The SchoolAid Floods Relief Appeal

An update on how YOUR school has made a difference!

18 August 2011

SchoolAid will be distributing a large majority of the SCHOOLAID FLOODS RELIEF APPEAL funds raised by Australian schools, directly back to flood and cyclone-affected schools. 

SchoolAid partnered with the NSW Department of Education (NSW DET) for the Appeal, whereby funds raised by NSW Public Schools were directed to the SchoolAid Floods Relief Appeal.  In addition, primary and secondary schools across the nation contributed in their thousands to the Appeal.  SchoolAid also received substantial donations from the Teachers' Credit Union, the Queensland Teachers' Credit Union and the Nguyen Huu Hung Charitable Fund Inc. for the Appeal. 

SchoolAid then undertook a robust process of due diligence and direct consultation with schools, education peak bodies, government departments and agencies, local and regional councils and community organisations to determine where the funds would be best directed for maximum impact on the lives of children and their education, and to fund projects for the longer term, to support those children who may struggle across a variety of educational, emotional, psychological and economic indicators.  

Senior members of the SchoolAid team visited affected schools, and met with Principals in the Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley and Cairns regions. Importantly, SchoolAid worked cooperatively and collaboratively with the Queensland Department of Education and Training (QLD DET), which assisted SchoolAid to identify and make contact with affected schools.  The Australian Primary School Principals Association and their Queensland and Victorian affiliates, together with Principals Australia, also supported the Appeal and chose to share information and outcomes with their respective constituencies.  Funds will be distributed to 54 affected schools, and 2 non-profit organisations who will deliver programmes to support children and schools following these natural disasters.

We look forward to keeping you informed as we receive case studies from the recipients- for you to show your students and for them to see how their inspirational activities and generosity has made such a MASSIVE DIFFERENCE!

How has your school's generous contribution made a difference? Watch this space! Inspirational case studies to follow VERY SOON!

29 July 2011

The SchoolAid Executive team has carried out a thorough process of due diligence which has included face-to-face consultation in Flood and Cyclone affected areas in South East Queensland, Far North Queensland and telephone consultation with Principals associations in Qld, NSW and Vic, as well as NSW, Qld and Vic Departments of Education.  

In addition to these consultations, discussions have been had with not-for-profit organizations working in Flood and Cyclone affected areas and with local governments in affected areas.  The SchoolAid Executive, based on this research and consultation, is in the process of finalising the funds allocation and distribution. 

We look forward to sharing this information with you VERY SOON, and showcasing the amazing case studies of how your school's activity has made a difference!

WATCH THIS SPACE! Please remember to join us on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the-moment information and inspiration!

The floodwaters may be beginning to subside in parts of Queensland, NSW and Victoria but we are yet to realise the full horror of the destruction and devastation for families, communities and livelihoods.

21 June 2011

The below is courtesy of Maggie Dent.  Maggie Dent is a parenting author, educator and mother of four sons. In 2010 she published her latest book, Saving Our Adolescents, plus a second edition of her popular book, Saving Our Children From Our Chaotic World: Teaching Children the Magic of Silence and Stillness. Details at: www.maggiedent.com

It will be a long time before normal lives can be resumed and this process will be particularly distressing for children, who so need to feel safe and rely very much on routine and cues from the adults around them in order to do so.

The adults in this disaster zone have an enormous task ahead and will likely be focused on the very practical details of cleaning up and rebuilding their homes and businesses. This is on top of managing their own grief, trauma and exhaustion.

My thoughts have been very much centred on the precious children who have been caught up in this disaster.  Trauma and chronic distress affects children deeply and many of the children affected by these floods will be facing enormous stress at losing people or pets they loved, seeing their homes, schools and favourite parks and playgrounds destroyed - even just seeing this happen to others via the TV is enough to stress a child.

A study on the mental health of children who survive hurricane disasters, conducted by the University of Miami and published last month in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, indicates that children can demonstrate signs of post-traumatic stress almost two years after a disaster event.

However, there are some things parents and carers can do to really help ease their distress now and hopefully avoid ongoing trauma.

Firstly, we have to remember children hear way more than we adults think so we need to be careful of what we say near them.

