3B2B1B0B2HState Award Submission Cover Sheet

Title of submission: Flexi School – Youth Attainment and Transition School/s: Centenary Heights State High School – Toowoomba Flexi School Cluster name: Region: Darling Downs – South West Queensland ______________0H1H_________________________________________________________________ Key contact person: Name Joanne Brennan Position Head of Department Phone number (07) 4638 9144 Mobile phone 0414 869 563 Email address jbren34@eq.edu.au Principal: Name Maryanne Walsh Phone number (07) 4636 7500 Email address mwals2@eq.edu.au Please nominate the Showcase category for your project. Please nominate one category only. (See section 1.2 of the guidelines for more information.)

Showcase Award for Excellence in the Early Phase of Learning Showcase Award for Excellence in the Middle Phase of Learning Showcase Award for Excellence in the Senior Phase of Learning X Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education Showcase Award for Excellence in Leadership Showcase Award for Excellence in Innovation Showcase Award for Academic Excellence Showcase Award for Excellence in Community or Industry Partnerships

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Submission Overview The Toowoomba Flexi School is an exceptional community initiative that is Changing Lives by breaking the cycle of educationally ‘at risk’ students through improving school attainment and transition. Flexi provides students, who have not fully engaged in school, with an opportunity to re-engage in learning and employment programs. Flexi offers a student centred Senior Phase of Learning that is distinguished by its caring and welcoming atmosphere where teaching staff, students, support staff and community members work together, share ideas and build meaningful relationships to re-engage students. Improved retention rates of students in learning and pathways to work and tertiary education are the significant outcomes of this program. Flexi breaks the cycle of unemployment and failure and as a result students feel valued members in our community. OPTIONAL multimedia item for State Award Submissions ONLY: (For further information see guidelines appendix L) If included, please tick ()

To be supplied on one compact disc with the hard copy. Multimedia item are not required electronically. Personnel involved in the project (names and roles): Education Queensland Staff Maryanne Walsh Principal Centenary Heights State High School Joanne Brennan HOD Toowoomba Flexi School / Support Services

Teacher of English Communication Sam Baker Teacher of Year 11 English Communication, Work Readiness,

Year 10 Art, Lifestyles Jason Willy Teacher of Pre-Vocational Maths, Cert 2 Music, Cert 2 Information

Technology, Year 10 Technology, School Band Manager Brett Stefanowicz Teacher of Cert 2 Community Recreation, Cert 2 Business, ‘Experience Thru

Challenge’ Program Coordinator Rebecca McKinnon Teacher of Year 10 Science, Year 10 Maths, Year 10 English, Year 10 SOSE John Harman ICT enhancement, Computer Support Personnel

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Support Services Staff Suesette Smith Work Placement Officer assistant and Teacher Aide Tenille Mathison Administration Officer Kellie Selby Administration Officer Shona Bradford Social Worker Jason Attwood School Chaplain Chris Coleborn School Health Nurse Jenny Nothdurft DISCO Youth Support Co-ordinator

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ENTERING YOUR STATE SUBMISSION

1. Ensure you have enclosed all compulsory information by completing the Entrants’ Checklist in appendix E.

2. Ensure the principal signs this cover sheet. 3. Send your submission to your Showcase Regional Coordinator for checking by 20 June 2011. Signature of Principal Date

_______________________________________ ____________________________ To be signed by the Regional Director after completion of the checklist in appendix F.

I support this submission and its entry in the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools 2011. This submission meets the requirements set out in the Regional Director’s Checklist.

Signature of Regional Director Date _____________________________________ __________________________

All submissions remain the intellectual property of the Department of Education and Training. If a submission uses material from a source not covered by Department of Education and Training licences, permission for use of that material must be sought prior to entry of the submission and written proof of permission must be included in the submission.

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State Award Submission

Background (based on research from the Dusseldorf Skills Forum 2007) Currently 15 to 24 year olds in Queensland are less employed and or less engaged than any other

state in Australia Australia wide in 2008: 20% of yr 12 leavers, 45% of yr 11 leavers and 50% yr 10 leavers were not

fully engaged Early school leavers are profoundly disadvantaged in Australia Youth will be a vital factor in the future economy

Description: Toowoomba Flexi School (Flexi); an annexe of Centenary Heights State High School is a responsive learning environment providing relevant educational opportunities and breaking the cycle of dis-engagement. The program is designed to increase the number of educationally ‘at risk’ students completing the Senior Phase of Learning with a clear and sustained transition pathway. The key quality outcome is engaging and working with youth through intensive case management to overcome disadvantage and overcome poverty.

Flexi is improving learning outcomes for its diverse range of students and continues to work in partnership with parents, carers and numerous valued community groups to support this transition. Flexi has consistently provided opportunities for young people who are faced with significant social and emotional disadvantage making it difficult to engage fully in school. Students come from a wide range of situations across the district to access the unique difference that Flexi offers.

Flexi Clients represent some of the most marginalised youth in our society Students aged 15 – 17 in the Senior Phase of Learning, currently in 2011:

7% identify as Indigenous or Torres Strait Islanders 24% are or have been homeless this year. 88% present with mental health issues 65% were disengaged youth with no clear transition to a desirable outcome 10 % single parents

Students share many common life challenges. Some examples include but are not limited to: dysfunctional family – e.g. domestic violence, homeless, child protection orders drug taking by the young person and/or their parent/s/guardian mental illnesses e.g. depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, eating disorders diagnosed medical condition e.g. ADHD, ODD criminal record e.g. probation living in poverty

Flexi’s Service Guarantee focuses on engaging students particularly those at risk of leaving school early to attain a recognized learning outcome enabling access to a range of meaningful and sustainable learning pathways. Flexi’s answer to re-engage marginalised youth is centred around intensive case management and a curriculum that promotes continuity of learning. Flexi is well positioned to operate successfully to deliver this guarantee and is a best practice example of inclusivity and sustainability.

