A new home for Ohana College

For the past 7 years, once-struggling students have found refuge at an independent school in Browns Plains.

Ohana College provides a wraparound approach to education, where each student – many of whom have become disengaged from mainstream education – receives specialised education and care.

The college, which has operated in a range of different leased spaces over the years, will be opening a permanent campus for students to call home in July.

For Principal Tennille Lynham, the new campus reflects the growing need for special assistance schools.

‘It wasn’t ideal to keep moving young people around and there’s more demand than ever,’ she says.

‘Meadowbrook was the perfect spot because of the future growth, rail upgrades’ inclusion in the 2032 Olympics infrastructure – it’s aspirational and growing.

‘Ohana College itself is aspirational because these young people are aiming to complete Year 12 and successfully navigate that social transition into the community.’

Unlike the previous locations, the new Meadowbrook campus was specifically designed for Ohana’s community of young people.

Classrooms are tailored to the individual needs of students – for instance, there are specific breakout zones for learning sessions and noise-reducing acoustic design.

There is also a full kitchen as morning tea, breakfast and lunch is provided for students.

‘We’re always looking at ways to improve the integration of wellbeing and learning to support our students,’ Tennille says.

‘Our new partnership with Griffith University connects us to specialist support services which is important to the students and families.

‘We’re creating an environment where we have the expertise to refer our students elsewhere if they require additional support, and this is only stage one.’

The new campus currently has 180 students enrolled and stage 2 is progressing to accommodate 280 young people with a growing waitlist.

‘Everyone deserves a great education, no matter where they start from,’ Tennille says.

Beyond schooling, the Ohana College team is also working hard to ensure the wellbeing of their students after graduation.

Most recently, External Relations Manager Carmen Auer has been working behind the scenes with local stakeholders to highlight the need for employment and transition to work opportunities for young people.

‘Logan City Council already does a tremendous amount for its youth but I’m excited to see how much more we can achieve,’ she says.

Learn more about Ohana College on their official website or get the latest updates on Facebook.