History
In 1980, the Cathedral of Praise Church purchased 19.5 acres (8.019 hectares) in Carlton Street opposite the Central Queensland University. In 1982 the Cathedral of Praise and the Youth Activity Centre were opened and dedicated.
In 1986 an investigative committee was formed to look at establishing a school. Subsequently, in 1988 the committee received approval from the Commonwealth Government for funding of a primary school. In February 1989 the Cathedral of Praise Christian College opened with two teachers and 29 children in Years 1 to 4. A pre-school was added in 1992.
From 1989 to 1992, Ian Head and Nedra Purnell were the teachers-in-charge and established the College in its formative years. Don Waterson took up appointment as the first Principal in 1993 followed by Mr Leighton Kuss in 2000. Mr Andrew Johnson took over the leadership of the school in the position of Headmaster at the beginning of 2006. Dr Darren Iselin began his leadership of the College in 2010. Mr Darren Lawson commenced in the role of Headmaster in June 2014. Mrs Karen Bredenhann commenced as Principal in January 2022.
A modern two-storey building was constructed in 1989, through the sacrifice of the Church community. In 1992, this building was filled to capacity with 115 pre-school and primary children in Years 1 – 7. In November 1992 a second building was commenced. This coincided with the Commonwealth Government’s approval to start a high school in 1993 for Year 8 and progressing to Year 12 in 1997. Stage 3 of construction, which consisted of two new teaching blocks and an amenities block, commenced in July 1995 and completed in 1996. In 2000 two new Primary wings were constructed and opened for use and in 2001 the Administration building Nissi was refurbished.
In 2003 the College changed its name from Cathedral of Praise Christian College to Heights College. This name change coincided with the school’s 15th anniversary and represents the growth of the College and its importance in educating future leaders.
A multi-purpose, all-weather covered area, named the HUB, was completed in 2003. This large shaded area provides the ideal site for many student activities. The College’s library, the “Learning and Leadership Centre” (named Shalom), was completed midway through 2005 and is a focal point for student research and study. A Prep building and playground was constructed in 2007.
In 2006 multi-purpose sports courts (one full size and one half size) were constructed at the eastern end of the oval. The playground was relocated to the eastern end of Elyon as a central location for the primary students. This provided the space to build a covered senior area.
During 2008 a double-storey building with 8 classrooms (each with an interactive whiteboard) and withdrawal rooms was built for the Primary department and named Hoseenu.
In 2009 construction began on a Multi-Purpose Building (housing an indoor basketball court and stage) named M’Kadesh, and the addition of a Science and Language Centre to the western end of the Learning and Leadership Centre.
Throughout 2010/11 the College completed the lower floor of the Multi-Purpose Building (Music & Creative Arts) and the eastern end of the Learning and Leadership Centre (Art & IT Labs).
During 2014, the construction of a third Prep classroom adjacent to our existing Early Learning Centre was completed. This has proven to be a great facility in our Prep precinct and feeds our third stream which we are building up in our Primary school.
A new, stand-alone Kindergarten facility was opened in 2017 with two rooms operating, as well as Wrap Around Kindy Care, offering extended hours for working parents. Additionally, a new state-of-the-art Hospitality, Textiles and Fashion, and Home Economics Centre was built, to accommodate our growing secondary interest in quality vocational programs.
The College is a vision and ministry of the Cathedral of Praise and is staffed by qualified Christian teachers who are dedicated to their role in the College. The College enjoys a high level of respect in the community and has earned a reputation for providing quality education and student care.
From the outset, the College has worked closely with government authorities, including the Queensland Department of Education, the Commonwealth Government’s Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), and Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCCA). The College is a member of Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) and Associated Christian Schools (ACS).
Heights College now educates over 900 students from Kindergarten to Year 12, who have the opportunity to learn on a modern educational campus and enjoy the commitment of Christian teachers who love children.