Principal’s Piece — Justin Harrison
2021 Early School Leavers Survey
The Queensland Government is seeking the support of the school community for the annual survey of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school in 2020, before completing Year 12. This short, confidential survey collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school. The results of the survey help provide valuable information to improve services available to school leavers in the future.
Between August and September, these school leavers can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.
Thank you for your support of Next Step post-school destination surveys in 2021.
For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone
toll free on 1800 068 587.
Being Prepared for Year 11, 12 and Post-Schooling
A successful transition from Year 10 into 11 optimises a student’s success post schooling. As per previous newsletters, Toolooa SHS has begun the Senior Education and Training Plan, commonly called the SET Plan. I would like to thank all parents/carers who have engaged in the process and have had their meeting with a trained staff member to discuss future carers and the development of a pathway for their child which will only help them achieve their goals. For those who have not, it is imperative that the meeting is organised as poor choices now can have a significant bearing on your child’s later options.
Year 12 Students – Not Long to Go!
With only 11 weeks from Monday remaining for our Year 12 students, I understand that some can be finding this time very daunting. For those students who are nervous or are unsure of the ‘what and how’ for their next pathway, I encourage them and their parents/carers to contact one of my senior schooling team; Mr Thomas (Deputy Principal), Mr Boase (Head of Department – Senior Schooling) or Mrs Hetherington (Guidance Officer – Year 11/12) and unpack their concerns. By working together, we will continue to provide strong support for our year 12’s.
School Pick Up Area
Can parents please use the pickup area outside of Toolooa High. School Unfortunately, there have been a number of occasions this term where unauthorised vehicles have utilised the school grounds as a pick-up point which creates a safety concern for our students. For those parents/carers authorised to pick your child up from inside the school gates, please maintain a speed of 15km/hr. Thank you for your understanding.
Student Behaviour Focus
Across week 7 and 8 students in each year level will be focusing on the following behaviours:
Yr 7: Receiving feedback
Yrs. 8 and 9: Asking for help
Yr 10 and 11: Seeking and applying feedback
Yr 12: Conflict Resolution
Please chat with your child with regards to the above topics.
Capricornia and Queensland State School Sport Changes
With a number of decisions being recently made regarding the upcoming Capricornia Athletics trials and future Queensland School Sport State Championships in a variety of sports, I thought it would be important to provide everyone with the latest information from Queensland School Sport (QSS) regarding whether the events are postponed or cancelled.
| State Championship | Dates | Location | Recommendation |
Surfing
13-19 years | 5-8 August | Gold Coast | Event cancelled and not rescheduled |
Basketball
13-15 years | 5-8 August | Mackay | Event cancelled and not rescheduled |
Touch Football
10-12 years | 12-15 August | Townsville | Event postponed Review opportunities to reschedule in Term 4 |
Softball
13-19 years | 19-22 August | Redcliffe | Event cancelled and not rescheduled |
Tennis
10-12 years | 22-25 August | Brisbane | Event postponed Review opportunities to reschedule in Term 4 |
Softball
10-12 years | 26-29 August | Redlands | Event postponed Review opportunities to reschedule in Term 4 |
Track & Field
10-19 years | 12-17 October | Brisbane | Event cancelled and not rescheduled Capricornia Regional Trials cancelled |
Rugby League (Girls)
11-12yrs
| 16-19 September | Townsville | To be confirmed |
Rugby League (Boys)
10-11yrs
| 19 – 23 September | Townsville | To be confirmed |
In making the above decisions, QSS considered the following:
- Current Queensland Health advice (primary consideration)
- A commitment to ensure equity across all representative school sports
- Regional and school priorities for the remainder of year, particularly interruption free time.
- Exam and assessment priorities
- Operational logistics of rescheduling State Championship events and the state-wide implications
- Seasonal clashes with other events (community and school) on the calendar
QSS will continue to take advice from the Chief Health Officer and Queensland Health in making decisions regarding the health and safety of students and staff. For further information on current restrictions and the latest Queensland Government updates, visit www.covid19.qld.gov.au.
QSS understands that this decision may cause concern for students and families who had planned to attend these Trials and Championships, the decision was made considering student and staff health and safety as a priority.
Refunds will be provided to all participants. A QRG has been included to assist with the process.
Being a true supporter of school sport, I appreciate the decision to cancel the upcoming Capricornia Athletics Trials and selected State Championships is disappointing for many, however, I am sure that you appreciate the reasons and the timely notification of these decisions.