sporting groups, the names of the school
magazine, newsletter and other symbols and the nautical
references in school presentations and speeches.
The school site of 35
acres is quite flat, and includes a complex of single storey
buildings connected by covered walkways, as well as
multi-purpose courts, two excellent ovals, and an
environmental study area complete with lake and various
vegetation communities.
The school buildings have a full range of facilities, including a theatrette, 4 computer rooms, practical areas for technology subjects as well as the visual and performing arts, and a well-appointed library. Specialist facilities for instrumental music, marine studies and film and television are also well resourced. An electronic security system protects the school buildings out of hours.
The school has a current enrolment around 900 students, with 60 teachers, plus support staff. A special needs support group operates especially for physically disabled and hearing impaired students, as well as for students with learning dysfunctions. Eight Heads of Department and two Deputy-Principals support the Principal in a middle management role. The separate buildings/departments lead to a strongly developed program management structure administered by the Heads of Department.
School and Community
Features
The school community consists of the full socio-economic range, with 10% of students of Aboriginal/Islander descent. The surrounding areas are dormitory suburbs undergoing rapid growth, and vary from affluent estates to working class suburbs. About one-third of students travel to school by bus.
The school employs the
services of a guidance counsellor and a part-time community
education counsellor. It has forged close links with
community agencies to assist at-risk students.
The school maintains democratic and consultative structures with task groups devolved planning and decision-making roles. The school encourages parental involvement and participation in the life of the school, as well as that of its teaching and support staff.
The school management team (admin & HOD's) meets weekly, forming the major operational decision-making group in the school. Regular faculty meetings are held so that open communication can be channelled in all directions.
A staff forum is held to make significant recommendations that change policy settings. There is a strong preference for consensus decision-making within school decision-making. A school council began operation in 1998 as part of the move to school based management. It has a critical role in setting the strategic direction of the school.