For families around Australia who are not directly affected by the flooding, I would avoid leaving the TV on with its endless images of the destruction. We know that children under four can have difficulty with reality - and the same scene can appear to be a new scene and children get really frightened by that.

Radio is a much better medium for them to be exposed to when a disaster is happening. By all means encourage them to care and to send a donation - but be mindful of the power of the visual image on young children.

For those in the midst of it - keep reassuring your children that things will get better.

Tell your children they are safe because they are with you.  Indeed, repeatedly saying affirmative things like "we will get through this", "this will pass", "together we can help each other beat this", even humming or singing will help both adults and children to feel hopeful and optimistic.

To soothe children we need to keep safe touch happening - holding them, holding their hands, rubbing their heads and giving lots of gentle kisses will really help.

Keep their soothing comforters like special blankets and soft toys close and also be mindful of the power of pets in a trauma. When a child soothes a beloved toy or pet they are soothing themselves. If they have lost their special soft toy, get a replacement as soon as possible.

Top Tips for Soothing Children
1. Take the distress seriously
2. Meet the child's feelings with the right voice and energy - validate their feelings
3. Be calm and clear with boundaries
4. Use physical soothing- if you can't, because you are angry or upset, find someone else
5. Use existing habits and rituals - hand games, nursery rhymes, songs and bedtime ritual
6. Magic tapping - emotional freedom techniques help diffuse emotions - the release points on the fingers points are on the side of the finger nails, closest to the thumb.
7. Key ways of triggering oxytocin
    - Touch and massage- especially tickle point
    - Sucking
    - Warmth - approx 21°C
    - Low soothing sounds
    - Novelty - laughter
    - Avoid overstimulation

Another thing that helps children process and come to terms with trauma like the massive floods is for them to be able to help in some way.

They can be encouraged to give hugs, get drinks and even help with clean up.

Ask children to send rainbows of love and kindness from their heart to people and children who are hurting.

These small things can make a huge difference to children and it helps to mobilise much of their inner distress, as does play. It has been wonderful to see the play corners and play volunteers in the evacuation centres.

It may seem like kids are just playing to prevent boredom, however this is how children explore their physical world and process their emotional world, especially when there is significant change and social dislocation.

Having massive social change is often like a death to a child. It is normal for children to exhibit distressed behaviours - and meeting their needs for reassurance can be difficult to meet when parents are also struggling with the stress of losing homes and businesses.

This is where family and friends can be of enormous help but be careful of sending children interstate while parents clean up as this can cause more distress than them being around.

Their primary carers are always who children want to be near. Sometimes they need to keep an eye on their parents and want to protect them. Also having their children around can keep parents motivated in their rebuilding efforts because they will be constantly be reminded to be grateful for the most precious gift that they still have - life.

For those children who have lost a loved one, please let them know what happened and allow them to share the family's grief. Coping with grief is a whole other process, so I would urge anyone who knows children affected by death in this disaster to read further on coping with death and dying at: http://www.maggiedent.com/Death_through_eyes_of_child.pdf

Plucky principal's in a hero class

3 May 2011

SchoolAid spent two hours meeting with the Principal of Patrick Estate State School in the Lockyer Valley, hearing about how the January 2011 floods devastated the school - and how the floodwaters were not able to knock out the community's resilience!  An inspirational day in the company of an incredible young woman.

Just 24 hours after she found herself running Esk's flood evacuation centre, principal Liz Bailey was delivered some shocking news.

The 32-year-old was told her own school, which most assumed would be safe, had gone under and families were being rescued from its roof.  Her action and defiance in the circumstances that followed, and her leadership up until that point, has led to the Patrick Estate State School teaching principal being hailed a local hero in Parliament.

Ms Bailey, who also volunteered in the floods in Emerald and opened up her house to a young family while she worked around the clock at Esk, said it took days for the floodwaters to recede before she could assess the devastation at Patrick Estate.

What she saw was "heart-breaking".

Abandoned cars outside were still filled with water.  Their playground was flattened - metal structures mangled - debris and styrofoam boxes packed with fruit were wedged in their trees.

"I think the most devastating thing was opening the doors to the classroom and, in particular, to the library I could hardly push the door open because all of the books were in the mud and there was still water trapped in there," she said.

Ignoring the broken furniture, floors and walls, she began her third recovery effort and, with the help of more than 100 volunteers, successfully delivered on a promise to open her school on the first day.  Outside their school sign declared: "Invincible."

