Palm Island schools have recorded improved attendance during the first half of 2026, with both St Michael's Catholic School and Bwgcolman Community School reporting increases through the Cowboys Community Foundation's Try for 5! program.
St Michael's recorded an increase of more than 10 percentage points in whole-school attendance during Semester 1 compared with its 2025 average, while Bwgcolman reported increases across its primary and secondary cohorts.
The program, supported on Palm Island by the Waratah Education Foundation, encourages students to attend school five days a week through mentoring, classroom activities, attendance check-ins and recognition of improved attendance.
A recent Cowboys Community Foundation visit to Palm Island brought students, families and educators together to recognise the progress made at both schools.
Torres Strait Islander woman of Meriam and and Maluilgal and Cowboys ambassador, Tahlulah Tillett, joined the visit and highlighted the role regular attendance can play in helping students work towards their goals.
"Every day at school gives students another chance to connect and work towards their goals," Ms Tillett said.
"It was special to celebrate the progress students have made and see the ownership they take in attendance.
"Through Try for 5! and the support of Waratah Education Foundation, we're encouraging them to recognise their own progress, support their classmates and celebrate what they can achieve together."
During Semester 1, Try for 5! worked with 414 students across St Michael's and Bwgcolman, including targeted work with MVC classes.
At St Michael's, 10 students improved their attendance by at least 14 percentage points during the semester.
One student increased their attendance from 30 per cent to 53 per cent, while another improved by 21 percentage points.
Year 5 teacher Eldon Bizaare credited the program with helping encourage students who had previously missed school.
"Attendance is one of the biggest issues, especially in remote communities," Mr Bizaare said.
"Having the incentive of Try for 5! has helped significantly in this space, providing them with the encouragement needed to get across the line.
"We're now getting extra days from students who previously weren't coming to school, giving them more learning and more opportunities."
At Bwgcolman, primary attendance increased from 54.4 per cent to 56.2 per cent, while secondary attendance rose from 55.1 per cent to 58.7 per cent.
Individual students also recorded increases, including one MVC student whose attendance rose from 19 per cent in 2025 to 52 per cent in Semester 1.
Another student increased their attendance from 80 per cent to 98 per cent.
The school has also run Read & Feed Fridays alongside Try for 5!, bringing students and families together for a barbecue breakfast and shared reading before classes.
Deputy principal Jo Tanzer described the visits as an opportunity for students to connect with Try for 5! role models.
"Students connect the Try for 5! program with Tahlulah and are always excited to let her know about their attendance and that they've been trying for five," Ms Tanzer said.
Waratah Education Foundation funding will continue to support Try for 5! visits and regular engagement with students on Palm Island.
