How regional communities offer an education to believe in

Set on the banks of the Burnett River and surrounded by citrus farms and cattle properties lies St Joseph’s School in Gayndah. 

It is more than a school. It is the heart of a close‑knit rural community, where children and families are known, welcomed and supported from their very first steps into learning.

It is just one of the many rural and regional schools that are part of Brisbane Catholic Education, spanning South East Queensland. 

Central to the school’s thriving community is Joey’s Jumpstart, a Pre‑Prep program designed to gently introduce young children and their families to school life, while strengthening early social, emotional and foundational learning skills.

St Joseph’s Year 1/2 and Pre-Prep teacher, Raquel Hetherington said the program fills a vital need in the community. 

“Being such a small town, we don’t have a lot of access to pre-school literacy and numeracy programs,” Raquel said. 

“This means some children are missing out on that early social, emotional and academic exposure before school.”

“To be able to offer that experience, with no pressure whatsoever, is pretty lucky.” 

The program focuses on building strong social and emotional skills alongside foundational literacy and numeracy in the early years, ensuring students are on a clear trajectory for ongoing learning and long-term success. 

“I want children to feel confident, familiar with routines, and comfortable in the school environment so they’re ready to learn and thrive in Prep.”

For Prep and Year 3 parent Jade Eisel, whose family has a four‑generation connection to the school, Joey’s Jumpstart played a vital role in easing her son’s transition into school.

“We were really worried about how our little fellow would go starting Prep as Kindy drop‑off was a challenge,” Ms Eisel said.

“Having the opportunity to come here, learn the routines and get familiar with the school was incredible in helping my son build confidence and learn essential early skills.”

Ms Eisel said the warmth of the school community was what made St Joseph’s so special.

“There’s a real sense of belonging,” she said. 

“You know your child is going to be looked after, not just by their teacher, but by all the teachers, and they’re also being enriched academically.”

Principal Martha Hill, now in her third year at St Joseph’s Gayndah, said Joey’s Jumpstart was a natural extension of the school’s commitment to early learning and community connection.

“Joey’s Jumpstart was a passion project of mine,” Ms Hill said. 

“As an early year's teacher, I recognised the need to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills before children came to school, but it was also about providing a service that isn’t always readily accessible in rural towns.”

She said the program supports children’s readiness for Prep while strengthening trust and connection with families.

“It gives our families confidence that their children are supported to develop social, numeracy and literacy skills in a caring environment,” Ms Hill said.

And that care extends well beyond the classroom. St Joseph’s Gayndah is deeply embedded in its local community, with students regularly participating in community walks and initiatives that foster gratitude and connection.

“We also have initiatives like our breakfast club, where volunteers provide breakfast each morning. It’s something we all do together. We sit, eat, talk, then go and play before the day begins."
 
For both staff and families, the rural setting is part of the school’s strength.

“There’s something extra special about rural communities,” Ms Hill said. 

“When you move here, people go out of their way to welcome you, they invite you to dinner, to morning tea, and before you know it, you’re part of the community.
 
Ms Hetherington agreed, describing her experience teaching in Gayndah as a privilege.

“It’s hard to describe how amazing the community is,” she said.

“You get to know students from Prep right through to Year 6 and then see them succeed outside of school as well. As an early career teacher, the support, opportunities and love you receive out here are incredible."

Image caption: St Joseph's School, Gayndah Principal Martha Hill with students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Patrick's Primary School, Nanango (2026).