The overarching solution when working with dis-engaged youth is to modify poor habits and behaviours. To achieve this the educational program at Flexi revolves around The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (see Appendix 1). Being effective is learning to do 'that which produces the desired result'. To be extremely successful or very happy in life or achieve some major goal, then being effective is doing the things that will bring about the results one seeks. Flexi utilises the 7 Habits throughout a student’s journey at Flexi, nurturing young people into active citizens in a learning society who have a brighter future.

Many youth who come to Flexi are damaged from the things that have happened to them; they are in many cases the victim and are looking for answers. The journey begins at Flexi when a student walks in the door; steps are put in place through a well structured interview process to prepare students for the journey ahead. The Flexi journey begins…

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THE PROCESS OF THE INITIAL ENGAGEMENT INTO THE FLEXI PROGRAM Intensive Case Management identifies the student’s past barriers to education Builds self esteem and success through mandated Proactive Program Provides a safe environment where individuals feel valued and cared for without fear of judgment Experiences and develops social skills, necessary to operate in a networked world. Access to Work opportunities / University studies / TAFE studies / Community Participation. Staff/Volunteers communicate student’s potential so that students are inspired to see it

THE PROCESS OF FULLY ENGAGING IN SENIOR PHASE OF LEARNING AT FLEXI Opportunities to achieve a recognized learning outcome, with relevant curriculum Focuses on ‘what students can do, not what they can’t do’, let students know they are important Experience educational success through individualised feedback and improvement strategies Student centred programs, delivered in a way that meets each student’s lives and needs

Flexi Curriculum delivered with explicit teaching

Flexi Support to transition

Recognised Learning Outcomes

Transition Pathway

Work Placement Officer Work-Experience opportunities Employability Skills Links with local employers

QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) VET (Vocational Education and Training) Qualifications Employment Armed Forces

Employment

Work Placement Officer Certificate courses Real Life Learning

QCE VET Qualification Employment On-the-job training School Based Traineeship

Training, Traineeship and Apprenticeship

Year 10 QSA Curriculum - English - Maths - Science - Technology - SOSE - Art - Music Year 11/12 QSA Programs - English Communication - Pre-Vocational Maths VET Qualifications - Certificate II Music - Certificate II Community Recreation - Certificate II Business - Certificate II Information Technology

Tertiary Preparation Program School to Uni Co-ordinator

QCE Direct Entry to USQ through the Tertiary Prep Program

Tertiary Study

THE PROCESS OF ENSURING STUDENTS REMAIN ENGAGED WHILE AT FLEXI Case Managers continue regular contact and identify students requiring further support Regularly revisit Personal Mission Statement Connect Teacher Aides, Mentors and Technology enhancements for individualised assistance Short courses offered to build and strengthen emotional and social skills (listed below)

Emotional Building Programs offer reflection and strategies to heal from past hurts Experience Thru Challenge – Uses a range of coping skills through challenge Strength - Male Self Esteem Program / Shine - Female Self Esteem Program Art Therapy - Uses Art expression to recognise and explore past hurts in one’s life Seasons Program – Coping strategies to work through grief and loss Mentoring Programs - Connecting with one special person in the community that offers friendship,

support; a sounding board for students

Skill Building Programs to embed confidence and a sense of achievement Adventure and Challenge Camps - Designed to build determination and motivation Community Connections Program - students help others in our community who need help. Skill Building - Basic workplace health and safety knowledge and basic building skills. Vegetable Patch - A vegetable garden built and tended by students and Toowoomba Older Mens’

Network Mentors to enjoy nature at its best. THE PROCESS OF A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM THE FLEXI PROGRAM

Success is celebrated; Flexi Graduation Ceremony and Flexi Formal are well supported by parents, key stakeholders and the community

Connectedness created to the world around the student An awareness of ‘Personal Emotional and Social Strength’ and how to maintain it Confidence and belief in a clear ‘Destination Plan’ and tracked beyond exit

Habits 1 & 2

Habits 3 & 4

Habits 5 & 6

Habit 7

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Flexi School’s Point of Difference is simply to build INDEPENDENCE, create INTERDEPENCE and develop SELF-REJUVENATION. Flexi is overcoming disadvantage and long term poverty by setting students up with a strong confidence in themselves and a destination to a career pathway.

