TSA Independent School Lawnton

PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT DATES

Last day for Term 2: Friday 19th June at 12:30pm

Parent Teacher Interviews: 13th and 14th July from 8:30am

First day for Term 3: Wednesday 15th July

Our First TSA “Paid” School Based Trainee – Bianca P

Join us in celebrating Bianca, who has successfully commenced a School-Based Traineeship through the Salvation Army Schools Industry Work Experience Program.

Bianca’s journey began with an in-class discussion with her form teacher, Mr Johnston, where her strong attendance, punctuality, positive attitude, and teamwork were identified as key strengths for workplace success.

Demonstrating initiative, Bianca independently secured a host employer and commenced an unpaid work experience placement. Through her commitment and performance, she successfully transitioned into a paid traineeship, now working two days per week with Tree House Childcare in Lawnton.

Alongside her traineeship, Bianca will undertake her Early Childhood Education qualification while continuing her senior schooling, balancing work and study across the week.

This pathway highlights the power of student initiative and student behaviour combined with the TSA Schools structured school-based opportunities.

Congratulations, Bianca – a fantastic achievement and an exciting step toward your future career.

Parent Teacher Interviews

We will be holding Parent Teacher interviews on Monday 13th July from 8:30am to 3pm and Tuesday 14th July from 8:30am to 4pm. These will be in the form of a Microsoft Teams meeting or in person. Time slots will be for a duration of 15 minutes.

Could you please call Debbie of 3384 3031 to book a time? Please let Debbie know if this meeting will be in person or on Teams.

Thanks so much.

Being on Time, Bringing a Drink Bottle, and Preparing for the World of Work

We have recently noticed an increase in young people arriving late to school, not dressed in appropriate attire for school and attending without a water bottle.

To support our young people in developing strong habits, we have been encouraging them to prepare for their school day in the same way they would prepare for a day at work. Personal organisation is just as important as a positive attitude when it comes to employability and future success. Employers consistently look for young people who are organised, dressed for the work, punctual, reliable, and ready to contribute positively to their workplace.

We encourage all students to plan their travel so they can arrive at least 15 minutes early—this is what we call being “on time.” They should also ensure they have everything they need for the day, including the correct clothing, such as enclosed footwear and clothes that provide adequate protection from the elements, learning materials, whilst the school provides most Items at school, having a diary, pen and a full water bottle is a great start for the day.

These simple but important habits play a key role in preparing young people for work experience, certificate programs, and their transition into the world of work. By building these routines now, they are setting themselves up for success in their future pathways.

Tips for parents and carers to assist their young person

Have a discussion with them about preparing the night before and layout what they need for the next day. (Coming to school in your pyjamas is not a positive habit)
Have a water bottle, or at least a old soft drink bottle to fill with water, staying hydrated is an important health habit. Drinking soft drinks and energy drinks dehydrate you and have a marked impact upon concentration and learning.
Adequate sleep and screen free time are big health markers and have a marked impact upon learning and attention at school. Young people should stop looking at screens at least one hour before sleep. We are working to educate young people on this with no phones at school to encourage learning and positive habits.
We will be covering key healthy habits with young people each week at school to support their education and success. If parents have specific queries please just give us a call so that we can assist

Year 11 Students Attend Career Expo

Despite a wet and miserable start to the day, our Year 11 students took part in the recent Brisbane Job Expo with outstanding enthusiasm. All students arrived on time for departure, setting a positive tone from the outset. Their behavior on the bus was exemplary, and this level of maturity continued throughout the day.

The expo itself was a busy and vibrant environment, offering a wide range of industries and opportunities. Our students embraced the experience, engaging confidently with stallholders, asking questions, and showing genuine interest in a variety of career pathways.

Clear expectations were set for the day, including a designated meeting point and departure time. It was pleasing to see every student meet this responsibility, demonstrating reliability and respect for the schedule.

Overall, it was a fun, engaging, and informative day that provided valuable insights into future employment and training options.

A big thank you to all students for your behaviour, your positive attitude, and the way you represented The Salvation Army School so proudly.

We are so proud of our sewing group. This year again they took up the challenge to sew 200 Pencil Cases for an orphanage in Africa.

And, they have finished the project in record time - 3 months. The Pencil Cases are well-sewn, very colourful, and will be appreciated by those students who receive them.

The students are now sewing a project of their own choice for themselves, learning new skills each week.

Well done to the sewing group and thank you to the volunteers who come to help each week. Major Lyn

This week the Grade 10.1 class participated in a hospitality session where they prepared spaghetti bolognese for the entire school to enjoy for lunch.

Demonstrating generosity and community spirit, the students also made an additional batch for the Pine Rivers Corps Church next door to share with their community. Throughout the activity, students developed practical skills in measuring ingredients, understanding quantities, and working collaboratively, while also learning the value of giving back and supporting others.

VIBEZ ON WEDNESDAYS

Vibez is an innovative, holistic program that aligns with TSA Independent School’s mission to support students on their journey to independence. By providing meaningful, choice-based activities that promote both social-emotional and academic learning, this program offers students a fresh way to engage in education while fostering stronger connections within the school and extended community.

Vibez, which is held each Wednesday, is an inclusive, trauma-informed learning program that promotes healing, growth, and success.

Young people take part in various activities such as Arts and Crafts, Boardgame Challenge, Rhythm and Poetry, Radio Club, Youth Group, Creative Music, Basketball and Creative Arts.