Head of Year 9 & 10 News

Good afternoon Toogoolawah community,

It’s hard to believe we are already into Term 4. As we head towards the end of another busy year, I spoke on parade this morning about four key points that will guide our focus over the coming weeks.

Level System and Rewards

At Toogoolawah State High School, our level system recognises students for their consistent effort, behaviour, and contribution to the school community.

To remain on Level 2, students must achieve Very Good or Excellent across all subjects in both effort and behaviour. We are fortunate that our leadership team has introduced the Lifeline process, which gives students an opportunity to reflect and discuss with staff if they happen to receive a “Satisfactory” in one area. This encourages open communication, allowing students to take to discuss results with their teacher.

However, if a student repeatedly receives “Satisfactory” results across consecutive terms, they will be moved to Level 3. To regain Level 2, students must demonstrate improvement by achieving all Very Good or Excellent ratings again. This process ensures fairness, consistency, and a shared understanding of our school expectations.

Level 1 Applications

Applications for Level 1 will open in Week 4, and students who qualify will be recognised for their outstanding commitment to the school.

Level 1 students have consistently demonstrated high standards across all areas and contributed positively through school service, leadership, and participation. They are rewarded with their senior jersey paid for by the school and their formal ticket covered.

Term 4 - The Finish Line is Not Here Yet

One of the key messages on parade was around maintaining a strong finish to the year. Term 4 is not a time to switch off, it’s a time to consolidate all the hard work from earlier in the year. Our attitude and effort should remain the same as Week 1, Term 1.

Students were also reminded that our teachers’ classrooms are their workplaces. Every staff member deserves the same level of respect that we would show in any professional environment. Disrespectful behaviour towards staff is never acceptable.

Respect, cooperation, and gratitude go a long way and they create the positive learning environment that helps everyone succeed.

Attendance

Thank you to the many parents and caregivers who have taken the time to discuss attendance with us. Towards the end of Term 3, our overall attendance dropped slightly. Our benchmark is 90%, which still allows for a day off each fortnight for genuine reasons such as illness or medical appointments.

We completely understand that absences happen life is busy and things come up, but we ask that parents continue to communicate proactively with the school regarding absences. Every day counts, and consistent attendance makes a huge difference in students’ learning progress and confidence.

Year 9 - The Rite Journey

On parade today, Mr Nielsen addressed our Year 9 students about the changes to this year’s Rite Journey Celebration Dinner. The event will no longer be held on the Gold Coast, as the final phase of the Rite Journey focuses on reconnecting students and parents within their own community.

We are very pleased to announce that the dinner will be held at the Esk Civic Centre on Thursday, 4 December (Week 9). This evening will provide a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the growth, achievements and maturity of our Year 9 students as they prepare to enter their senior years.

Looking Ahead

I’m genuinely looking forward to these final eight weeks of the year. Term 4 is always a special time filled with reflection, reward and recognition. Let’s finish strong, continue showing great behaviour and keep striving for academic growth across our middle years.

Thank you for your ongoing support.