"It is going to take more than a flood to close us down and we are all going to rebuild and it will be bigger and better and shinier than ever before," Ms Bailey said.

(Courtesy of Courier-Mail)

Kadina Primary's special assembly for the flood victims

13 April 2011

Our student population averages 450 across the school year which allows for wonderful opportunities for cross age tutoring, curriculum sharing and specialisation. Currently we offer PE, Music and French as specialist instructional areas.

Our Literacy and Numeracy Screening protocols identify students with learning difficulties and Intervention and Support Programs are recognised as being effective , sustainable and equitable.  Physically Active pursuits are supported at Kadina Primary School through school based programs, SAPSASA Activities and support for engagement in extra curricula activities.

Student Wellbeing is a priority for Kadina Primary School. Explicit Values Education and Intentional Student Governance projects are facilitated by our dedicated School Counsellor.

With Microsoft's 2009 International Innovative Educator on staff, we have explored possibilities of 21st Century Learning through a range of tools and environments- this remains our commitment.

(Courtesy of YP Country Times)

New Condamine principal arrives just in time

11 April 2011

It was touch and go as to whether new Condamine State School principal Tammy Doudle would be there to introduce herself to students and staff on the first day of term.

But she made it before the first school bell. With 12 hours to spare.

The town of Condamine, including the school, was badly damaged by the recent devastating floods. Residents were evacuated to nearby Dalby not once, but twice.

Mrs Doudle (nee Waters), former principal of Cooyar State School, said the roads were cut outside her former hometown of Nanango and also cut into Condamine.

'I was flooded in in Nanango and the outgoing Condamine principal, Amanda Heffernan, was also unable to move to her next post in Mount Isa and had a problem with her removalist, so we were both impacted by the floodwaters,' she said.

'On the Sunday (January 23), my family's possessions were finally moved by our removalists from Nanango to our new residence in Condamine under a police escort.  We drove into town on the Sunday and school started on the Monday (January 24) so it was down to the wire as to whether I was going to arrive in time.'

Outgoing principal Amanda Heffernan said it was a strange and stressful changeover between the two principals, but was reassured by the community spirit in the town.

'I was so impressed with the way the school was readied for the kids to start on Monday, thanks to Education Queensland, QBuild and the SES and volunteers,' Mrs Heffernan said. 'Even the families who had lost a lot in the floods were offering to help. Our admin officer, whose house was inundated up to the tops of her windows, was already back at work on the weekend before school started.'

Mrs Doudle said she too had been overwhelmed by the kindness of people from all over Australia wanting to help the school and the community get back on track.  'We've had so many offers of assistance from around the country including donations of backpacks, clothes, stationery and money,' she said.  'We even had a young girl donate her laptop because she wanted it to go to someone who needed it more than she did.'

The school is continuing to collate a list of resources lost in the floods.

(Courtesy of Annabel Finnila, Education Views, DET QLD)

Trinity Grammar Preparatory School inspires again!

30 March 2011

In response to the devastating floods and Cyclone Yasi a Year 6 boy approached his mother about organising a fundraiser for those affected by the devastation. The boy's parent and a number of other parents then approached me about organising a barbeque sausage sizzle for the boys in years 3 - 6 at the School Swimming Championships to raise money to send to the relief fund. We had a large number of mums and dads who were involved in the organisation prior to the day and then on the day serving and cooking the bbq. The boys in Kindergarten to Year 2 had a mufti day and we asked that they make a gold coin donation as their contribution to this appeal.

On Wednesday 16^th February, all boys in Years 3 - 6 observed a minute's silence as the School Flags were lowered to half mast during Quad assembly and then were led by Year 6 leaders in a time of prayer. The boys in K - Yr 2 observed a minute's silence during their Chapel Service and were also led in a time of prayer.

In addition to the funds raised through the sausage sizzle and gold coin mufti day, a young boy from Year 1 had told his mother that he didn't want a birthday party or gifts. Instead the money that would have been used for those things should be donated to the appeal. His family  personally donated $500 to this appeal.

In total the Trinity Grammar School Preparatory School community raised just over $1700 for the SchoolAid appeal.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR INSPIRATIONAL ACTIVITIES EVERYONE!

