Welcome to Elanora State High School, the school that is a community, for our community. We focus on educating and supporting the whole child to ensure every student thrives, flourishes, succeeds and graduates as a confident, resilient global citizen.
I am deeply committed to providing an exciting point of difference and alternative for the Elanora community. The key to achieving this is thinking outside the box and broadening the options available for students. With a strong desire to capitalise on community connections and the expertise of the staff, we are fortunate enough to have on our staff three recipients of the Gold Coast Secondary Principal's Alliance 'Secondary Teacher of the Year Award' and two 'Secondary Leaders of the Year Award'. The calibre of our staff positions Elanora State High School to provide our students with a world class education that is tailored to the individual needs of the student. We are limited only by our imaginations and together we can dream big. Underpinning the Elanora State High School community, is a strong focus on the environment and sustainability. Our school is positioned in what is, undeniably, one of the most sought-after areas of Australia; it makes sense to focus on nurturing our natural environment and developing our students' capacity for caring for our home here on the southern Gold Coast.
Through our focus on Positive Culture, we have grown a school environment that is supportive, caring and safe. Diversity is valued and celebrated and our emphasis on positive relationships ensures that students have a multitude of opportunities to immerse themselves in school life and have a sense of belonging.
We pride ourselves on being the school for the whole community. Students are valued and celebrated regardless of whether their strength is academics, sports, the arts, technology or community. We provide endless extra-curricular opportunities and celebrations to ensure every student is valued for their personal contribution to the school and broader community.
Our high expectations culture of school pride, engagement and growth provides the foundation for the learning environment in the classrooms and sets the tone for our students in the playground and while representing Elanora in the community. We are one of the few schools who have a complete ban on mobile phone use by students whenever on school grounds, or representing the school. This strong step has led to focussed classrooms and a schoolground buzzing with conversation, special-interest clubs and physical activity. As a result of this we have expanded our outdoor areas to include additional hand ball courts and an outdoor gym.
Our curriculum offerings are as diverse as our students and range from academic excellence and STEM programs to a variety of vocational offerings including our on-site mini hospital for students studying health certificates, a building and construction shed and state-of-the-art science, fitness and arts facilities. Our students can study a Business Diploma on site, obtain their drone licence through the Cert III in Aviation, become a qualified Childcare Educator or even a Teacher Aide and have a personalised study pathway planned for them and their individual future. Our flexible and tailored study options also extend to include the Cooee GC surfing program and new and enhanced XCELerate Academies; including, e-STEM Academy, Change Makers Academy, Creative Industries Academy, Sports & Health Science Academy, Paddling Academy and the XCELerate High School Readiness Program (for current year 5 students).
Equally as important as our curriculum offerings, are our weekly Positive Culture lessons which are inspired by Positive Psychology, exploring social emotional skills like resilience, growth mindset, kindness and perseverance.
Our school culture is built on the foundation of the four houses; Coolangatta, Duranbah, Bilinga and Kirra. Our house culture extends far beyond sports and is part of all aspects of school life. Our home groups are aligned to houses, rather than year levels and our support structures also reflect this. There is great rivalry between the houses, some good healthy competition and passion all year round and lunch times are always filled with house challenges or our famous lunch time Wellbeing Picnic where students come together under the fig trees and share a picnic lunch while the oval is pumping with music and even more games and challenges led by our Student Mentors, House Captains and Heads of House.
Students also have an array of leadership opportunities including our Student Mentor program, Leo Club, Elanora Environmentalists, the Umbrella Club as well as Junior and Senior School Captain and the chance to represent the school on the Gold Coast City Junior Council.
Our partnerships with local business, registered training organisations and universities ensure all of our students are prepared and ready for their industries of choice when they graduate. A large group of committed community members form our Elanora Community Connect work together to support our students and the school achieve our vision.
Ensure you follow the Elanora SHS social media pages for current information and school events.
I look forward to partnering with you in your child's secondary education journey.
Rochelle Lewis, Principal
Your Child. Our Student. Their Journey.