At Flexi young people are prepared with the skills they will need not just to survive but to thrive in the 21st century. The Flexi logo Finding the Greatness Within; has to do with a person’s integrity, work ethic, treatment of others, motives and level of initiative; Flexi strives to instill this in all of it’s students.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/ INCLUSIVE EDUCATION - Value Adding Toowoomba Flexi School is an innovative community-based response to a concerning problem. Flexi fosters unique community intergenerational engagement which plays a significant role in the transition of students from school to future pathways. This is evidenced by the Flexi Governance document (see Appendix 3) outlining the community groups and their contribution. A collaborative approach provides greater opportunities for participation from a wider group of stakeholders to be involved in problem solving and management of dis-engaged youth in Toowoomba. Regular meetings with the Flexi Governance Committee have built a team approach which has facilitated a good exchange of information and Futures Planning. The key stakeholders logos are proudly displayed on the Supported By menu on the Toowoomba Flexi School sign. This high level of support identifies students as valued members in the community; this is also evidenced by the number of volunteer workers, donations, Work Experience positions and School Based Traineeships, USQ transition programs and the Community Partnerships ongoing support (see Appendix 6/7). FLEXI STAFF / VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTION - Innovative and distinctive strategies

Intergenerational Community Partnerships – Community volunteers are part of the solution to youth dis-engagement by offering time and resources (Appendix 3)

Effective Communication – Intensive Case Management identifies and communicates potential in a safe non-threatening environment to encourage engagement and build trust

Passionate Staff – The Flexi team demonstrate care and concern for dis-engaged youth as well as a willingness and passion to work towards improving young lives.

Teachers - Committed to deliver authentic teaching strategies that aim to keep students involved in the classroom so learning experiences are valuable to the learner

Close liaisons with community services - Immediate support is offered to identified students for emotional, social and health issues to ensure safety and healthy mental well being (eg. Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Alcohol and Other Drugs Service, Child Safety, Youth Service)

Support Personnel – The Support Services Team meet weekly to support and service students, they are willing to work alongside staff and with youth to assist reconnection (Chaplain, Health Nurse, Youth Support Co-ordinator, Social Worker, Head of Department)

All stakeholders - Focus on the solution - work towards changing poor habits, poor attitudes and improving each student’s personal circumstances by explicit teaching of goal setting, time management, commitment and a respect for one’s self and others – developing the 7 Habits.

FLEXI CHANGES LIVES

Flexi breaks the cycle of dis-engagement and reduces the feeling of isolation Work Experience gives students real life experiences and an acceptance in the community Positive Behaviours are demonstrated by students Flexi provides stability to allow young people to focus on their strengths and goals Flexi teaches goal setting that strives for independence and control of one’s destiny

Student Testimonial “Flexi has helped me get my life on track. I am back at school working towards a Traineeship in Disability and completing my Queensland Certificate of Education. I had a baby 12 months ago, I feel I can combine being a mum and school to make a better future for both of us.” Paige Wilkinson (year 12 student)

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Connection to Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland Flexi prides itself on empowering youth to help shape Tomorrow’s Queensland creating a better future for all. Flexi has a significant track record in re-engaging students who are at educational risk into sustained learning and/or work. Flexi is promoting to students that the future of the state is everyone’s business and together we can all make a difference.

Flexi encourages volunteers - this adds to our social glue Toowoomba Older Men’s Network Volunteers play a vital role in one on one Mentoring in Literacy

and Numeracy for all year 10 students, 1 hour each week Intergenerational connections provide an avenue for the elderly people to connect with students,

volunteering to be part of the ‘Community Connection Program’. This involves mowing lawns, cleaning houses, assisting with maintenance around the home to improve the quality of life of fellow community members who can no longer do odd jobs.

Career Role Modelling in the community assists Flexi youth to consider a range of jobs and careers

Flexi is helping disadvantaged Queenslanders join the workforce, research has shown children who grow up in homes without a working parent are at greater risk of poverty.

Flexi aims at breaking the cycle by involving long term unemployed parents in getting students ready for work, informing parents of the steps and strategies involved in getting a job, overcoming challenges such as loss of confidence and motivation

Flexi is providing unemployed parents with training and support including Triple Teen Parenting Programs to assist parents on parenting and assisting students to transition into the workforce

Flexi takes young people off the streets and provides positive direction and pathways for youth who may otherwise lead a life of underachievement and low satisfaction.

Combines services for youth in a ‘one stop venue’, decreasing fears and a sense of helplessness

Flexi is working towards cutting obesity, smoking and heavy drinking amongst youth Flexi provides well balanced healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks as well as teaches students to

choose and prepare healthy meals Flexi facilities Alcohol Awareness Programs with local agencies such as Drive 4 Life, Alcohol

Tobacco and Other Drugs Services (ATODS), Red Cross and Toowoomba Youth Service Flexi students have embraced the opportunity to become fitter by engaging in Flexi’s Walking to

Fitness Challenge Flexi is a non smoking zone and while it is that recognised that many students access cigarettes

outside of school. Flexi supports and encourages a Quit Smoking Program organised by the School Health Nurse, 40% of identified smokers have quit smoking this year.

Flexi promotes that good health reduces many illnesses, all students are involved in a Healthy Lifestyles Program designed around good choices related to eating healthier, exercising more, not drinking alcohol, quitting smoking, avoiding unprotected sun exposure and avoiding unsafe sexual experiences.

Flexi is boosting the proportion of youth with a trade, training or tertiary qualifications Flexi offers VET Certificates to provide national qualifications that are transferrable The Flexi Work Placement Officer matches students to appropriate work opportunities. The Workplace Coordinator promotes work experience as a means to ‘taste’ work offerings. This

exposes students to work preferences that they might not have previously considered.

Flexi educates youth to protect and preserve lifestyle and environment Flexi aims to reduces our carbon footprint by teaching and practicing energy conservation Flexi has incorporated a Vegetable Patch in the grounds to teach students how to grow and prepare

their own vegetables.