Hackham West School showing support for the flood victims.

24 March 2011

At Hackham West Schools we are committed to providing a quality teaching and learning environment within a continuous improvement culture and as such have high expectations for all our students. Our school values of respect, caring, honesty, learning, inclusion and fun underpin our practices, policies and procedures.

Our school is accredited as a 'Save the Children Global Peace School' with the support of the United Nations which gives us the privilege of flying the United Nations flag. We also have successful partnerships with 'Save the Children','The Smith Family', Hackham West Community Centre and Hackham West Children's Centre. Special programs include Japanese, drumming, Blue earth,The Shed woodwork program and 'Art with an Artist'. Through our 'Motivate for Success' program we work together to establish a strong purpose for learning and a commitments to work together to build happy, safe, productive relationships in the classroom and school life. We incorporate the Fish Philosophy, Whale Done approach, Quality Learning Tools, Restorative Practice and Peace Education.

WHAT AN INSPIRATIONAL SCHOOL!

Kormilda College - Despite their own school closure with cyclone Carlos, they pulled together to support their Aussie flood affected neighbours!

8 March 2011

On Thursday 24^th February, 2011 the staff and students at Kormilda College, Darwin enjoyed a day of fundraising for the flood affected areas of south east Queensland. This day was postponed due to our own natural disaster, a category 1 tropical cylone going by the name of Carlos. This closed the school for two days in total and caused widespread damage to school property and Darwin in general.

We had organised a number of activities for the day. We held a casual day for students which allowed them to wear normal 'civilian' clothes for the day. A gold coin donation was given by each student for this privilege. This alone raised $385. As Valentine's Day was just a number of days ago, an idea was formulated by our Year 12 Leadership group that our students can order (at a cost of $4 each) a rose and note that will be delivered to class by the group. We used the day to hand out these roses and we were able to raise an additional $293.

Lastly, we in the Territory enjoy an outdoorsy lifestyle, so the old Aussie BBQ is a popular get together. The SRC ran a BBQ at lunch and were able to raise $358 in total.  The entire college, from boarding to day students really supported the fundraising. The Year 12 leadership group and SRC did a fantastic job and made the day a very successful one.

All up we were able to raise a total of $1036. Our girl's school captain, Chloe Moo was able to get the support of some major businesses in Darwin. These businesses will meet the amount raised by the school, dollar for dollar. So all up we raised over $3000!

I would like to thank the following members of our college community for their support and donations:

• Mrs Sara Alexopoulos
• Mrs  Joanne Moo
• Middle School leadership group for running the lunchtime BBQ
• College captains Chloe Moo and Nik Alexopoulos for coordinating the events
• Year 12 Leadership group for assisting with the Valentine's Day roses
• Kormilda College SRC representatives for assisting in the casual day collection

Dean Cummins ~ Head of Year 11/SRC, Kormilda College

Kormilda College is a world-recognised, independent, coeducational, multi-cultural day and residential college dedicated to the provision of an affordable, quality Christian education. The student population is well over 1100 and representative of the wide variety of cultural backgrounds found in the Northern Territory.

Keyneton's 'Make Your Own Fruit Kebab Day'

25 February 2011

"Following discussions with the students last week, about their reactions to the floods and how they felt about other children, just like themselves, losing their homes, pets, possessions and schools, the SRC decided we could do something meaningful to raise money for the victims."

"We thought that since a lot of our tropical fruit comes from the areas that were affected, making fruit kebabs might be a good way to recognise not only the loss to families and businesses, but to farmers as well.    Today the Year 7 students helped cut up the fruit, donated by the staff and a parent, and students were able to thread their choice from ten different fruit varieties onto skewers to make their own kebabs.    We are very pleased to announce that our school of just 32 students raised $130 for the SchoolAid Floods Appeal."    ~Cathy Hull, Principal of Keyneton Primary School, South Australia. CONGRATULATIONS ON A TRULY UNIQUE INITIATIVE KIDS!

BayView State School puts compassion to paper!

24 February 2011

Stefanie Owens, BayView State School Year 6/7 Turquoise Class: "We have 26 students in our class and on Thursday our school celebrated by having a free dress day and a BBQ."  

Check out these fabulous posters below that Rhianna and Julia created for the people in Queensland who have been affected by the floods or cyclone.

