More than 200,000 residents are predicted to relocate to the Sunshine Coast by 2041, bringing the total population to more than 520,000, according to Invest Sunshine Coast [1], and for many of these new families the quest to find a quality school for their children is paramount.
Leading Sunshine Coast independent school Matthew Flinders Anglican College welcomes families from all over Australia and the world who are choosing the Sunshine Coast as their new home.
Flinders’ one-hour Discovery Tours on Friday, 9 August and Wednesday, 14 August are a unique opportunity for families looking for a quality education to experience the College’s vibrant and friendly community.
The tours are also an opportunity to meet the Heads of School, as well as teachers and students, while exploring the campus.
Flinders parents Geraldine and Merv Hartley immigrated to the Sunshine Coast from South Africa in 2007 and were fortunate to have colleagues to ask advice about the best schools in the region.
“My husband had a colleague at work whose children were in Flinders at the time and gave the school rave reviews,” Geraldine said.
“We felt a sense of comfort in our decision knowing it was recommended through factual knowledge of the school then,” she said.
“Our eldest child started her journey at the incredible Flinders Early Learning Centre (FELC) and has been a Flinders student since – she is now in Year 8.”
The Hartleys younger children also joined Flinders from the early years, and are now in Years 5 and Year 2.
Geraldine is one of the College’s parent ambassadors who will meet with visiting parents on the Flinders Discovery Tours to help answer questions about College life and setting down roots on the Sunshine Coast.
Geraldine said, “I am very comfortable sharing our positive experience of Flinders with new parents, and I’ll be happy to explain what we appreciate about a Flinders education.
“We feel that our children’s happiness comes first and foremost here at Flinders, and this is evident in the way our children look forward to going to school daily because they genuinely enjoy their school days,” she said.
“What’s more, we appreciate that the teachers and leadership team here make our children feel valued and known as individuals.
“Our children are also offered immense opportunities through the academic program but also in co-curricular pursuits; all three of our children are involved in the music program, which is exceptional, and they love their sport so we have found many different activities to keep them occupied, healthy and well connected.”
For parents who are new to a school and a region, there is often the challenge to make new friends and establish networks, and Geraldine will encourage new parents to get involved in the College community.
“I've learnt over the years that feeling a part of the College community is best achieved by simply stepping into it,” Geraldine says.
“We have formed friendships with so many incredible families, teachers and staff members who are all integral to the Flinders community.
Tanya Elms will join Geraldine as a parent ambassador for the Flinders Discovery Tours to help answer questions from prospective parents.
Tanya’s three children joined Flinders more than two years ago in Year 7, Year 5 and Year 2.
“We joined Flinders for so many reasons, including the amazing facilities, the school’s fine reputation, strong academic results, its expansive co-curricular options and because we enjoyed the community spirit with so many positive and friendly teachers and students,” Tanya says.
“Now that we have been a part of the College community for two years, I would say the best aspects of an education at Flinders are having educators that exceed our expectations and help to cement a learning platform that supports growth,” she says.
“We also appreciate that each child is treated and seen as an individual and that there are endless opportunities to participate in activities.
“What’s more, Flinders teaches our children about more than just academics; it teaches them to be kind, work hard and to appreciate everything around them.”
All families who are considering a Flinders education are welcome to join the Discovery Tours, which are 45 minutes’ duration and conclude with the opportunity to enjoy a coffee and chat with staff and parents in the College’s Quarterdeck Cafe.
For more information about Matthew Flinders Anglican College and to book a Flinders Discovery Tour, please visit www.mfac.edu.au
IMAGE CAPTION: L-R Madison and Cade Hartley love their Flinders Primary School
Reference:
[1] https://invest.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Why-Sunshine-Coast/Growing-Economy