Flexi is leading the way in alternative education undertaking research and development and innovation in differentiated learning

Flexi’s success breeds confidence in alternative education. An annual Alternative Education Seminar proudly sponsored by USQ (key stakeholder) explores Solutions to Disengagement and shares the ‘Flexi story’ with other like minded programs throughout Australia.

USQ is currently conducting research at Flexi on Alternative Education to collect data and evidence from the program to assist and modify future development and planning at Flexi.

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CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT The Toowoomba Flexi School’s unique clientele are a priority target group for the strategic direction outlined in QSE- 2010 and Education and Training Reforms for the future plans. Without Flexi these young people have less hope of success in many parts of their life. The quality outcomes for the students at Flexi focus continually reviewing and improving strategies. This process enables Flexi’s delivery of quality programs to meet the ever changing and diverse needs of our students. Each year Flexi reviews and evaluates student outcomes, surveys students and parents and surveys the employers in our community to improve the future direction of the programs and offerings at Flexi. OUTCOMES as a result of the described practice

High attendance rate of students who previously were school refusers and/or dealt with emotional and social barriers.

As children of long term unemployed parents, students are breaking the cycle by gaining employment; an achievable outcome

High number of students who stay in learning situations and transition into further education or meaningful employment.

Young people not fully engaged in school with no goals re-enter into a learning pathway and clear goals for the future; reducing the number of dis-engaged youth in the community

Qualifications achieved in Vocational Education Training, increasing work opportunities Pathway to Tertiary education

MEASURABLE EVIDENCE supporting the achievement of Flexi Outcomes 2010:

1. 95% of graduates are employed or participating in further learning In 2011:

2. 90% average attendance rate at Flexi 3. 100% of students have a Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan 4. 100% of school leavers have a Destination Plan with a goal for the future 5. 45% of enrolments were previously not fully engaged in school and have now re-entered Flexi

after 6 months or more out of school 6. 25% of year 12s are participating in a Tertiary Preparation Program, which will make them eligible

for University entry next year 7. Student Employability increased - Flexi assists in work preparation and job seeking skills to

increase work suitability.

0

20

40

60

80

100

%

2009 2010 2011

Graph : Student Transition Numbers School based Apprenticeshipor TraineeshipPart-time or Work Experience

Full time Work

QCE Eligibility

Tertiary Preparation Program

VET Qualifications 8. 98% of students have participated in work experience 9. High level of satisfaction from schools in the district evidenced by the number of referrals 10. 32% of Flexi students currently have a School Based Traineeship

Toowoomba Flexi School is an inclusive environment improving the outcomes for students who may otherwise be unable to access education or social and emotional support. Flexi is making a difference!

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Appendix 1

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

How Flexi finds the greatness within each student

The First Three Habits surround moving from dependence to INDEPENDENCE

Habit 1: Be Proactive

I am the force. Take responsibility for your life

At Flexi students learn to be self sufficient; students are responsible for their own choices. For example prepare well balanced breakfasts and lunches, quit smoking. Students learn through observation and role modelling of staff and community volunteers.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind Control your own destiny or ‘Someone Else Will’

Students visualise the whole picture so they can break down what needs to be done into required tasks. Students develop a Personal Mission Statement through a SET Plan process which acts as a road map to direct and guide.

Habit 3: Put First Things First

Will and Won’t Power. Prioritise, and do the most important things first

Students understand the reasons for learning; they set priorities, make a schedule and aim to follow their plan. Flexi ensures that the student’s basic needs are met (eg. warm clothing in winter, stable living environment) creating a culture that is welcoming and respectful with expectations that are known. These are vital steps to a successful education at Flexi.

The Next Three are to do with INTERDEPENDENCE Habit 4: Think Win/Win

The stuff that life is made of

Thinking Win/Win is a frame of mind that seeks mutual benefit, its sharing information, recognition and rewards. Furthermore, when student’s fundamental needs are met (indicated in Habit 3), they are only then in the best position to learn and succeed in the Senior Phase of Learning and beyond.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood

You have two ears and one mouth – Listen to people sincerely

Students learn through trial and error and real life experiences. At Flexi students develop respect for self and others, effective communication, problem solving and self awareness. ACTIVE LISTENING is the key to achieving this.

Habit 6: Synergize

Work together to achieve more

At Flexi this simply means ‘when we truly value, respect, and engage our differences, we are prepared to reach for entirely new ideas and breakthrough results’. Uniting the efforts and personal abilities of the student with caring staff and community partnerships enriches confidence in the student to reach for their goals.

The Last habit relates to SELF-REJUVENATION Habit 7: Sharpening the Saw

Renew yourself regularly

Students learn through meaningful tasks, how to take care of themselves and others and how to be responsible for their own choices. Through this process students are able to enjoy the success of their achievements.

(Based on Sean Covey http://www.7habits4teens.com/)

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Appendix 2 A critical factor at Flexi in student achievement is connectedness to the school and the world around the

student. Mr Glen Postle AM (Order of Australia) - Honorary Professor of USQ, Coordinator of ‘Community 4 Community Project’ and Chair of Friends of Flexi and Liaison Officer for Rotary East “In times when there is no extended family to turn to when things go wrong, young people need somewhere to go for support and care. Toowoomba Flexi School is a resurrection of a new idea of community. This community initiative brings generations together – to share, support and care for each other. Rotary supports the Toowoomba Flexi School 100%. Each year we look to find how next we can help the youth of Toowoomba. The Toowoomba Flexi School’s success cannot be measured by formulas – it’s about ‘humanness’. The Flexi School offers the students a place to be accepted and place where they feel cared for”.

