A lot of has changed in the 25 years since students first opened a text book at Port Douglas State School, Principal Benjamin Gaske says.

Chalkboards have been replaced by 'interactive' whiteboards hooked up to laptops, engaging students with a steady stream of information and class work.

The 'future oriented' approach is one way Mr Gaske says the school is preparing its pupils for the workforce of tomorrow. 

"It's a multimedia way to display information to students," he says. 

"It improves concentration and keeps them wanting to be a part of the learning process.

"If we think broadly, some of the jobs we're preparing them for haven't been invented yet, so we need to make sure they have access to what's considered futuristic technology."

The new approach has led to encouraging results in the most recent NAPLAN tests with 45 per cent of year three students performing in the upper two bands in their writing assessments. 

Mr Gaske says parents are helping achieve those results by encouraging their children to go to school. 

This year attendance rates are at 92.7 per cent but the principal says the school improve that figure. 

"We've set a goal for 95 per cent because we think we're a high achieving school," he says.

"At the end of the day, we have 200 days of school a year and if you miss ten days of school and that's pretty significant in the grand scheme of things. 

"That can really impact on students' continuation of learning."

The transient nature of many families in far north Queensland means some students attend up to four different schools in a calendar year, but Mr Gaske says individualising the 'learning journey' helps cater to children's academic needs.

"We've got fantastic experienced staff ... and a community of people and kids who want to learn together," he says.  

"Because of that, we really are able to provide a wide range of learning opportunities for all students who attend." 

Port Douglas State School has had an historically high turnover of principals. 

But rather than being a weakness, Mr Gaske says it has allowed him to adopt a 'distributed leadership style', reaching consensus with teachers on the best outcomes for students.  

"Some may see that [turnover] as a negative but it's actually empowered the current staff, many of whom have been here for 10 or 20 years to take roles on within the school," he says.

This Saturday teachers will host the school's 25th anniversary celebrations, giving the community a chance to visit classrooms and meet teachers.

Mainting a transparent relationship with the community is part of the school's success, Mr Gaske says.

"We're hoping that people come here and see the changes for themselves," he says. 

Port Douglas State School is inviting the community celebrate their 25th anniversary on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 4, Endeavour Street, Port Douglas from 2pm to 6:30pm.

The event will feature live music, class tours, an historical display, jumping castle and much more.