Gympie Flexible School officially opened as a registered school in 2012. It evolved from “It’s up to you Gympie”, an outreach program that was an annex from the then Noosa Flexible Learning Centre.
Since 2008, Gympie Flexible School has progressed from a mobile service with two staff and 15 young people to a purpose-built building with 12 staff and 65 young people.
A milestone in our young history was our official opening. Young people, families, staff and community members gathered for the joyous occasion. Gympie Flexible School was graced with special guests including Uncle Eugene from the Gubbi Gubbi Tribe, who commenced the proceedings with a welcome to country, Most Reverend Brian V Finnigan DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane and Br Paul Oakley CFC President, EREA who unveiled the plaque and officiated the opening. Dr Wayne Tinsey, Executive Director, gave a warming address and Dale Murray, Director of Youth and Master of Ceremony for the afternoon’s proceedings.
Gympie embraces the philosophy of “walking with” as guests in the lives of those that we work with and for. This is based on a common ground that is created through all participants fostering the four principles of operation; RESPECT, HONESTY, SAFE AND LEGAL and PARTICIPATION.
Operating with the four principles works on the basis that everyone is accountable for their behaviours. It is about negotiation and providing opportunities to discuss issues and find resolutions.
Relationships are at the core of our work and are based on a respect for personal dignity and recognition of difference. We value that each person has a story that shapes their world view and that their story is always changing and growing.
We focus on all participants being actively involved in creating and recreating the school community they want to experience. The philosophy and practice of the school is aligned with the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration.