Helen Emes – Parent of Year 11 Student “Kaitlin is a changed girl since coming to Flexi; she was shy, anxious and nervous and was refusing to go to school. She came to Flexi and slowly one day at a time, she started to engage. She felt accepted and well supported, gradually her confidence grew and now she loves coming every day.” Excerpt from a letter by Steve Gunther (HMAS Chaplain) following a HMAS Toowoomba visit to Flexi April, 2010 I know that I speak for the Commanding Officer and all our people in saying that our visit and time at the Flexi-School was an absolute highlight. We came away feeling that we had all gained more out of our visit than you at Flexi might have realised and perhaps we had expected. We were both challenged and encouraged by you, your team, the friends of Flexi and most of all of course the young students themselves. On a personal note, the respect that was evident in the manner in which the ANZAC day service was conducted was especially notable. You (collectively) certainly have created a culture and environment that is inclusive, non-judgemental and respectful of each individual, offering opportunities and hope to young people who, in the mainstream environment, may have been excluded and perhaps even fallen by the wayside, but for Flexi. One of our young officers later shared with me that, for him, the visit to Flexi was one of the most outstanding and meaningful highlights of his Naval career thus far! The motto of HMAS Toowoomba is FEARLESS. Being fearless doesn't mean not experiencing fear, rather it's about facing our fears, staring down what really scares us and pushing through anyway. The students at Flexi demonstrate daily that they are FEARLESS. I especially appreciated the interaction and supportive relationships that exist between 'The Older Men's Network' and the school. This is truly inspiring and a ground-breaking initiative that has arisen out of a genuine desire to make a difference. It is obvious that this is mutually beneficial for all concerned. It demonstrates that the gap between the generations can be bridged when we look past our preconceptions and take time to listen and learn - on both sides of the age divide. Outstanding! Thank you Jo and crew for hosting us and we look forward to when we can return with more of our people, hopefully in the not too distant future. In the meantime, keep up the good work in finding the "greatness within".

Kind Regards Steve Gunther Chaplain, RAN HMAS TOOWOOMBA FFH 156 FEARLESS

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Appendix 3

FLEXI SCHOOL....and its components

Finalised by Flexi School Governance Group – December 2008

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) - Founding member of the Flexi School project - Flexi School building leased from TRC by YY

for $1 per year - provides in-kind and financial support for

Flexi eg Charitable funds allocated e.g. Carols by Candlelight Flexi incorporated into a 3 yr financial plan with TRC

- patron support provided - corporate support - Youth Advisory position (Darryl Bates) will

always be represented on YY & FF

University of Southern Queensland

- existence of a MOU facilitating - pathways to tertiary study for Flexi School

students through existing USQ programs - access to USQ scholarships programs for Flexi

School graduates - access to training opportunities for Flexi

School staff - access to training opportunities for those

acting as community mentors and volunteers to the Flexi School

You’nity Youth (YY)

- the lessee of the Flexi building - non-profit organisation and allows Flexi to

access a range of funding sources - as an incorporated entity it provides a

supportive governance structure

Staff & Students of CHSHS Toowoomba Flexi School - Ceiling enrolment of 70 students - Yr 10 class capped at 15 - Years 11 & 12 classes capped at 25 - Flexible Learning Services - set by Central Office @ 16 students per year - Flexi, an official annexe of CH and a valued alternate setting within CHSHS

Friends of Flexi (FF)

- a network, within the community, committed to assisting the students of Flexi

- major function is to offer advice and assistance and be an advocate of Flexi within the wider community

- brokers of wider community business support

- TOMNET (Toowoomba Older Men’s Network) and other various support groups

CHSHS Mainstream Campus (Flexi School students are official enrolees of CHSHS) - provides governance in the form of: staffing (teaching staff; IT staff; school nurse; chaplain;

work placement officer) physical resources financial resources (cleaning; phone; electricity etc.) mentoring and advice direction setting

- liaison with Education Queensland a governance group meets once per term. Governance

group: CH Principal (chair); 1 x rep from FF; TRC; YY Chair; PAES & Community Liaison person from EQ; CH Deputy Principal; HOD Flexi.

Toowoomba East Rotary

- financial and in-kind supporters of physical and human resources at Flexi

- Founding members of the Flexi School project

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Appendix 4 Unique Inclusive Education Opportunities

Youth Off The Streets Scholarship $5000

2010 Winner – Natasha Toowoomba Flexi School Student

Background: Enrolled at Flexi at 15 years of age, she is now 17 Single mother of an 18 month old girl Living Independently Natasha is the daughter of a single mother who suffers from a drug addiction; as a teenager on many

occasions Natasha was woken in the middle of the night to walk to drug dealers’ houses to get drugs for her mother’s addiction

Natasha missed a great deal of school as she needed to look after her siblings when her mother was unable to

How Natasha turned it around: Natasha enrolled in year 10, she worked on improving her literacy and numeracy and slowly engaged

into the routine of school Natasha left for a short time in year 11 to have a baby; she remained connected to Flexi to utilise the

support resources for homeless and pregnant youth Natasha returned full time in year 12 determined to provide a positive future for herself and her

daughter. Natasha has applied herself to her studies, she is currently studying 4 Authority Registered subjects and

doing a Certificate III in Children Services Natasha is also studying a Tertiary Preparation Course for University of Southern Queensland with the

aim of studying Bachelor of Psychology in 2011 Her Future Outlook:

Winning the $5000 ‘Youth Off The Streets’ Scholarship (1 of only 20 students throughout Australia) means Natasha is able to study at USQ next year. It will mean she can purchase texts and a lap top to assist her with her study.

