Students from some of the farthest-flung corners of Queensland gathered in Longreach recently to meet peers and teachers they may have only seen through a computer screen.
The Western Alliance was formed in 2011 through a partnership involving the Charleville and Longreach schools of distance education alongside the Mount Isa School of the Air.
By combining resources across such a vast area, the alliance aims to improve outcomes for its long-distance students in years 7 to 10.
The alliance recently held a week-long multi-school event at the Longreach Pastoral College, giving students the chance to meet each other face to face.
Teacher Amy Cochrane said socialising was a crucial part of the event.
"Students travel in on Monday and out on Friday. They spend time with their peers and get to have as close to a normal school day as possible," she said.
"For students that haven't attended the multi-school before they get to see their teachers and peers. We are teaching mainly via voice over the internet."
Upwards of 100 students were enrolled with the Western Alliance, stretching as far north as Normanton and even encompassing some students from NSW, Ms Cochrane said.
Most, but not all, of the students came from agricultural backgrounds living on isolated stations, she added.
There were 38 students who travelled to Longreach for the biannual multi-school event.
One of the highlights was an art workshop held by visiting teacher Ann Etchells, who taught Ms Cochrane as a trainee teacher out of university.
Mrs Etchells travelled from Brisbane's Redeemer Lutheran College to host the workshop, an experience she herself found hugely rewarding.
"I was more than happy to come and help, working with kids that sometimes don't have the same privileges as city kids," she said.
"I was absolutely blown away by their enthusiasm."
The results of the art workshop are now on display at the Qantas Founders Museum.
Ms Cochrane stressed how helpful Mrs Etchells and the museum had been throughout the process.
"The students should be very proud of themselves - designing, carving, printing and exhibiting in such a short time frame was so amazing," she said.
