Principal’s Piece — Justin Harrison
Remembrance Day 2021
Toolooa State High School’s 2022 Captains Samantha Davies and Thomas Staines and Vice Captains Jacinta Anger and Logan Crosby undertook their first official duty in their new role and participated in the Remembrance Day ceremony today.
The 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month marks the moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front and is universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war.
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, when the guns fell silent, we will remember them.
Lest We Forget
Last Week for Year 12
Next week we congratulate our graduating class of 2021 and wish them all the very best for their future endeavours. As a school, we are extremely proud of the exiting cohort and I am confident that the school has empowered them with the skills and attributes required to transition successfully to further education, training or employment. It has been a privilege to watch these young people grow and develop into the young adults who are ready to venture into their next stage of their lives.
To celebrate and recognise their successful journey at Toolooa, next week there have been multiple opportunities/events arranged over the week with the final celebration being the year 12 Formal on 19 November. Appropriately at this time, I would like to thank all parents/carers, staff and support team for their dedication to the Year 12 students during their time at Toolooa. I would also like to thank the organising committee; Mrs Hetherington, Mrs Hartwig and Mrs Read for the work they have devoted to make next week very special.
All Year Levels Attendance
As we reach the end of the year, parents are reminded that children must attend school every day unless they have a reasonable excuse for being away. Visiting family, being tired, starting holidays early are not adequate reasons to be away from school.
Year 12 External Assessment
The Year 12 External Assessment (EA) block for QCAA General subjects which runs for 17 days is almost finished. The last exam (Japanese) will be completed on Monday 15th November. Congratulations to all students on their engagement with their subject tutorials, study at home and how they conducted and applied themselves in their respective exams. I look forward to seeing some very pleasing and rewarding EA and overall raw score results for this year's cohort. Can I sincerely thank Mr Thomas (Senior Schooling DP), Mr Boase (HOD Senior School and EA Coordinator), Mr Muller, all teaching staff involved in exam supervision, office staff, teacher aides and our community QCAA invigilators for their time, dedication, and organisational efforts over the last 17 days. Year 12's will commence their alternative program on Monday 15th November. All Year 12's are expected to attend the scheduled sessions of this program.
Excited Year 6 Students Participate In Extended Transitions
Over the last two weeks, we have had the privilege of meeting approximately 40 students who will be attending Toolooa State High School and will continue to transition to high school through an additional two visits. Ms Cook, Mr Roby, Mr Cody and Twink Riley have worked closely with local primary schools, Kin Kora, South, West, Clinton and Central to support students with additional needs and their transition into High School for 2022. Students participating in the extended transition program, have the chance to attend four sessions prior to coming to the whole cohort transition days on Monday the 29th November and Tuesday the 30th December.
It is normal for a child to feel stress and anxiety about high school. In the extended transition program, students are exposed to various routines, locations and people in an attempt to reduce the anxieties of transitioning to a high school. We know that students require positive relationships with teachers to enhance learning and this has all begun in preparation for our year 6's to kick off next year in the best possible way. The feeder primary schools send their staff members along also as this is a good chance to provide specific information about the particular needs of students also.
In week 1 of the program, students met Mr Harrison (Principal) and Ms Batey (Yr 7 Deputy Principal). Later in the program, students will be sent on a scavenger hunt to find them.
A big thanks goes to Ms Deanne Cook for all of her hard work in preparing this excellent program!