WHAT BEAUTIFUL WORDS AND ARTWORK! THANK YOU BAYVIEW!

Little school shows big spirit - Warrill View State School

23 February 2011

(courtesy of QUEENSLAND TIMES by Rob Williams)

 

IT'S a tiny school but some mighty big hearts beat inside the community-minded children and staff of Warrill View State School.

This week, the rural Ipswich school joined hundreds of schools taking part Schoolaid's Floods Relief Appeal Day.

It was a day to stand united and think of the tragedy and loss felt by the flood and cyclone affected schools and kids. A minute's silence was held and flags were lowered to half mast.

Warrill View principal Irene Williams said all the school's 35 students wore blue and made a gold coin donation for the privilege.

One lad even dyed his hair blue. Every student from Prep to year seven also bought iceblocks to raise money for the appeal.

"Today we raised $100. Just from 35 kids. That's great," Mrs Williams proudly said. "We're raising money for Brassall and Bundamba schools because they lost everything.  We were so lucky, we weren't inundated. The kids know how lucky we've been.  I think it's the whole family atmosphere. It's the way the community is - when you see another community struggling they all want to help.  Everyone is so on board with what we're doing."

The school, which also had a fundraising bush dance, has also partnered with Condamine to help the flood-affected western Darling Downs town.

Warrill View State School captains Kirra Butler, Shelby McQuilty, Billy Harsant, Amber Weale and Lilly Sherlock (pictured above) show off some of the money they have raised during Flood Aid 2011.

All Saints Grammar leads the way!

22 February 2011

THANK YOU ALL SAINTS GRAMMAR FOR SHARING YOUR FLOODS APPEAL DAY WITH US!

The SchoolAid team so often reads, hears and sees many wonderful stories and images of schools around the nation putting their school values into action and raising funds for kids and communities in need everywhere.

So we felt very privileged to have the opportunity to personally visit one of the hundreds of schools registered for the SCHOOLAID FLOODS APPEAL DAY on Thursday, 17 February.

ALL SAINTS GRAMMAR SCHOOL in Belmore, Sydney, was generous enough to allow us to visit their school and join in their junior school assembly and minute's silence in memory of those lost and affected by the recent flooding and cyclone disasters.  We were able to witness firsthand just how worried and upset the students felt about these natural disasters and their impact, but very empowered by the opportunity to contribute to the rebuilding of schools and lives through their fundraising efforts.

The assembly was coordinated by All Saints School Captain and Vice-Captain, Parry and Alexandra, who reminded the students why their contribution matters, and invited their peers to share their thoughts and feelings about the disasters with the assembly.  So many children raised their hands!  They wanted to share their feelings about the sense of fear and powerlessness they felt when faced with the images of destruction in the media during their Summer Holidays.   So many children shared their connection to the loss and destruction - stories of friends and family directly impacted by the floods and the cyclone.  But most importantly, the children all expressed their strong desire to find a way to help - they felt compelled to do something, and the opportunity to raise funds and to acknowledge the disasters with a minute's silence provided a meaningful opportunity for them to take action.

Commenting on the work of SchoolAid and the role philanthropy, fundraising and values education has in their school, Acting Head of All Saints Junior School, Thomas Psomas, said, "The students of All Saints Grammar, like all students in the midst of their summer holidays, were exposed to the powerful images and news which filtered into our living rooms during the school break. Our students were moved by what they saw and the huge impact the floods had on fellow Australians. Many of our students had a personal experience to share as they had relatives in the regions affected by the floods and cyclone. As a whole school all our students were more than happy to participate in the Flood Relief Appeal to raise valuable funds for the people affected. Such gestures enable students to make a contribution and have that feeling of being able to help someone else which is a rewarding experience.

Helping flood victims with a flood of colour - Slacks Creek State School (Queensland)

21 February 2011

by Janette Nam & Mikayla Davis Year 7P students, Slacks Creek State School.

