Principal Piece with Justin Harrison Term 4 Week 8 2022

The opportunity for our students, parents/carers and staff to come together and be part of the graduating ceremony and celebrate the student’s final day of schooling was such a rewarding experience on Friday. As Principal of Toolooa SHS, it is a highlight of mine every year whereby I can congratulate each of them, shake their hand and issue them with their certificate. To all parents/carers who attended the final ceremony for the class of 2022, thank you. What a special time in the lives of a fantastic group of young men and women, and to have family by their sides collecting their certificate – very special. The graduation ceremony is a time for students to reflect on the time they spent during their schooling lives and look forward to their time ahead. The morning ran smoothly – which is a credit to all the staff involved.

The last week activities that the year 12 group engaged in could not have provided a better send off! Our year 12 coordinator, Mrs Natasha Read, was instrumental in keeping our students on track this year and organised a memorable last week for our students. As always, Natasha has done a fantastic job.

Finally, I would personally like to thank the Class of 2022 for their commitment throughout the year and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. They will be missed.

What a fabulous night of celebrations. Our students looked incredible and acted impressively; lots of dancing, conversations, hugs, selfies, memories made, speeches, photos, awards, and some tears—the 2022 formal had it all and will be one to be remembered. Lots of memories reminisced and new ones made. Our staff member, Silke Hetherington, delivered an inspiring night and needs to be recognised for her commitment and effort to organise this amazing event.

Next year there is a slight change with the year levels and their start dates for 2023. Years 7,11 & 12 will commence school on Monday the 23th of January and on Tuesday the 24th of January all year levels will be expected to attend school.

Last week, Toolooa State High School hosted its annual Sports Awards which comprised of two sessions; one for the junior school and one for the senior. It was a fantastic evening that allowed all coaches, parents/carers and students the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our young sporting stars and to say thanks. This year we recognised students that achieved success in the following categories; Age Champion, Best & Fairest, Port Curtis, Capricornia and Queensland Representatives. I’d like to just make a special mention to our Physical Education Department for their contribution to making this night such a fabulous event and their commitment to our students for assisting them in such success. Please see more information on all award recipients on the following pages (9-11) of this newsletter.

This week sees our year 10 and 11 students finish up for 2022. We wish them well for a relaxing holiday break and we look forward to them taking up the mantle next year as leaders of our great school. The future of Toolooa State High School is in good hands and we are excited to see where these students take us over the next couple of years.

With year 7, 8 and 9 students still working hard over the next two weeks, it is important to remember that our expectations have not changed. We expect our students to be in uniform, following school policies and attending with the required equipment right up until the last day. We have an alternate program operating for the last 7 school days with students engaging in a range of subject areas. Whilst the teachers may be different over these sessions, the focus will remain; providing engaging learning activities for our students. We are not winding down over these days, rather providing a different model of learning. We look forward to seeing all of our year 7, 8 and 9 students over these days.

Toolooa State High School’s 2023 Captains Elle Hetherington, Jesse Hayden, Kaye & Alyssa Pease undertook their first official duty in their new role and participated in the Remembrance Day ceremony.

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.

Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 student reports will be completed on Tuesday the 6th of December, 2022. They will be emailed home to parents/carers during the day.

If you do not receive your child's report card via an email, please contact the school office.

Just a reminder with the end of the year fast approaching; for all school text books or borrowed books from the library, they will need to be returned before the end of the term please.