General News
4 April, 2026
Campus ‘keeps keeping on’
SILKWOOD State School has kicked off its 110th year with the kind of energy and community pride that small schools do best.
From new murals splashed across the grounds to a busy calendar of sport, music, language and well-being programs, the school is proving its motto, ‘Keep on keeping on’ is more than just words.
With an experienced and long serving teaching team, principal Chris Cattarossi said the school’s strength was in its people.
“All staff know their roles and have a collective efficacy, so everyone is on the same page and heading in the same direction,” he said.
“In a small school, you really get to know the students and their families – and that makes all the difference.”
This year, the school is sharpening its focus on reading, literacy and numeracy, supported by dedicated staff, including Andrea Corby, who helps with the lower school classes, teacher librarian Sarah Taifalos and SEP teacher Brigid Darveniza. Specialist teachers Adam Stubbings (PE), Kerry McGilvray (music) and new instrumental music teacher Kym Hall have also joined the team.
Silkwood continues to work closely with its Canecutter cluster schools – Flying Fish Point, Mundoo, South Johnstone and Mena Creek – with students coming together annually for athletics, league tag and softball/tee ball carnivals.
The school’s commitment to a balanced education is evident in its diverse offerings: Dance lessons with Louise Buljabasich from Dance Works Academy, Italian language for years 5/6 through Cairns School of Distance Education, coordinated by Tammy Speziali, a free 10-week swimming program in Tully, supported by P&C funding and government grants, healthy ‘crunch breaks’ each morning, as well as a free breakfast club three days a week and tuckshop once a week.
Chaplain Billi Wright visits each Monday, while the Giggly Friends Playgroup, run by Belinda Santarossa, brings local families together weekly from 8.30am-11am.
The school grounds have also received a creative boost, with local artists Loretta Lizzio and Cameron Smith completing two vibrant murals last year with help from students, a project funded through a successful P&C grant and school funds.
A newer tradition is also taking root: each year 6 class now plants a kauri pine with a plaque during an end of year ceremony, leaving a living legacy for future students.
The P&C association continues to play a vital role, providing input on school policies and supporting programs that enrich student learning.
With a strong community behind it and a clear focus for the year ahead, the school is celebrating its milestone year by doing what it does best, nurturing confident, capable learners who live by the values of ‘safety, respect and learning’.
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