On Thursday the 17th of February Slacks Creek State School, in Daisy Hill, helped flood victims by hosting a free dress day. Many students who participated in the cause brought in at least a gold coin to donate. Altogether we raised $240 as a whole school community.  Some students and their family were very generous and gave more than a gold coin. A few students and their families gave $10 and $5 notes. "We are very proud that our students and families have dug deep to help flood victims," David Teale, Principal. We hope that other schools in the community have also helped to raise some money and support this cause.  In addition to fundraising, Slacks Creek State School also held one minute of silence to respect the losses of flood victims. A variety of different areas have been affected by this brutal natural disaster and it was devastating to witness.

At Slacks Creek State School we pray for the families who have lost loved ones and their homes.  We hope that they find comfort knowing that schools around the state are behind them.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FANTASTIC EFFORTS, SLACKS CREEK!

Some thoughts from the Keyneton Primary School kids (South Australia)

17 February 2011

Keyneton Primary School's motto is  "value integrity, honesty, respect and responsibility". 

WHAT AN INSPIRATIONAL SCHOOL!

Cathy Hull, Principal at Keyneton has kindly sent us through some comments from some of her kids, after their minute's silence.

When I saw people were missing, I thought of my family and how I would feel if it was me. Caitlin D, Year 7  If I was in the floods I would be sad and angry that all my things and pets, and my friend's things - everything I owned - disappeared. I think it's terrible. Lauren, Year 7  It would be awful to see all your special belongings and things you like swept away. Maddy, Year 6  People were horrified when all their things were pulled out of drawers and cupboards. Travis, Year 4  Watching the floods on TV made me sad. Watching people's things swept away in the water and watching people terrified was very sad. Caitlin W, Year 7  If I was in the floods I'd be very sad and upset that all my toys and pets were gone. Lachlan, Year 3  Some people couldn't afford to replace their things. I know they didn't have flood insurance. Grace, Year 4  Everything their mums just bought (for Christmas) would be washed away. Thomas, Year 2  Hearing about deaths and how people were found was devastating. I felt very sorry for them. Seth Year 5  It's very cruel that the floods went in and just swiped all the things away and killed some people. Hugo, Year 3  I would be very sad if all my things and money were washed away. Jessie, Year 1

Already AMAZING stories are pouring in- from as far away as La Moye Primary School in Jersey, UK!

16 February 2011

It's not just in Australia that people are rallying to the support of those in need after the devastating floods.

On the other side of the world, in the small channel Island of Jersey, in the UK, two Year 3 children (7 and 8 year olds) came up with an idea to help too.. and raised an astonishing $350! 

Brilliant work everyone!

Emma Cutland and Natacha Searson (pictured) arranged for their primary school to hold a cake sale to raise funds.  The two girls organised the whole thing independently - enlisting the help of some of the older children as well as support from parents throughout the school. The whole school really rose to the occasion and brought in 100s of cakes of all shapes and sizes! The girls and their team then set out the cakes in the school playground, and sold them to all the other children, many of whom had brought their pocket money in. Emma said: "We saw the floods on the television and we wanted to do something to help the families in Australia." Natacha added: "We thought a cake sale would be a good idea because we always raise a lot of money with them. We sold all the cakes and it was really busy. Some people donated their change too.' La Moye School prides itself on having a really strong sense of community - and everyone is very proud that the girls have initiated this event, thinking about communities on the other side of the world who have been affected by these natural disasters.  What an inpirational show of initiative and compassion!

NSW DET will direct their 'Maroon for a Day' funds to SchoolAid.

15 February 2011

(Below is courtesy of NSW DET. Please click here for full information on their website)

Queensland flood relief - Maroon for a Day

Aussie schools stand united in support of SchoolAid's Floods Relief Appeal Day, made even more prevalent by the further recovery setbacks from Cyclone Yasi. Is your school on board yet?

8 February 2011

THURSDAY 17th FEBRUARY- SCHOOLAID'S FLOODS RELIEF APPEAL DAY.

TIME TO GET INVOLVED & MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Urgent message from Queensland Education Minister Geoff Wilson MP

27 January 2011

Endorsing SchoolAid's Appeal on behalf of the Queensland Government, The Hon. Geoff Wilson MP, Queensland's Minister for Education and Training, said:

"Queensland is at the beginning of a massive recovery and rebuilding effort following one of the most intense and devastating flood events in Australia's history. 75% of Queensland has been flood affected - and our schools, our teachers, our students and their families did not escape the floodwaters. I, like many others have been shocked by the extent of the damage caused by the floods, but I have also been amazed by the tireless efforts of so many to get our community - including our schools - back on their feet.

