GUMDALE State School is preparing to celebrate a major milestone next month, marking 10 years of partnership with the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) – a program that has quietly become one of the school community’s most valued traditions.
The anniversary event, to be held on Wednesday June 17 at RQYS, will bring together current Year 6 students, parents and special guests including State Minister Steve Minnikin and Federal Member for Bonner Kara Cook.
For many families, it’s a chance to recognise a program that has shaped the confidence, teamwork and resilience of hundreds of Gumdale students.
Gumdale State School is one of the only schools in Queensland involved in the long-running sailing initiative, which offers students from Years 2-6 hands-on maritime experiences.
Over the past decade, the partnership has grown into a cornerstone of the school’s extracurricular life, introducing young people to sailing while helping them develop leadership and problem-solving skills.
Principal representatives say the program’s impact extends well beyond the water, with many students continuing to sail competitively or recreationally after leaving primary school.
One of those is Ruby Carter, a former Gumdale student who first stepped onto a boat through the school’s sailing program.
Ruby has since travelled the world competing in sailing events and will return as a guest speaker at the celebration.
Her story, staff say, reflects the heart of the partnership which is giving children the confidence to try something new and discover what they’re capable of.
As the school prepares to mark the 10-year milestone, the event is expected to be both a celebration of achievements and a thank you to the volunteers, coaches and families who have supported the program since its earliest days.
