Principal Piece with Justin Harrison Term 4 Week 8 2024

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 and gift from the school. To all parents/carers who attended the final ceremony for the class of 2024, 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 HOD of Student Engagement/Year 12 Co-ordinator, Mrs Paula McDonald and Mrs Silke Hetherington (Guidance Officer), were instrumental in keeping our students on track this year and organised a memorable last week for our students. Thankyou Paula and Silke for doing a fantastic job.

Finally, I would personally like to thank the Class of 2024 for their commitment throughout the year and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. From indicative results so far, it looks like that 100% of Year 12 graduates will be receiving a Queensland Certificate of Education or a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement. Outstanding results from a cohort who 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 2024 formal had it all and will be one to be remembered. Lots of memories reminisced and new ones made. Our staff members, Silke Hetherington, Paula McDonald and Jake Fraser delivered an inspiring night and they all need to be recognised for their commitment and effort in organising this amazing event (Please see photos on page 2).

Next year there is a slight change with the year levels and their start dates for 2025. Years 7,11 & 12 will commence school on Tuesday the 28th of January and on Wednesday the 29th of January all year levels will be expected to attend school.

Last week, Toolooa State High School hosted its annual Sports Awards. 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 (8-9) of this newsletter.

This week sees our year 10 and 11 students finish up for 2024. 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 until assessment is completed, 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 so they put their best foot forward for their upcoming assessment which will be completed by Friday 6 December. For week 11, Toolooa SHS will be operating an alternate program whereby students will be engaged in flexible programs. Whilst the teachers may be different over these sessions, the focus will be on supervising students and providing them with tasks/activities for them to engage in. Finally, the school’s tuckshop will not be available during week 11. Students will need to bring their own lunch that week.

Year 10 and 11 student reports will be finalised next week and emailed home in week 10. Year 7, 8 and 9 reports will be emailed home in week 11. Please contact the office if you have any problems regarding your child’s academic report.

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.

Toolooa State High School’s 2025 School Captains Sophie Slack & Ava Hetherington along with School Vice Captains Riley Townsend & Dakota Glindon undertook their first official duty in their new role and participated in the Remembrance Day ceremony pictured with Returned Serviceman, Trevor Davis.

 

Tuesday 14th November saw the annual Interact Handover dinner held at the Gladstone Bowls club. Another great evening was had with South Gladstone Rotary sponsoring the event for Interactors to reflect on their year of service. A presentation was made for the annual International project - Shelter Box - for $2000 to finish off the years fundraising events. Mr Greg Hage represented Toolooa administration to update the Rotarians of Toolooa's achievements once again showcasing the excellence exhibited by our school.

Congratulations a were given to the outgoing executive, Caitlin Wyatt as the Interact Ampol All-rounder for 2024 and the induction of the 2025 executive (pictured below). The annual handover booklet outlined what has been an amazing year...bring on 2025!