Principal’s Piece — Justin Harrison
2020 Outstanding Achievement
Even with the major disruptions that occurred last year, 2020 was another outstanding year for Toolooa SHS. The success of the graduating class in pursuit of a QCE, QCIA, quality ATAR scores and apprenticeships was very pleasing to see, and I would like to publicly congratulate the cohort for their successes and thank all staff members who significantly contributed. More specifically, 98% of the graduating cohort received a QCE/QCIA, a high percentage of students received ATAR scores in the 90s and a number of students were awarded apprenticeships.
To recognise some of the outstanding student achievements, Toolooa ran a recognition parade last Monday. One prestigious award that was formally recognised on this parade was the 2020 Dux of the school. This award was presented to the student who received the highest ATAR score based on their subjects studied. It gives me great pleasure to announce that Alana Dwyer was the worthy recipient of the school’s Dux. Alana, who epitomises Toolooa’s Core Values of respect, achievement and responsibility thoroughly deserved this accolade. More specifically, Alana was awarded an A in Digital Solutions, Accounting, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Maths and a B in Biology and English. In addition to Alana’s outstanding academic achievements, one other achievement that needs mentioning, one that I am very proud of, is that Alana is the first Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student to receive this special award since the school opened in 1981. I again congratulate her for this wonderful accomplishment and I wish her all the best at University and her future endeavours.
Core Values
At Toolooa State High School, we frequently talk about the school’s three core values: Respect, Achievement and Responsibility. These values underpin our school’s expectations which are aligned to our School’s Student Code of Conduct. I encourage all parents/carers to familiarise yourselves with a detailed description of the three core values (see page 4 of the Student Success Journal) and the school’s Student Code of Conduct (see page 12 - 18 of the Student Success Journal) so we can continue to work together on what is acceptable at Toolooa SHS.
Assessment
At Toolooa we are striving to develop assessment literacy amongst our students in all year levels. Students are well prepared for their assessment tasks and should be able to clearly articulate to you the assessment type, due date, key skills being assessed and have a deep understanding of what is expected from them. Students will be currently working on a variety of assessment types for each subject. For some subjects, the students will be completing a draft. These drafts will be handed in to teachers and feedback will be provided to the students at a whole class and individual level. The purpose of this feedback is to help your child improve the standard of their work. Students will have the opportunity to work with the teachers around their feedback and are encouraged to ask questions and see clarification where necessary. I encourage all parents/carers to take a vested interest in your child’s education and spend time talking to their child about upcoming assessment, feedback received and what they are expected to do to improve in their subject. If you have any concerns/questions, please contact your student’s class teacher.
Student Absences
To streamline the process at Toolooa SHS, I encourage all parents/carers to contact the school on the below e-mail, SMS or phone numbers to explain your child’s absence:
Employment, Small Business & Training
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training is about connecting people to quality training and skills to prepare them for work now and into the future. We strive to enable more Queenslanders to invest in themselves and their future, and participate, employ and adapt to change, including to support economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. For more information regarding opportunities, please visit the:
School-based Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Choose Your Own Health Career (CYOHC)
Meet the Parents Night
A special thanks must go to Mr Craig O’Connor (Year 7 Coordinator), Mr Dave Capill and Mrs Jess Batey for their organisation of last week’s evening and to all of the parents, students and of course additional Toolooa staff for their attendance and engagement during the event.