Formal Tertiary Qualification that will lead to full time employment

Flexi supports homeless and drug addicted young Australians as they work to turn their lives around. It is the Flexi goal that these young people will leave our care drug free, with a recognised learning outcome, living skills and a full or part time job in hand. Based on the philosophy that every young person has greatness within, the Flexi program is breaking the cycle of long term unemployment.

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Appendix 5

Signed Statement from Principal – Centenary Heights State High School Maryanne Walsh

From my point of view as Principal of Centenary Heights State High School, of which Toowoomba Flexi School is an official annexe, the partnership has resulted in:

Learning outcomes for young people who would otherwise have seen their lives as being played out in the form of either mediocrity or crime. Graduates now have a Queensland Certificate of Education; and VET Qualification fulltime work or fulltime apprenticeship or are engaging in a University pathway. Current students are on their way to a QCE and/or engaged in a school based traineeship.

Positive social outcomes - for many, staff and students at Flexi have become their family. There is an expectation that they are responsible for their words and actions and that there is a society out there which would benefit from the positive channeling of their efforts. The self esteem of these young people takes a massive leap through their enrolment time at Flexi - for some to be in a leadership role would have been the furthermost thing from their minds yet they find themselves relishing the opportunity.

High retention of enrolment - now once they have enrolled they stay to completion of an outcome. There is a genuine focus on literacy and classes are deliberately smaller in number with wide subject offerings to cater to all learning styles.

In the end at Flexi I see happy, motivated young people who genuinely like `going to school' - for many this is the first time in their lives they have felt like that. Similarly for many it is the first time in their lives they have felt good about themselves. Flexi is an outstanding success – ‘It is breaking the cycle of dependency and mediocrity and brings hope and aspiration to young lives’.

Signed Statement from Centenary Heights State High School Parents and Citizens Association President

Yours sincerely

Tony McDonald President - CHSHS P & C Assn

Dear Sir,

The Centenary Heights State High School Parents and Citizens Association are pleased to forward this letter of support for the Toowoomba Flexi School. The Toowoomba Flexi School have worked hard to ensure that disengaged students of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Districts have been able to continue their `learning or earning' pathways. We recognise that these students need extra support and a more Flexible approach to learning. The Toowoomba Flexi School continues to be committed to helping these students re-engage in sustained learning to reach their potential. We wish the Toowoomba Flexi School the best in this application for recognition of their tireless work in helping our community's youth - it would be well deserved.

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Appendix 6 Community Partnerships

Toowoomba East Rotary Club: Toowoomba East Rotary Club provided essential maintenance and considerable improvements to the Bell Street Mall facility which was the ‘home’ of FLEXI for the first 4 years. Computer workstations were built to accommodate eight students. Rotary has provided in excess of $15 000 worth of goods and services. In 2000, in partnership with Toowoomba City Council, Rotary invested over $60 000 to establish a new community youth facility in Chalk Drive. Further Toowoomba East Rotary paid a Youth worker for 1 year to the value of $30 000. Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC): TRC has provided support for facilities and youth advocacy. The Bell Street Mall premises (Toowoomba Youth Centre) were funded through the Mayoral Trust Fund, approximately $35 000. TRC is a major sponsor of the community youth centre in Chalk Drive – to the value of approximately $200 000. This money is an indication of the level of support given to this project by the Mayor and the majority of Councillors. The Mayor has hosted for the past 6 years the Mayoral Awards Ceremony, including the Mayoral Achievement Award, to celebrate a variety of student achievements. FLEXI students have been recipients each year. The Youth Development Officer has provided significant assistance to FLEXI particularly in youth development activities.

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)-Faculty of Education: Education students voluntarily provide tutoring for the Flexi-students. The USQ gives students some credit for Professional Context experience (PCE). University staff from both the Faculty of Education and the Distance Education Centre have supported the development of this alternative model of education. This ‘in-kind’ service is invaluable as a real-life learning context for the pre-service teachers. Education Queensland as a future employer benefits from this model of professional training. USQ, through successful application to the Regional Engagement Scheme, has supplied 9 new computers and a printer to facilitate on-line learning in various subjects. USQ also provide up to 6 Tertiary Preparation Scholarships each year. Congratulations Dr Glen Postle, USQ lecturer and co-founder of FLEXI- 2008 recipient of Queens Birthday Australia Medal for services to inclusive education. Education Queensland (EQ): Until March 2004, all Flexi-students had been enrolled with the Brisbane School of Distance Education (BSDE). From 2004-2006 students shared enrolment with BSDE and CHSHS. This provided access to Year 10 and Senior Certificates and school-based Traineeships, which are the major goal for most students. Since March 2006, CHSHS has provided the majority of the educational support. Applications to the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Flexible Learning Services (FLS), from 2005 to 2010, will have provided $250 000 worth of assistance to students. Training and Employment Services: Students of FLEXI have access to many government and non-government organizations including JPet (Job Placement Education & Training); Mission Employment; Job Pathways; Downs Group Training; ADD employment and DISCO. CHSHS also utilize teaching staff to mentor students on VET opportunities and assist them in actively seeking work experience and/or Traineeships/Apprenticeships. Toowoomba Older Men’s Network (TOMNET): TOMNET provides Tutors and mentors to assist the students with academic and non-academic subjects. They also fundraise to purchase equipment to improve the facilities at the Toowoomba Flexi School. Equipment purchased includes: Fridge/ Freezer, Washing Machine, Dryer, Shower cubicle and tools for the garden. NAB School’s First: NAB has provided $500 000 as a national award recognising the unique community partnership between TOMNET and the Flexi School. Currently, the funds have been used to purchase a 14 seater mini bus and to employ a Social Worker to work with both the wellbeing and welfare of the mentors and youth at risk.

