The 1942 Japanese air raids on Townsville alarmed the whole eastern coast of Queensland. Schools were closed down or a time, and for some it meant a very wonderful time. “We ran wild” say some.
Thousands of students from many State Schools as well as exclusive private secondary school were moved to scattered dormitories and classrooms either within the local area or moved to inland towns such as Stanthorpe, Dalby, Barcaldine and Warwick. There was a shortage of teachers during the war years.
Many school buildings proved to be very suitable for military purposes during WW2. The Australian Army Hirings Service were involved in acquiring many school buildings for the Army and other military services. The schools were mainly used for two purposes: barracks, administration centres and hospitals.
Source: http://home.st.net.au/-dunn/locations/schools@war.htm