Revolutionizing Education in Bundaberg: The Birth of Impact Community Academy
In the bustling city of Bundaberg, a groundbreaking educational initiative is set to transform the lives of young people. The Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) has officially approved the establishment of Impact Community Academy, a Special Assistance School that will open its doors in 2025. This momentous decision marks a significant milestone for the Bundaberg community, paving the way for a new era of education that prioritizes student wellbeing and empowerment.
Addressing the Need for Alternate Schooling Options
The decision to open Impact Community Academy comes at a critical time, as local principals have indicated that up to one-third of students in the Bundaberg region are disengaged from traditional learning environments. Tanya O’Shea, the Managing Director of Impact Community Services, recognizes the pressing need for alternative schooling options that can better support these young individuals.
“We are very proud to have reached this significant milestone,” Tanya shared. “With NSSAB approval now in place, we are excited to move forward with the final preparations to welcome our first cohort of Year 11 students in 2025.”
Impact Community Services has worked closely with local principals, the region’s other Special Assistance Schools, and Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) to ensure that Impact Community Academy’s offering aligns with the community’s needs. This collaborative effort has underscored the critical role the new school will play in addressing the challenges faced by many local students.
A Holistic Approach to Student Wellbeing
Impact Community Academy is purposefully designed to support young people who have or are at risk of disengaging from mainstream education. The school’s guiding philosophy is centered on a “Wellbeing First” approach, where students can address their academic, emotional, social, and physical needs in a supportive and inclusive environment.
“Impact Academy will meet students where they are, challenge them to think differently, and empower them to take control of their own learning,” Tanya explained. “To achieve our aims, we will support students and their families using a Wellbeing First approach that is delivered through the Academy’s Connect, Learn, Change and Transform model.”
This comprehensive approach to student wellbeing sets Impact Community Academy apart, recognizing that academic success is intrinsically linked to the overall well-being of each individual. By fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment, the school aims to help students overcome their challenges and unlock their full potential.
Introducing the Founding Principal: Jenna Auer
Spearheading this transformative initiative is Jenna Auer, the founding principal of Impact Community Academy. With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for supporting young people, Jenna has relocated from Victoria to Bundaberg to take on this pivotal role.
Jenna’s dedication to understanding and addressing the impact of disadvantage on learning led her to complete a Master’s degree in Education (Special Educational Needs), specializing in trauma-informed practices. Her diverse skills and experiences, combined with her unwavering commitment to student wellbeing, position her perfectly to bring the school’s vision to life.
“Wellbeing is a large passion of mine, not just at work and in the classroom, but also in my own life,” Jenna shared. “It’s really exciting to bring my experience and the vision and model that Impact have created to build a program that will best support the local need.”
Jenna envisions a space where students are greeted warmly, and both their daily achievements and challenges are acknowledged. From the inviting smell of breakfast to the engaging lunchtime activities, every detail of Impact Community Academy will be designed to support students’ holistic development and create a sense of belonging.
A Unique Learning Environment
The Impact Community Academy experience will be unlike anything the Bundaberg community has seen before. By integrating self-awareness and holistic development into the curriculum, the school aims to ensure that students thrive both academically and personally.
“From the smell of breakfast when they arrive to the fun lunchtime activities, we’ll make sure every detail is about supporting students’ wellbeing and creating a space that feels like home,” Jenna explained. “We want to create a space where our young people feel connected and a sense of belonging, where they can express who they truly are.”
This focus on creating a nurturing and inclusive environment is a hallmark of Impact Community Academy’s approach. The school’s “Connect, Learn, Change and Transform” model will empower students to take an active role in their own learning, fostering a sense of ownership and agency that is often lacking in traditional educational settings.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
Recognizing the importance of community involvement, Impact Community Services has worked closely with local principals, the region’s other Special Assistance Schools, and Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) to ensure that Impact Community Academy’s offering meets the needs of the Bundaberg community.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support everyone has shown,” Tanya O’Shea said. “Our conversations have demonstrated to us the critical need Impact Academy will fill within our community.”
The school is committed to establishing strong referral pathways with local schools and organizations, ensuring that young people in need of alternative education options are aware of the support available at Impact Community Academy.
A Promising Future for Bundaberg’s Youth
The approval of Impact Community Academy’s application by the NSSAB represents a significant milestone for the Bundaberg community. This new school is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people who have previously struggled to thrive in traditional educational settings.
By prioritizing student wellbeing, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering students to take control of their own learning, Impact Community Academy is set to revolutionize the educational landscape in Bundaberg. As the school prepares to open its doors in 2025, the community eagerly anticipates the positive transformations that will unfold, providing a brighter future for the youth of Bundaberg.
For more information about Impact Community Academy and to express your interest, please visit the school’s website at https://www.impactca.com.au/. If you have any questions or would like to connect with the school, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jenna Auer, the founding principal, who is available to provide further details and support.
Remember, the Stanley Park High School community is here to support you and your family throughout the educational journey. We are excited to see the impact that Impact Community Academy will have on the Bundaberg region and look forward to collaborating with the school to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.