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Appendix 7 This MOU highlights the strong links between USQ and the Flexi School

Memorandum of Understanding

Between

University of Southern Queensland

and

The Toowoomba Flexi School

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is a body corporate established pursuant to the provisions of the University of Southern Queensland Act 1998 operating as a publicly funded regional university with its main campus at West Street, Toowoomba. The Toowoomba Flexi School is a community-based education initiative for marginalised young people operating under the umbrella of the Centenary Heights State High School with premises at Chalk Drive Toowoomba. In order to further the work of the Toowoomba Flexi School to restore pathways to education and work for marginalised young people, the University of Southern Queensland is committed to pursue the following objectives in partnership with the Toowoomba Flexi School:

Facilitating pathways to tertiary study for Flexi School students through existing USQ programs (including schools outreach and university bridging programs) and the exploration of additional initiatives to support transition into university for Flexi School graduates.

Facilitating access to USQ scholarships programs for Flexi School graduates. Facilitating access to training opportunities for Flexi School staff, including in online teaching and learning. Facilitating access to training opportunities for those acting as community mentors and volunteers to the Flexi School. Exploring opportunities for resource sharing between the two organisations

In order to build the partnership between the Toowoomba Flexi School and the University of Southern Queensland, both parties mutually agree to explore additional opportunities for collaboration and engagement including the following:

Providing professional development opportunities for USQ staff in alternative education through involvement in Toowoomba Flexi School activities.

Investigating the potential for formalising practicum arrangements for USQ teaching students in the alternative education setting offered by the Toowoomba Flexi School.

Undertaking research and community engagement opportunities in areas including: Study of Toowoomba Flexi School as a unique community-based alternative education initiative. Research in the area of disenfranchised and marginalised youth. Research and development to further the development of the Toowoomba Flexi School virtual classroom.

It is understood that the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding will commence on the day of signature, and will continue thereafter for five years, subject from time to time to revision or modification by mutual agreement. Representatives from both institutions will discuss the terms of a renewal at least six months prior to the natural termination of the current Memorandum of Understanding.

Signed on the 15th day of July 2008

Professor Bill Lovegrove Vice-Chancellor and President University of Southern Queensland Toowoomba QLD 4350

Signed on the 15th day of July 2008

Ms Maryanne Walsh Principal Centenary Heights State High School 60 Ramsay Street Toowoomba QLD 4350

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Appendix 8

Signed Statement of Support from University of Southern Queensland

Vice-Chancellor and President

U n i v e r s i t y o f S o u t h e r n Q u e e n s l a n d

TO OW OOMBA Q U EE NSL A ND 43 50

A U S T RA L I A

T E LE P HO N E (0 7 ) 4 63 1 21 00

www.usq.edu.au

OFFICE OF THE V ICE-CHANCELLOR

Professor Bill Lovegrove

Vice-Chancellor and President

PHONE (07) 4631 2168 | FAX (07) 4631 2782

EMAIL vc@usq.edu.au

To Whom It May Concern It is my pleasure to provide this letter of support to the Toowoomba Flexi School in its bid for a Showcase Award ’11. The Toowoomba Flexi School is a highly successful community initiative that addresses head-on one of the most difficult social problems faced by our society today – that of disengaged youth. The founders of Flexi School used a belief in the sanctity and importance of every individual as a basis for creating an educational service that reaches out to those who are most alienated in our communities and provides them with a basis for turning around their lives. This taps into some of the most fundamental aspects of education – education as empowerment and educational as renewal – while supporting the need to maximise Australia’s social capital through ensuring that all Australians reach their full potential. There is no doubt that the Toowoomba Flexi School changes lives. It also provides an alternative to building more prisons and overburdening our welfare systems, and helps ensure that our most valuable assets – our youth – are valued and contribute fully to society. The success and steady development of the Toowoomba Flexi School over the past decade is testimony to the excellence displayed by the initiative at all levels – educationally, organisationally and socially. The educational programs offered are highly innovative and build on the latest educational technologies. The school has built a large volunteer base and level of community support that has minimised the requirement for support by government. Against all odds and in an extremely difficult operating environment, Flexi has continued to deliver. I give my unqualified support to the Toowoomba Flexi School for consideration for a Showcase Award ’11. Sincerely

Professor Bill Lovegrove Vice-Chancellor and President

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Appendix 9

To whom it may concern:

We are currently working with Youth Affairs Network of Queensland to explore the ways in which alternative education sites in Queensland cater to the needs of young people who have disengaged from mainstream schooling. Within Queensland there are a number of sites that seek to meet the needs of young people whose interests have not been met by the mainstream schooling sector. Our interest lies with those sites that are not so much concerned with changing the student, but instead focus on changing the context and delivery of learning experiences so as to meet the diverse needs of young people, many of whom have experienced various challenging personal circumstances.

