Head of Year 9 & 10 News

Here we are already — halfway through Term 2. It is hard to believe how quickly the term is moving. Term 2 is often a term of momentum and change. Friendships and social groups begin to shift, attitudes towards school start to mature and students begin to realise that consistent effort matters.

In my 17 years of working across year levels, I have always found that Term 2 can be a real turning point for students. It is often the term where students either build positive habits and momentum or begin to fall behind. As parents and educators, our role is to continue supporting young people to make positive decisions, develop resilience and remain engaged in their learning.

This newsletter highlights a few important focus areas for our Year 9 and 10 students and celebrates some of the fantastic achievements already occurring throughout the term.

Attendance Matters

At Toogoolawah State High School, we are proud of maintaining strong attendance rates — not because we “have to,” but because we understand the significant impact attendance has on student learning, wellbeing, friendships and future success.

Our school benchmark is 90% attendance, which still equates to approximately one day absent per fortnight. We completely understand that students get sick and that circumstances arise; however, regular attendance is one of the strongest indicators of academic achievement and school engagement.

One of the biggest messages I continue to reinforce with students and families is the importance of communication. If your child is struggling with school attendance, please do not hesitate to reach out. Sometimes a small issue can quickly become a larger barrier to engagement if left unsupported. Whether it is friendship concerns, motivation, anxiety, learning difficulties, or simply struggling to reconnect with school routines, we are here to help.

A huge congratulations to our cohorts for their strong attendance efforts so far this term:

• Year 10: 92% attendance
• Year 9: 89% attendance

Well done to students and families for prioritising education and building positive routines.

Rewards Trips and Feedback Week

Congratulations to all students who attended our recent Level Rewards Trip. These excursions are designed to celebrate students who consistently demonstrate excellent effort and behaviour across all subjects by achieving VG (Very Good) or EX (Excellent) results.

These opportunities are about recognising students who consistently make positive choices, contribute positively to classrooms, and maintain strong work habits. We are incredibly proud of those students who continue to model high expectations.

Feedback Week is also taking place this week and provides students with a valuable opportunity to have meaningful conversations with their teachers about their progress, learning habits, and areas for improvement.

Students who wish to achieve or maintain Level 2 status are strongly encouraged to take ownership of their learning and proactively seek feedback from staff.

As I often say at our Year Level Parades:

“Success in school comes from students who communicate, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning. The students who seek help early are often the students who achieve the greatest growth.”

I strongly encourage students to use this week to speak with their teachers and gain clarity around how they can continue improving.

Uniform Expectations During Winter

As we enter the colder months, we recognise that uniform can sometimes become more challenging for families and students. We ask for your support in ensuring students continue to wear the correct school uniform, including approved jumpers and outerwear.

Maintaining uniform standards helps build school pride, belonging, and consistency across the school community.

Importantly, if families are experiencing difficulties accessing uniform items, please reach out. We understand that circumstances can vary, and we are committed to supporting students wherever possible.

Please contact either myself or our Head of Student Services, Dan Nielsen, so we can work together to support your child.

Behaviour in Classrooms – Choosing Respect

One area I continue to closely monitor as Head of Year 9/10 is student behaviour in classrooms and the choices students make throughout the school day.

I speak passionately about behaviour because classrooms should be places where both students and teachers feel respected, safe, and supported. Teachers are here to teach, guide, and support young people — they should never be subjected to disrespectful behaviour or disruption while trying to do their job.

At the same time, every student has a right to learn.

One of the most fundamental human rights is the right to an education, and this should never be negatively impacted by the actions of a small number of students. Students who come to class ready to learn deserve calm, focused learning environments where they can succeed.

We continue to encourage students to think carefully about their behaviour and ask themselves: “Am I helping or hindering the learning of others?”

Making positive choices, showing respect, and taking responsibility for behaviour are key life skills that extend far beyond school.

Year 9 Rite Journey Camp

We are incredibly excited to once again offer our Year 9 Rite Journey Camp at Tamborine Mountain in Week 6 of Term 3 (Wednesday 19 August – Friday 21 August).

This camp forms an important part of our Rite Journey Program, which supports students as they transition through adolescence and begin developing a greater understanding of identity, responsibility, resilience, and character.

This year’s camp focus will centre around the concept of Ubuntu — an African philosophy meaning: “I am because we are.”

Ubuntu focuses on connection, teamwork, empathy, kindness, and understanding that our success is often strengthened through helping and supporting others.

Throughout camp, students will participate in activities designed to build resilience, leadership, teamwork, reflection, and personal growth. The goal is to challenge students outside of their comfort zones while strengthening friendships and building a stronger Year 9 culture.

Importantly, we want every student to have the opportunity to attend. Thanks to school support and subsidies, the camp cost has been heavily reduced to $150 per student.

We are looking forward to another fantastic experience and creating lifelong memories with our Year 9 students.

Mr Moloney

Head of Year 9/10