Principal’s Piece — Justin Harrison
New Deputy Principal
It gives me great pleasure to welcome Mrs Nikki Collocott to Toolooa State High School in the role as Deputy Principal for the remainder of the year. Nikki brings great knowledge and expertise to our school as a result of her previous roles in education ranging from a teacher to Principal of a Primary School. In addition to being part of the school’s leadership team and actioning the school’s strategic agenda, Nikki will be supporting both the Year 7 and 8 cohorts. On behalf of Toolooa, we welcome her to our team.
Being Prepared for Year 11, 12 and Post-Schooling
A successful transition from Year 10 into 11 optimises a student’s success post schooling. As per previous newsletters, Toolooa SHS has begun the Senior Education and Training Plan, commonly called the SET Plan. I would like to thank all parents/carers who have engaged in the process and have had their meeting with a trained staff member to discuss future carers and the development of a pathway for their child which will only help them achieve their goals. For those who have not, it is imperative that the meeting is organised as poor choices now can have a significant bearing on your child’s later options.
Year 12 Students – Not Long to Go!
With only 11 weeks from Monday remaining for our Year 12 students, I understand that some can be finding this time very daunting. For those students who are nervous or are unsure of the ‘what and how’ for their next pathway, I encourage them and their parents/carers to contact one of my senior schooling team; Mr Thomas (Deputy Principal), Mr Boase (Head of Department – Senior Schooling), Mrs Victoria Provan (Year 12 Co-ordinator) or Mrs Hetherington (Guidance Officer – Year 11/12) and unpack their concerns. By working together, we will continue to provide strong support for our year 12’s.
School Pick Up Area
Can parents please use the pickup area outside of Toolooa State High School. Unfortunately, there have been a number of occasions this term where unauthorised vehicles have utilised the school grounds as a pick-up point which creates a safety concern for our students. For those parents/carers authorised to pick your child up from inside the school gates, please maintain a speed of 15km/hr. Thank you for your understanding.
Congratulations To All The Incredible Young People Recognised At The Gladstone Mayor's Youth Breakfast.
On the 9th of August, a large number of students including the senior and junior leadership teams were given the opportunity to attend the 2023 Mayors Youth Breakfast. The students involved received recognition for their commitment to leadership, as well as many other personal achievements including sporting, cultural and academic. Additionally, students also learnt about the work of the Gladstone Regional Youth Council, and were given the opportunity to engage in a Q and A session, where council members discussed their personal experiences and goals they were striving towards to develop the Gladstone community.
Alongside this, a delicious breakfast was provided, and students had the chance to take memorable photos with their friends and family in the photo booth. On behalf of all students who attended , we would like to give a huge thank you to our mayor, Matt Burnett, and Gladstone Regional Council for making this event possible and giving our students the opportunity to attend.
Year 6 into 7 Transition
It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout at our first Year 6 into 7 transition night for the year! We had almost 200 people in attendance, and have had great feedback from parents and excited students.
The next step in the transition plan is getting enrolment paperwork in. If you have a child starting Year 7 with us in 2024, please ensure that you have returned enrolment paperwork by the end of this term.
Our full two-day Orientation program will be on Monday and Tuesday of the second-last week of the year (27th & 28th November), where all 2024 Year 7 students will come along and engage in a range of activities. We are looking forward to welcoming them, and giving them the best start to their high school career!