Heatwave can't wipe these smiles

Thousands of Somerset and Moreton Bay children have flocked back to classes this week, braving a 39 degree heatwave on Monday to chalk up the first school day of 2024.

Principals and teachers have also hit the ground running, welcoming new staff and preparing for a series of projects and anniversaries.

Kilcoy State High School (SHS) has some big news, implementing their new Laptop Hire Scheme for years 7, 11 and 12. The focus on digital progression was made possible due to broadband bandwidth upgrades in Term 2 of 2023.

They will also open their new $10 million Multipurpose Hall in semester 2, with construction expected to be completed mid-year.

Toogoolawah State High School will also be able to show off their new multi-purpose built sports block (M Block), which includes a new gym and will enable the school to continue offering a Certificate 3 in Sports Recreation. They will also run a Certificate 3 in Allied Health Services for the first time.

Kilcoy State School (SS) has also commenced construction on a new upper-school amenities block and have completed the installation of their new, secure fences.

Maintenance and upgrading of the school is one of its main priorities, given the complexity and age of the buildings.

Mt Kilcoy State School has also started its year on the front foot with a full Prep class for the first time in about seven years. The school has welcomed 23 happy new kids to the class.

The Parents & Citizens Association (P&C) has also been nominated for another Somerset Australia Day Award.

In regards to anniversaries, Tullawong State High School is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, while Mt Kilcoy SS has three staff members celebrating milestones: Ms Claire Hill is completing 40 years as a teacher aide, while Ms Fiona Perry and Mr Andrew Triggs both celebrate 20 years working as a teacher aide and year 5/6 class teacher respectively.

Other exciting staffing news comes from Kilcoy SHS, as they welcome their new Head of Department, Ms Georgina Thomas, and have acting principal Kim Williams joining the school for semester 1. Tullawong SHS is also welcoming a new Deputy Principal.

Kilcoy SS is welcoming two new teachers to their year 3/4 cohort, namely Mrs Lil Mabb and Miss Jodie MacGregor.

Kilcoy SS, Mt Kilcoy SS and Tullawong SHS have seen an increase in student numbers in this new year.

Mt Kilcoy now has 117 students and Tullawong around 1100. Kilcoy SS is also growing, getting very close to gaining another entire class. Kilcoy SHS also continues strongly, with over 400 students and Toogoolawah SHS with nearly 300.

All schools are looking forward to continue supporting their students and strengthening the student experiences.

Toogoolawah SHS hopes to maintain their excellent record of 100 per cent QCE Attainment and continue to create successful pathways for year 13.

Tullawong SHS is especially excited to welcome their new year 7 cohorts and give them the opportunity to embed themselves into the school culture.

Mt Kilcoy SS is also focusing on continuing to strengthen their school culture in fun and engaging ways, along with getting their students ready for the real world and exploring critical thinking skills.

Good luck to all students, teachers, parents and schools in their new year!

A special thank you to Tullawong SHS, Kilcoy SHS, Kilcoy SS, Mt Kilcoy SS, and Toogoolawah SHS for helping us with providing photos.