Tweed River High School Year 8 student, Ashanti Gray, helped host preschoolers and primary students from Tweed Heads South Public School on their visit to the Tiny Chefs, Future Farmers: VET Discovery Day on Monday 3 August.

The visit marked the beginning of Public Education Week 2026 and, as a Tweed River High School student, it brought Ashanti’s own public education journey full circle.

Forty preschoolers and six Year 2 student leaders crossed to the neighbouring high school to explore the school farm and discover its Vocational Education and Training (VET) facilities.

The two schools sit side by side in Tweed Heads South, sharing a boundary, sporting facilities and many local families.

Together, they provide students with a connected public education pathway from the onsite public preschool through to Year 12.

Ashanti, who also participates in Tweed River High School’s The Beauty Project, said she was proud to represent her school and help younger students feel comfortable about their future transition to high school.

“Being part of The Beauty Project has helped me feel a lot more confident in who I am and today was a great chance to put that into practice by helping the little kids feel confident,” Ashanti said.

“I was so excited to be picked to represent my school and show the preschoolers and primary school students around the farm we have here.

“If the day helps even one child feel more confident about starting high school, it’s been a great day.”

Year 2 students acted as “buddies for a day”, guiding and supporting the preschoolers as they planted sunflowers, cared for chickens and decorated cupcakes with Tweed River High students.

Tweed River High School Principal, Donna Riley, said students should have opportunities to explore their interests and ambitions in a supportive environment.

“Whatever a child’s interests, strengths or future ambitions, we want families to see there’s a strong school pathway, including some of the strongest vocational offerings in the region,” Ms Riley said.

“We work really hard to inspire our students to do their best, which is why programs like The Beauty Project and our transition programs are such an important part of what we offer at Tweed River High.”

The two schools are continuing to expand their public education pathway with modern facilities and learning opportunities for local families.

Together, the two schools offer local families a strong and growing public education pathway, supported by modern facilities and expanded learning opportunities.

Tweed Heads South Public School's new campus, completed in September 2024, includes 11 classrooms, a new library, an expanded preschool and an Aboriginal design garden developed with the community.

Next door, Tweed River High School is increasing its Year 7 enrolments each year and boasts an on-campus Vocational High Schools Program which supports students across the region, including a purpose-built commercial kitchen.

Public Education Week ran from 3 to 7 August 2026 with this year's theme Inspiring Excellence.