Toowoomba Flexi School was recommended to us as a possible site for such research. Earlier this month we had the pleasure of spending some time at the school, viewing classes and conducting private, individual interviews with most of the staff and a cross-section of students. All the usual protocols regarding the privacy of participants were observed.

From our perspective, Toowoomba Flexi School is an inclusive and caring alternative education community. Themes of connection, respect, individuality, freedom and hope permeated our dialogues with both adults and young people at the site. According to its students, Toowoomba Flexi School provides them with the opportunity to re-engage with their education along personalised pathways within a context that also assists them with the many personal and social issues that contributed to their disconnection from mainstream schooling. Similarly enthusiastic, the teachers and support staff, without exception, expressed a high sense of personal commitment to the ethos and educational goals of the school, and to the young people in their care. The fact that previously disengaged students, many with ongoing and serious personal issues, are now willing to rise early and travel considerable distances in order to attend Toowoomba Flex School, is a testament to the success of this alternative site.

Toowoomba Flexi School is making a huge difference in the lives of its students. If it should win its category for Excellence in the Senior Phase of Learning, it has the potential to serve as a model for the development of other alternative sites of schooling – sites that are badly needed to serve the interests of the many vulnerable young people who currently fall through the cracks of the mainstream system.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Glenda McGregor & Professor Martin Mills

Dr Glenda McGregor Program Convenor Graduate Diploma of Education (Sec.) Mt Gravatt Lecturer School of Education and Professional Studies Mt Gravatt campus Griffith University 176 Messines Ridge Road MT GRAVATT QLD 4122 +61 7 373 55641 (Ph) +61 7 373 55965 (Fax) g.mcgregor@griffith.edu.au Professor Martin Mills School of Education The University of Queensland Brisbane, Q 4072 Australia Ph +61 7 33656484 Fax +61 7 33657199 m.mills@uq.edu.au

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Appendix 10

Intergenerational Connections at the school – Seniors Contribution TOMNET (The Older Mens Network)

Intergenerational Connections at the school – Students Contribution

This program enhances the inclusive nature of the school. The TOMNET volunteers offer a unique intergenerational connection that is rich and effective.

Mentoring a Mate Vegetable Plot to Plate Nurture with Nutrition

Program:- Seniors from TOMNET on a weekly basis provide one-on-one literacy and numeracy mentoring to students.

Program:- Seniors from TOMNET on a weekly basis provide education and demonstration on developing and maintaining a vegetable garden to produce food for meals.

Program:- Seniors from TOMNET on a daily basis contribute to cooking and providing breakfast and lunch for hungry teenagers at the school.

How the Program Works: - University of Southern

Queensland (USQ) developed a ‘Train the Mentor’ program to assist TOMNET volunteers on how to approach working with teens and how to progress their education in literacy and numeracy.

- Teachers at the school provide weekly activities in comprehension, oracy and written skills.

- Mentors work one-on-one in a quiet area to help students progress at their own rate.

- Mentors also develop a relationship with the student, this bond encourages the students to want to learn and they feel someone cares about them and their education.

How the Program Works: - TOMNET donated corrugated garden

beds to the school to enable a vegetable garden to be developed

- Volunteers from TOMNET work with students to fill the garden beds with appropriate soil and compost to establish a healthy base for the plants

- Vegetable and herbs were selected on what could be used in the kitchen

- Together seniors and students nurture the plants and maintain the garden.

How the program Works: - TOMNET and USQ donated funds

to purchase groceries for breakfast and lunches

- USQ ran a winter appeal to gather non-perishable donations of food stuffs for breakfasts and lunches.

- TOMNET seniors come in on a roster system to cook and prepare nutritious breakfast and lunches for students

Outcome: - Increased self esteem of

students - Students who have gaps in their

education can work individually on their weak area

- Seniors feel needed and valued in the community as they are helping the future generation.

- The reduction in medication by these retired mentors has been monitored by TOMNET officers. A win win!

Outcomes: - Increased knowledge and skills in

gardening vegetable - Fresh produce available to the school to

utilise in food production - Seniors share their skills and feel valued

as they are teaching and expanding young minds.

Outcomes: - Students are more alert in class as

they have a nutritious meal in their stomach

- Obesity and poor nutrition are being reduced with the provision of healthy food for students

- Seniors are utilising their skills to provide meals for students.

Seniors Week Celebration Enjoy Success Together

Program:- Students plan and organise a week of celebrations for ‘Seniors Week’ to engage intergenerational connections on a social level. It is a week for students to give back and say thank you.

Program:- Students invite seniors to their Graduation and Formal to be part of the complete journey and celebrate the success of the students.

How the Program Works:- - Students organise activities (approx 8) for a day - Teams are arranged with seniors and students combined,

together they go through the activities and gain points Lunch is prepared and cooked by the students, all sit down and enjoy each other company over a meal

- Seniors are the guests and for the week they are not to cook or serve any students – the roles are reversed.

- In mentoring sessions the students have to mentor the seniors on an activity they are competent at (eg. Mobile phone, ipod)

How the Program Works:- - Students invite their mentor to the school Graduation and the

school Formal to share with them the journey and to take time to enjoy what has been achieved together.

Outcomes:- - Seniors are thanked for their invaluable contribution to the

program at the school - Students get to serve seniors and appreciate the task the

seniors perform for them each week. - Seniors get to experience the technological world of a

teenager

Outcomes:- - Seniors feel part of the success - Students appreciate that they have a special person attend to

watch them