Lockhart State School is a very remote school situated in the community of Lockhart River on the Eastern Coast of Cape York Peninsula. The population in the local area is approximately 700 people. The community is comprised of five coastal and inland diverse language groups. Lockhart students are fluent speakers of Lockhart creole which is an emergent language that includes words from all 5 local languages, English and languages of the Torres Straits. Standard Australian English a second langauge for the students at Lockhart State School.
The term 'Sandbeach' or Pama Malnkana, means 'people of the sand beach' which gives common identity to the inhabitants of this region. The area is one of pristine beauty with the mountain of 'Iron Range' sweeping down to the golden sand of Quintel Beach from where the locals launch their fishing boats. The population is very friendly and warmly welcomes new teaching staff into their community.
Lockhart River was formerly a mission established in 1924 at 'old site' before moving to the present location in 1971 with the formation of the Lockhart River Council in 1987. The community is presently under an Alcohol Management Plan with zero alcohol permitted. The local Lockhart River Art Gang is a sustainable enterprise which involves artists working in the local community. Most employment opportunities are generated by the Council with contributions from the Community Development Employment Program.
As part of our support and work with our local community, our school has developed an environmental management plan (PDF, 168 KB), to guide staff and students in our environmental sustainability and protection projects. We are also a Reef Guardian school.
