Douglas Shire schools are among 25 in the region to benefit from almost $3.3 million in State Government funding.

A day after students returned to classes for the 2014 school year, Member for Cook, David Kempton, announced schools in Mossman, Port Douglas, Wonga Beach and the Daintree would share in more than $243,000, part of the Government’s new $121 million education program, Great Results Guarantee.

“We want every Queenslander to enjoy a quality education experience so they are well equipped to enter further education, training and employment,” Mr Kempton said.

“This is about investing in our future, our children.”

Mr Kempton said the Great Results Guarantee would see the majority of funding targeted at the early years of school, which research shows is the most vital time in a child’s learning.

He said principals, in consultation with their school communities, would develop an agreement which would be entered into with the Director General of the Department of Education, Training and Employment.

“We want parents and carers to be part of this process and set their expectations for what they want their children to achieve,” he said.

“The school can then develop a plan to achieve those outcomes. For example, after school numeracy tutoring, reading workshops for parents and so on.

“This funding will go a long way in assisting teachers, parents and students improve educational outcomes in the district,” he said.

For more information on the Great Results Guarantee go to www.education.qld.gov.au/resultsguarantee

Dates for student attendance at Queensland state schools are:

• Term 1 - Tuesday 28 January to Friday 4 April
• Term 2 - Tuesday 22 April to Friday 27 June
• Term 3 - Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September
• Term 4 - Tuesday 7 October to Friday 12 December