Bundaberg’s newest school is set to make an impact with Impact Community Services approved by the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) to open a Special Assistance School in Bundaberg.
The decision paves the way for Impact Community Academy to open its doors in 2025.
Impact Academy is purposely designed to support young people who have, or are at risk of, disengaging from mainstream education.
With a focus that prioritises wellbeing, students will be able to address their academic, emotional, social, and physical needs in a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is set up to thrive.
Impact Community Services Managing Director Tanya O’Shea said the organisation looked forward to welcoming students from next year.
“We are very proud to have reached this significant milestone,” Tanya said.
“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 Academy will meet students where they are, challenge them to think differently, and empower them to take control of their own learning.
“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.”
Impact worked closely with local principals, the region’s other Special Assistance Schools and Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) to ensure its offering met community need.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support everyone has shown,” Tanya said.
“Our conversations have demonstrated to us the critical need Impact Academy will fill within our community.
“There is a clear demand for alternate schooling options.
“We know hundreds of young people are disengaged from traditional learning environments.
“Local principals have indicated that this could affect as many as 1 in 3 local students.”
Tanya said Impact had a long history of helping youth to prioritise their wellbeing so they could achieve their goals.
Founding Principal Jenna Auer
Founding Principal Jenna Auer has relocated from Victoria to Bundaberg to take on the role as the school’s inaugural leader with her passion, positivity and energy set to turn the vision of Impact Academy into a reality.
She said she envisions a space where students are greeted warmly, and both their daily achievements and challenges are acknowledged.
“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 said.
“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.”
As Jenna steps into her new position, she is eager to apply her diverse skills and experiences to build a learning environment centred on wellbeing.
“Wellbeing is a large passion of mine, not just at work and in the classroom, but also in my own life,” she said.
“It’s really exciting to bring my experience I have and the vision and model that Impact have created to build a program that will best support the local need.”
Jenna’s dedication to understanding and addressing the impact of disadvantage on learning led her to complete a Masters in Education (Special Educational Needs), specialising in trauma-informed practices.
Her passion for health and activity fuels a dynamic approach to education and supporting young people.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to bring our wellbeing model to life,” Jenna shared.
“I’m ready to create an environment where student’s needs are met and I can’t wait to see the positive impact this approach will have.”
Jenna said her goal was to integrate self-awareness and holistic development into the curriculum, to ensure that students thrived both academically and personally.
Impact Academy will be located at 108 Bargara Road and is expected to open in the first half of 2025.
Further information, and an expression of interest form, is available for families, local schools and organisations on the Impact Academy website here.
