A former principal of Bray Park State High will be at the helm of the new Inner City South State Secondary College in Dutton Park, the first to be built in the inner south in six decades.
Kirsten Ferdinands has been selected as principal of the new Dutton Park school, Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said in a joint announcement on 2 September.
It was a huge honour to be given the opportunity to lead the new school, Ms Ferdinands said. She added that the school’s vision is to “create a high-profile, signature state school where high-quality education is delivered in a positive and inclusive 21st-century learning environment.”
Prior to her new appointment, Ms Ferdinands was the principal of Bray Park State High, which was awarded “State School of the Year” in 2017. She is also serving as Secretary of Queensland Secondary Principal’s Association
“I have every faith that Kirsten will do a wonderful job in steering this $130 million high school – the first one to be built in the inner south in almost 60 years,” Ms Grace said.
“She brings plenty of experience to the table, working for the Department of Education for 30 years as a teacher, head of curriculum, deputy principal and principal across the state.
“Most recently, Kirsten has been working out of the Department’s North Coast office in North Lakes, supporting the development of the new secondary school at Mango Hill.
Ms Trad said she believes Ms Ferdinands is the right person to build the school’s culture and ethos from scratch and that she will create a vibrant learning environment to the students.
The contract to build the new Inner City South State Secondary College will soon be awarded, Ms Trad said, as demolition works on Gladstone Road have already started and Denbigh Street closed to make way for the construction.
Construction of Stage One is expected to be completed in time for foundation Year 7 students to commence in Term 1, 2021. The school will grow a year level each year, offering Year 7 to Year 12, through 2026.
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