Community Partnerships

Merrimac State High School works in close contact with the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE External link, Griffith University External link, Bond University External link and a range of Gold Coast industries and employing authorities to ensure our students' post secondary options are maximized.

Talented academic students are encouraged to study university subjects through the Griffith University Guests Program or the Bond University Student for a Semester Program to help prepare them for the rigours of university study post year 12.

The Gold Coast Institute of TAFE offers scholarships to Merrimac State High School students to enrol in diploma courses and then to follow on with an articulation to university. As a member of the Griffith Connect Program, Merrimac students may be offered scholarships and direct entry to courses of their choice.

Bond University makes available each year scholarships for our four school captains to attend Bond. In addition to the normal suite of scholarships there is a special Merrimac State High School Bond University Collegiate Scholarship allocated to a high achieving Merrimac State High School student.

The universities also make their teaching staff available for guest presentations at the school in an assortment of subject areas.

In addition to the close links the school has with tertiary providers, we also have an excellent rapport and reputation with major employment and training authorities on the Gold Coast. This ensures our students maximise opportunities to complete Work Ready Vet Qualifications before leaving year 12, therefore positioning themselves for positive opportunities on leaving school.

Community Events

Join Us for the 2025 Business, Alumni, and Community (BAC) Breakfast Event!

Merrimac State High School is thrilled to announce the 2025 Business, Alumni, and Community (BAC) Breakfast Event, set to take place on Wednesday, 5 March 2025. Doors open at 6:30 AM, with the event starting promptly at 7:00 AM at Merrimac State High School.

We warmly invite you to this special networking event, which aims to strengthen relationships between our business and community partners, as well as our esteemed alumni. This initiative is designed to foster valuable connections, provide learning opportunities, explore sponsorship possibilities, and create workforce pathways that will empower our students for a successful future.

Inspiring Guest Speakers

We are excited to welcome Kathryn Janovsky and Ros Scott from Zonta International as our keynote speakers.

About Zonta International

Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals dedicated to building a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy. Founded in 1919, Zonta boasts over 28,000 members across 1,100+ clubs in 63 countries. Zonta members, known as Zontians, work on projects addressing gender equality, education, health, and the prevention of violence against women.

Meet Our Speakers

• Kathryn Janovsky has been an active Zontian for over eight years and joined the Zonta Club of Paradise Point in 2023. With a strong background in education, including serving as an Assistant Principal of Learning and Teaching in the Catholic school system, Kathryn now works as a consultant helping schools and organisations develop Reconciliation Action Plans to support First Nations communities.

• Ros Scott has been a dedicated member of Zonta for many years, previously serving as President in Cairns before relocating to the Gold Coast in 2023. She now holds the role of District 22 Area 3 Director and is passionate about advocating for women's rights, eliminating violence against women, and ending child marriage. With a background in Vocational Education, Ros brings valuable expertise and leadership to her advocacy efforts.

Reserve Your Complimentary Ticket

To secure your free ticket, scan the QR code or follow this link: https://compasstix.com/e/128vjdc0cr External link. Please indicate any dietary requirements on the booking form.

A special thank you to those who have already registered!

Support Our Event Raffle

If your business would like to contribute raffle prizes, we would greatly appreciate your support. Please contact mgard125@eq.edu.au for further details.

We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event and strengthening our connections for a brighter future!

Industry

Since 1996, Merrimac State High School has developed integral relationships with the Gold Coast business community. These relationships play vital roles for our students in providing an awareness of the operational aspects of business, onsite job specific tasks and workplace relations that complement student career pathway plans and result in successful transition into tertiary education and employment.

These relationships with industry and community groups ensure that Merrimac State High School is well placed to provide a well-rounded education to our students. The school expresses its appreciation to the employers and community groups that have supported our senior students as school-based apprentices and/or provided structured work placement opportunities to date.

We are also lucky to have a highly experienced industry liaison officer supporting our students in work placement and work experience opportunities. She is well placed to be able to coordinate school-based apprenticeship contracts for our senior students and provide links with local business and registered training organisations.

Please contact rskra1@eq.edu.au to discuss mentoring and work placement/experience opportunities.

University of the Third Age (U3A)

Lifelong learning is promoted by working in partnership with the University of the Third Age (U3A). The U3A enrolment has continually grown over the years. Members constantly request a diverse range of study options.

These dedicated students, aged between 50 and 93 years, engage in a wide range of studies including Yoga, Advanced Mandarin, Mah Jong, Art, Computers, Book Club and Choir using our facilities. In addition to their learning, participants mentor students to improve individual student outcomes. In return, students of our school conduct classes for the U3A on computing and advanced technologies such as mobile phone usage and SMS messaging.

This partnership reflects the value and wealth of knowledge passed between generations. We are proud to support our local community in the pursuit of excellence in learning.