Principal’s Piece — Justin Harrison
Term 3 Assessment
With assessment upon everyone, it is critical that all students are fully aware of their assessment requirements and seek clarification if needed. I encourage all parents to check with their child to make sure they are on track, support them in any way, visually check their piece and take a vested interest in their work. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
Keeping Everyone Healthy At School
Coughs, colds and other illnesses can spread easily at school. Please remind your children to wash their hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes. If your child is ill, please keep them at home and notify the school as soon as possible. You should seek medical advice if you are concerned about your child’s health. Let’s work together to keep everyone healthy so children can recover as quickly as possible and come back to school ready to learn.
Thank You to Our Teacher Aides
2021 Teacher Aide Appreciation Week is on this week.
Our teacher aides are an essential part of our school community and play a vital role in supporting our students, staff and families. Without their valued contribution, many students would not reach their full potential and the school would not be one that is safe, engaging and an overall positive learning environment.
There are so many staff, students and families who have, at some stage, been supported by these wonderful staff, and I would like to recognise them for their continued efforts and let them know they are immensely appreciated. Their dedication, professionalism and support is greatly appreciated by our students, staff and parents alike.
If you have not already done so, please take the time to thank them for their continued efforts. More photos on page 5 of this newsletter.
Toolooa SHS Students Recognised At The World Science Festival
Over the weekend, the Toolooa State High School STEM Squad were highlighted at the World Science Festival (Gladstone). At the event opening ceremony, our students were recognised for their STEM engagement and contribution in our community. Representatives from the Queensland Museum and Shell QGC spoke highly of the enthusiasm, ability and creativity our STEM Squad students exhibit as they engage in various STEM activities.
During the community day on Sunday and schools day on Monday, the incredible work of five of our STEM Squad students was showcased. Jesse, Will, Marianne, Tobi and Tiah recently submitted entries in the Shell QGC Future Makers Challenge, and their solutions were on display for visitors to view. Each of these students’ submissions were highly commended, with Tiah’s solution winning the competition.
We are very proud of the continued success of our STEM Squad students and congratulate all involved. Please see more photos on page 7.
R U OK? Day 2021
R U OK? Inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life. You don’t need to be an expert to reach out – just a good friend and a great listener. Thursday, 9th September is R U OK? Day. At Toolooa we will be raising awareness by running activities 1st break and encouraging students to wear a yellow shirt or yellow accessories.
Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:
- Ask R U OK?
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
Attendance Monitoring
School attendance and the monitoring of absences has two main purposes:
All absences MUST be explained by parents. This communication ensures parents and school are aware of the explanation for the absence thus ensuring legal obligations and ‘duty of care’ requirements are fulfilled by both parties. It is also expected that this communication occurs within three days.
Actual percentage attendance is important for learning of all students in every year level. High attendance enables students to form the foundation knowledge and skills required to have success at school. Research has shown learning is consolidated and refined through ongoing repetition to make the knowledge or skill automatic and so it becomes routine and easy.
Consequently, to get the best results for our students, every day is a learning day at Toolooa. Your support in reinforcing the importance of attendance is greatly appreciated.
New Building
The Queensland Government is investing in a four-year school Halls and Performing Arts Centre program for various schools to deliver new facilities, infrastructure upgrades and refurbishments focused on improving learning and creating opportunities for stronger engagement within communities.
It is with great excitement, Toolooa State High School has been notified that the school will be receiving a new Performing Arts Centre. The specifics in relation to the location, design, time frames, etc. will not be finalised until the initial stages of planning have been completed. I promise I will keep everyone up to date regarding the specifics once decisions have been made.