On behalf of the Queensland Government I am proud to support and endorse the SchoolAid Floods Appeal.  With your support to appeals like SchoolAid we will not only recover from the destruction that has torn our state apart, we will emerge a stronger Queensland because of it."

Floods in Victoria

18 January 2011

In Victoria, 4,000 people in 46 towns are affected by rising flood waters.

Major flood warnings are current for the Avoca River, Campaspe River downstream of Lake Eppalock, the Loddon River and Wimmera River.

An emergency alert from Vic SES (State Emergency Services) has been issued for Allansford. The Hopkins River is expected to peak between 5 and 10 am today

In Quambatook, leevee banks have been built around the township and across Boort Road, which has been closed. Residents were told to evacuate to the relief centre at Lake Boga.

Residents in Horsham are waiting for the Wimmera River to reach record flood levels that are predicted to be higher than the big flood they had in 1909. The SES has warned residents to protect their homes in low-lying areas near the river.

Just before 6 am Sydney time, (5 am Qld) ABC radio Western Victoria Tweeted an emergency alert for Horsham in the area bounded by Barnes Blvd, Bennett Rd, Laurel St, Selkirk Drv, Hamilton St, McPherson St & McBain St. One hour earlier, they issued an alert for residents in the area bounded by Horsham Drung South Road Natoli Dv & Mardon Dv, telling the residents to leave their houses. Three hours later, the town centre was under 1 metre of water. The worst is yet to come.

Victorian Police divers are searching a flooded billabong for an 8 year-old boy. He was swimming with his older brother and sister yesterday when they saw him duck under the water yesterday. He never resurfaced.

(courtesy of WikiWP)

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has confirmed 60 schools across the state have been significantly damaged in the flood crisis.

14 January 2011

Ms Bligh says every effort will be made to ensure there is as little disruption to education as possible despite the widespread flood damage.

Eighty-six kindergartens and childcare centres are also inaccessible and seven TAFEs have also been damaged.

Ms Bligh says the State Government is determined that as many schools as possible will opened when the new term starts later this month.

She says it is essential that children can be with their friends and it will help parents rebuild and return to a normal life.

But the race is on now to have schools open and a normal school timeframe.

She says the Queensland Government is determined to get government services back to a normal.

"We are determined wherever possible to have school open on the normal day one of term this year," she said.

"It is important to improving the strength and resilience of our communities that families can get kids back to school as soon as possible, children can be with their friends, and parents can get on with all the jobs associated with rebuilding."

(Courtesy of ABC News)

Urgent message to Principals and Teachers from Norm Hart, APPA President

12 January 2011

Terrifying Disaster in Queensland.

11 January 2011

Queensland needs YOUR help!

"What we have here in Queensland tonight is a very grim and desperate situation," said Premier Anna Bligh.

"There are many Queenslanders tonight in critical and dire circumstances, emergency workers out facing risky situations and many people facing a very terrifying night."

Police commissioner Bob Atkinson described the flooding in Toowoomba as an "inland instant tsunami" and there were "very grave" concerns for people at Grantham, where about 30 people had sought shelter at the local primary school.

"We won't have a full appreciation of this until first light," he said.

Toowoomba Mayor Peter Taylor said there had been "unbelievable damage'' to the city. ''It's a real disaster scene where I'm standing at the moment in Russell St, Toowoomba. There's furniture and furnishings and it's just blown shops away," he said.

''We have a railway line about 60 or 70 metres suspended in mid air and two cars that are virtually unrecognisable that have floated and smashed into the rail.''

(Courtesy of Brisbane Times and Daniel Hurst with AAP)

Queensland under water - a disaster "of Biblical proportions".

10 January 2011

The Queensland Summer started with torrential rain, causing extensive flash flooding across Central Queensland with flood warnings issued on over a dozen rivers across the State.

Since the end of November 2010, heavy rains have continued to fall across Brisbane and South East Queensland- resulting in flash floods in many towns with communities isolated, schools, buildings and homes destroyed with families separated and loved ones unaccounted for.  Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by the floods- which is the worst in Queensland's history.

More rains and flooding are expected, with people being urged to evacuate their homes.

Click here to view more information of how the tragedy is unfolding.