Emerging Elders Camp

Following in the Footsteps was the theme for the Emerging Elders Camp, attended by 25 of Toogoolawah State High School’s Indigenous students this week. The annual camp is held on Jinibara Country at Stanley River Environmental Education Centre.

Jinibara Elders joined students and talked about ancient and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. They shared their knowledge and stories and invited students to ask questions and share their personal stories. Students examined and discussed materials used to make traditional tools, including spears, stone axes, instruments and ceremonial items, and learned about how they were used. Throughout the camp students created individual art works and used traditional symbols to paint a boomerang. At the end of each day everyone came together in a Yarning Circle to reflect on learning and deepening understanding of Culture. Indigenous games on the final day of camp were led by senior students, Hunter, Kate, Larni, Dean, Lucus, Lara and Tyler.

The number of students from Toogoolawah SHS attending the camp each year continues to grow. In 2017 I attended the camp with two students from our school. Having 25 students this year clearly demonstrates the value students and staff place on this program. TSHS has been supporting students to take part in this camp since it began in 2017. This year was the fifth camp for some of our students, and it is always a privilege to watch their growth and development as young Indigenous leaders as they deepen their understanding of identity and connection with culture.

Kilcoy, Lowood and Woodford students also attended the camp. Our students were outstanding, setting an example as leaders and working with other students, showing pride in their culture and themselves – something commented on by the Stanley River staff and teachers from other schools.

Grand Central and iPlay Level 1 & 2 Rewards Trip

Level 1 and 2 students – including new Level 2 students in Year 7 – are invited to attend the first rewards trip for this year. We have changed the first trip this year, which will be shopping and iPlay at Grand Central in Toowomba.

Permission forms need to be returned to the office by Monday 19th May. The bus is being subsidised by the school this time, and there is a $15 cost only if students opt to attend iPlay. This cost includes one hour of play for red and blue games, with 200 tickets.

Rewards trips are organised for Terms 2 & 4 to recognise Level 1 and 2 students for consistently displaying the positive behaviour expectations of our school. To achieve and maintain level 1 and 2 statuses, students need to achieve ‘A’ and ‘B’ results for behaviour and effort on their academic reports, have school attendance above 90 percent, wear the school uniform correctly, participate in a variety of school and community events and have an exemplary behaviour record.

Thank you to the Year 7 students who have returned their Level 2 applications for processing.

Feedback Week and Level lifelines:

A lifeline has been extended to students who are currently on Level 2 but received one or more ‘C’ result for effort and behaviour on their interim reports. These students remain on Level 2, and as a part of the lifeline process must check-in with their Head of Year

(Ms Masters – Year 7 and 8; Mr Moloney Year 9 and 10; Mrs Kruger Year 11 and 12). Students on a lifeline must also complete Feedback Week in Week 5.

Feedback Week sheets were handed out to Year 7 & 8 students on Wednesday parade. This is an opportunity for all students to check-in with teachers about how they are going in each subject. More than 20 Year 7 students successfully applied to become Level 2 students this Term. By completing the feedback week process, all L

evel 1 and 2 students can ensure they are working to the best of their ability to maintain their level.

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