Meet our Principal

For over 100 years Blackheath & Thornburgh College has been providing education and opportunities for students from across regional and remote areas of QLD.

As we move into the future, the College is focused on continuing to provide high quality, equitable educational opportunities for all members of our College community.

Blackheath & Thornburgh College provides a diverse curriculum focused on developing a pathway to success for each child in our care. Each time our students engage in traditional curriculum areas alongside school developed interest-based electives, weekly House based challenges, community events, volunteering, Interschool sports and academic activities they are asked to Go It Blue! This motto not only forms the basis for many College traditions it also encompasses the key values and beliefs that provide the answers to the questions many families consider when looking at schools.

With a large boarding cohort, our staff understand the huge sacrifices made by many of our families in sending their children away to boarding school. The transition is not always smooth and can have some ups and downs as students and their families adjust to a new environment. Our boarding team has worked to develop communication pathways and opportunities to connect with parents alongside initiatives to promote a healthy and positive environment for their boarding communities. Students have access to high quality nutrition, comfortable living conditions and a range of active opportunities to keep the blood pumping and minds moving. Whether it’s volunteering with the local cricket club to prepare fields and facilities, supporting our P&F ladies in the canteen at the sale yards, assisting behind the scenes at the local Eisteddfod or lending a hand for the annual Show, our students have regular opportunities to actively engage with the community.

Our Junior School students thrive in a small and supportive setting with an outstanding team of educators working to build on the foundational skills that create lifelong learners. Each student from Pre-Prep to Year 6 has access to specialist teachers for HPE, Visual Art and Music with additional opportunities in Drama for our Year 3/4 cohort. Preparing our Year 5/6 students for the transition to our secondary setting is a key focus with classes exploring opportunities in Manual Arts and Home Economics.

Our team of educators are constantly looking for innovative ways to provide students with the knowledge to explore, evolve and expand their talents in our student focused community. With a diverse student body we aim to ensure each and every student leaves the College accountable, reliable and ready to contribute in an ever changing world.

Mr Simon Murphy
College Principal