USQ extends pact with Toowoomba FlexiSchool

A renewed partnership between the University of Southern Queensland and Toowoomba FlexiSchool will continue to create education opportunities for students in the region. Vice-chancellor professor Jan Thomas says the plan is a perfect example of how the Toowoomba community works together. “Toowoomba embraces its responsibilities with enthusiasm and USQ is proud to support socially responsible practices to ensure no one is left behind,” Thomas said. “I think that is captured beautifully in our partnership with FlexiSchool, where we hope to facilitate new pathways to university study and scholarship programs for students.” Thomas and deputy principal of Centenary Heights High School Barbara Pearson (FlexiSchool is an annexe of Centenary Heights SHS) signed a five-year MOU at USQ Toowoomba earlier this week, extending the initial MOU partnership established in 2008. The MOU won’t benefit just FlexiSchool students; school staff, volunteers and community mentors will have access to training opportunities at USQ whilst university staff will gain access to professional development opportunities through their involvement at the FlexiSchool. The FlexiSchool will also provide a model for USQ researchers to investigate alternative pathways into higher education. Pearson said the MOU was a great initiative that would benefit both entities but, most importantly, the students. “It’s so important for students to thrive in their study environment and the FlexiSchool gives them an opportunity to learn outside of mainstream classrooms,” she said. “To have USQ working with us to benefit our students and offer them more pathways into university study is invaluable.” Thomas said the partnership was one the university took seriously. “We’re absolutely committed to this relationship,” she said. “The MOU signing acknowledges the work we’ve done with FlexiSchool before and promises the relationship will continue to prosper in the future.”