Celebrating 20 Years | Staines Memorial College Ipswich

Kindy – Year 12 Christian School | Staines Memorial College

20th Anniversary Celebration

In 2025, Staines Memorial College marked 20 years of Christian education with a special celebration bringing together students, families, staff, alumni, and the wider community. Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding and Councillor Pye Augustine opened the celebration evening, reflecting on the college’s journey from its humble beginnings in 2005 with just 35 students and 3 staff to the thriving Community Hub and Kindergarten to Year 12 community that it is today.

GROW IN FAITH | GROW IN LEARNING | GROW IN CHARACTER

Ipswich Mayor, Teresa Harding, giving speech at SMC celebration evening.

SMC Over the Years

Since opening its doors in 2005, Staines Memorial College has continued to grow and evolve. From its early beginnings as a small primary school, the college has steadily expanded its programs, facilities, and community.

2005: Staines Memorial College began with three staff members and 35 primary students in a single building in Springfield, led by Teacher in Charge Mrs Joy Robson.
2006: The College introduced its first Secondary cohort and constructed B Block.
2007: Staff numbers grew to eight and Mr Norton Sands was appointed as the first College Principal.
2008: Continued growth across the College led to the construction of C Block.
2009: Enrolment reached 100 students, with Secondary education offered from Years 7 to 10.

2010: The College reached 100 primary students, celebrated 5 years as a College, relocated to the current Redbank Plains campus, and expanded with three new buildings.
2011: Student enrolment grew to 200 across Primary and Secondary. The first level of the Secondary Learning Centre was built, and the College celebrated the graduation of its first Year 12 cohort.
2012: Enrolment reached 300 students, the Official College Opening Ceremony was held, and Mr Nick Makin joined as Deputy Principal.
2013: The College sent its first mission team to Nepal and primary school enrolment grew to 200 students.
2014: The school oval was built, the Primary Learning Centre B1 was completed, and the next stage of the Secondary Learning Centre was finished. This was also the first year Year 7 students transitioned to Secondary.

2015: The College celebrated 10 years of operation, with student enrolment growing to over 400. During this time the Kindy facility was also built.
2016: The College hosted its first IMPACT event, constructed an additional Primary building, and completed the final stage of the Secondary Learning Centre.
2017: After five years of graduating Year 12 students, the College proudly celebrated its 100th graduate.
2018: Enrolment reached the milestone of 500 students. This year also marked the College’s first participation in Wakakirri, and the completion of the Community Hub and Primary Sports Centre.
2019: Primary school enrolment grew to 300 students, with more than 200 students in Secondary. The second stage of PLC-B was completed and the Primary school presented its first musical production, Pirates of the Curry Bean.

2020: The College celebrated 15 years and welcomed Mr Nick Makin as the newly appointed College Principal.
2021: Student enrolment exceeded 600, the Art Precinct was completed, and the Secondary musical The Little Mermaid was a great success.
2022: The College celebrated its 200th graduate, began construction on the final stage of PLC-A, and proudly joined the GBC sports competition.
2023: Four additional classrooms were added to PLC-A, the first Kindy Open Day was held, and the Primary school presented the musical The Lion King Jr.
2024: Construction began on the outdoor basketball courts and front car park, and more than 270 students have now graduated Year 12 from the College.

2025 and beyond: As we look to the future, Staines Memorial College continues to build on the strong foundation laid over the past two decades. With a growing community, expanding opportunities, and a continued commitment to Christ centred education, we look forward to seeing the next generation of students learn, grow, and thrive.