The BUSY School’s tenth Queensland campus is set to open in Townsville for Term 1, 2026. Lee Shannon was recently appointed Principal for the Townsville campus so we sat down to ask her some questions about herself and the vital leadership role she will be undertaking.
Can you tell us about your background in education before coming to The BUSY School?
I’ve been in education for 24 years now and a big part of that time was spent working with First Nation students from remote, rural Queensland communities. It’s been incredibly rewarding work and has really shaped how I see education, especially the importance of relationships, cultural understanding and creating spaces where every young person feels seen and supported.
I’m also really passionate about student and staff well-being and I’ve always believed that when people feel safe, valued and supported, that’s when the real learning and growth happens.
What can you tell us about your connection to the Townsville community?
I first came to Townsville in 1996 to complete my teaching degree at James Cook University and since then I’ve stayed relatively local, within 150 kilometres distance. So, the town’s always been a base and I’ve also spent a lot of time working in Townsville. I know a lot of people here and have formed strong community connections.
Why do you believe The BUSY School is needed in the Townsville region?
I really believe that The BUSY School will be so important here in Townsville because there’s quite a few young people in our region who, for all sorts of reasons, don’t fit comfortably into traditional schooling or the traditional model. Some face personal or social challenges and others struggle with mental health. We see a lot of anxiety and disengagement in the mainstream schooling now, and some students just need a more flexible and supportive environment for them to be able to thrive.
Townsville has a hugely diverse community and having a school that focuses on individualised learning, the feedback that I’ve gotten so far is that people are really appreciating that focus on individualised learning and well-being. Along with pathways into further work or further training. The BUSY School offers that balance and gives young people a genuine second chance.
What do you think are the biggest educational challenges that young people face today?
Staying engaged and motivated in that learning environment, especially when things are changing so quickly. Young people have access to information so quickly that sometimes the pace of a classroom is possibly a little bit slow or it’s not an engaging space. I think being able to have sustained concentration becomes a bit of a challenge because they can flick between interests so quickly. Through social media’s influence, if you don’t grab someone’s attention within the first five seconds, then they’ll move on. That world moves so quickly and the approach that The BUSY School takes with brain breaks and the models of pedagogy that we use just helps to refocus the young person in an environment that’s supported.
I also think many students struggle to see how school connects to their future. They will often come home and say, well, what’s the point of this? On top of that, we’re seeing increasing levels of anxiety and mental health concerns with added social pressures. I think especially since COVID, our world has changed so dramatically that we need schools to focus not just on academic outcomes but well-being and that feeling of belonging and purpose for young people.
What do you think is the most important message you’d like to express to the Townsville community about The BUSY School coming to Townsville?
The BUSY School gives young people a genuine second chance, that not every student fits the traditional model and that’s OK! A greater number of educators are realising that now.
We’re here to provide a supportive flexible environment where our young people can reconnect with their learning and focus on their well-being while planning for the future. It’s really about helping students to believe in themselves again and build that self-confidence.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Spending time with my partner, my family and children. It’s always a good way to relax when you follow them around to their sporting commitments and things. My children are a bit older now, they’re 20 and 16 so they do lots of different things.
I have always ridden horses and enjoy dressage and a bit of horseback archery, which is a bit of fun and exciting. I’m also an artist so when I get a chance, I like to make art, experimenting with different mediums like painting, stained glass and drawing.
Do you have a favourite motto in life?
No, not really but if there was one, it would be:
It’s about persistence, you know, small steps every day can make a big difference in the end and just being able to keep yourself focused on the little achievements along the way.
To learn more about the Townsville campus which will be open in 2026 for Term 1, Year 11 and 12 students – Find out more.
