Principal Piece with Justin Harrison Term 4 Week 10 2021

As the 2021 school year is drawing to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents/carers and the wider community for your ongoing support of Toolooa State High School. Like previous years, 2021 has been an extremely positive one for the school and our students, and this would not be possible without the incredible support and commitment by the teaching and non-teaching staff and the positive connection the school has with all families. Our students are very lucky that they have such a supportive culture, one fostering success.

With the arrival of 2022 and the importance of having a clear strategic direction for the year ahead, I am excited to inform you that Toolooa’s key school improvement priority areas that will be a focus moving forward are:

In addition to these two important priorities, the school will continue to maintain its current practices within the senior phase, making sure our students are well equipped to transition to further education, training and/or employment. Finally, having a safe and supportive environment whereby our students are attending school every day, will also be a focus like every year.

As always, I welcome your feedback and thoughts on the above and look forward to providing updates on our progress throughout the year.

Finally, I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday period and look forward to an exciting and engaging 2022 at Toolooa State High School.

Last week on Monday and Tuesday, Toolooa State High School held its Year 6 into 7 transition days to allow incoming students an opportunity to experience Toolooa which will support their transition into High School next year. From all reports, the two days were a huge success with over 175 students engaging in the two-day program. Having an opportunity to experience our daily routines, bell times, getting use to the layout of the school, where the tuckshop is and what is on the menu, meet some of our teachers and support staff only helps with students having a transition that is smooth as possible. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Jess Batey and her team; year 7 coordinator; Mrs Libby Small, along with our Junior Secondary Head of Department; Mr David Capill and Mr Dave Roby (HOSES) who have done such an amazing job working with our feeder schools and formulating such a professional transition program at Toolooa State High School.

Just a reminder that there is a slight change with 2022 start dates and what year levels are required to attend. Years 7,8 & 12 will commence school on Monday the 24th of January and on Wednesday the 25th of January, all year levels will be expected to attend. There will be a school parade on both days.

The 2022 Semester 1 Timetable is taking shape with some finishing touches being completed this week including the addition of teachers and classrooms. Year 10's (transitioning to Year 11 in 2022) have already received an initial copy of their Senior timetables (minus teacher/rooms) for them to double check their subject selections/external program variations. ALL students (7-12) will receive a copy of their timetables on their first day back next year. It is imperative that ALL students check their classes/subject selections, and for all applicable Senior Students (10-12) to double check allocation of Senior Study Spare (given for completion of VET Programs or in-lieu of Offline classes/School of Distance Education subjects and External Programs). If Senior students have a Senior Study Spare in Period 1 or 4 on any day, they can apply for a Variation to Routine which allows them to sign in late/sign out early during those particular Spares. If students wish to change an elective subject they need to do so within the first two weeks of each semester/Unit (excluding Unit 4).

The opening times for the administration office for 2022 are as follows (please note that Administration will be closed at certain times for staff to complete mandatory training):

Monday 8:00am – 3:30pm

Tuesday 8:00am – 3:30pm

Wednesday 8.00am – 10.30am and 1.30pm - 3:30pm

Thursday 8.00am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm – 3:30pm

Friday 8.00am – 11.30am and 1.30pm – 3:30pm

17/1/2022 Monday 8:00am—12:00pm & 2:00pm—6:00pm

18/1/2022 Tuesday 8:00am—12:00pm & 2:00pm—6:00pm

19/1/2022 Wednesday 1:00pm—6:00pm

20/1/2022 Thursday 8:00am—12:00pm

21/1/2022 Friday 8:00am—12:00pm

Alternatively, orders can be emailed directly to the uniform shop at: uniformshop@toolooashs.eq.edu.au

As you are all aware, Toolooa has had another successful year academically, culturally and on the sporting field. This is not possible if it was not for the professionalism and commitment of the teaching and non-teaching staff. I would like to formally thank all staff for the work that they have performed which has had a positive impact on all students. A special mention must go to the following teaching and non-teaching staff who are leaving Toolooa at the end of the year; Isabelle Mowen, Ryan O’Sullivan, Lottie Penno, Linda Taylor, Rachael Hartwig, Janelle Smith, Janene Greenaway, Lynda Barnett and Teacher Aides; Rikki Lee Simmons and Nicole Carmichael who are going on maternity leave. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.

With the holidays fast approaching, we need you to look out for after-hours crime in our school.

If you see anything suspicious, please don’t attempt to intervene.

Call the School Watch number — 13 17 88.

The School Watch Program is a partnership between Education Queensland, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in Queensland schools.

Keep the number handy — 13 17 88 — and let’s work together to help create a safer school community.

For more about the School Watch Program contact Education Queensland’s School Security Section on (07) 3237 0874.