POLL: Question ignites debate about opportunities, incentives for Douglas Shire teenagers
ONLINE DEBATE
A simple question on a social media has sparked an array of responses and ignited interesting debate about the standards of local education facilities and whether the Douglas Shire has enough to entice local teens to remain in the Shire once their schooling is complete.
An anonymous member on the Port Douglas Facebook group recently asked members:
(Sic) Question to the families out there (with teenagers) would you say that Port Douglas is a good place for teens to grow up? Also, I’ve been looking online and have only found one high-school in the PD area (Mossman) is that the only high-school? (state or private) and if so is it a good school or would a drive to Cairns be recommended?
Feedback came flooding in from a range of Douglas Shire residents which included the following response from a parent whose three children completed their higher school education at Mossman High.
“My three children went to Port Primary and then Mossman High, all three preferred (to complete their schooling in) Mossman,” the parent wrote.
“My eldest worked on the boats on weekends and school holidays got his masters 5 while still at school and is now the local helicopter pilot and just built a house here.
“My second got an op 4 and went to Monash and studied law worked at Parliament house in Canberra for a few years and is now back here working for  Microsoft.
“My youngest just left high school last year and is working at the Sheraton in his gap year and has already been promoted to team leader. I believe all this has to do with their schooling.
“On weekends if not working they would catch up with friends and have a great time, kids have great imaginations to keep themselves busy.
“I’m originally from the city and I believe my children had much more fun here in Port then growing up in a city.”
It was feedback from a local teenager who recently graduated from a local high school that provided some raw insights about living in the Douglas Shire and what their school life was like.
“I’m 18 and have just graduated high school,” the former high school student posted.
“Yes only 1 local high school (in Douglas Shire) and for me and many others that school was hell.
“It’s not for the faint of heart, it’s a survival place. There is lots of bad things not spoken truthfully about that school but I will say there are some good teachers.
“Most teens move away (from Douglas Shire) as soon as possible because there is nothing to do, nothing, unless you travel away to Cairns or further or they enjoy fishing/camping/hunting.”
A range of other posters also went on to discuss the merits of raising their children in Port Douglas and the surrounds of the Douglas Shire.
What do you think? Is there enough for teenagers to do in the Douglas Shire and to entice them to remain here once their schooling is complete?
Thank you!
Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.
Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.
* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.