Toogoolawa School is a partnership built on purpose
Since 1989, Custodian has proudly supported the Toogoolawa School, a not-for-profit school that caters to boys aged 8-15 who have been excluded from the mainstream school systems.
Toogoolawa means “a place in the heart” and for more than three decades, that’s exactly what the school has been for more than 1,800 young Australians who needed a second chance.
Although initially funded entirely by Custodian, in 2014 the Queensland Government recognised Toogoolawa’s ground-breaking approach to education and the dedication of its teachers and social workers – by providing $3 million to build a new wing which enabled the school to increase in size from 120 enrolments to 200 per year.
Expanding Toogoolawa to meet growing demand
Today, with a waitlist of more than 100 students, demand for Toogoolawa’s unique education model continues to grow.
Once again, the Queensland Government has stepped up, providing $3.6 million to partially fund the school’s next major extension.
Custodian is now working to raise the remaining $4 million to enable the extension to be delivered, with $2 million being contributed directly through the generosity of the business and our network.
If you’d like to help support this important initiative you can make a tax-deductible donation online.
What donations will deliver through the new Toogoolawa extension
The planned extension will upgrade and expand the school’s facilities, improving the learning environment for both students and staff.
It will:
- Create capacity for 80 additional students
- Replace three end-of-life buildings
- Add seven new classrooms with flexible teaching areas
- Include a meditation room and quiet space for students attached to the classrooms
- Provide a new staff room with wellness areas to support teachers and social workers
With a staff-to-student ratio four times higher than an average school, at one staff member for every three students, the new facilities will further enhance Toogoolawa’s ability to meet the individual needs of every student.
Toogoolawa helps students become the best that they can be
Toogoolawa’s philosophy is grounded in the Five Universal Human Values – Truth, Love, Peace, Right Conduct and Non-violence.
Over 36 years, the school has transformed the lives of more than 1,800 students. Nearly one-third have returned to mainstream schooling, others have gone onto traineeships or TAFE courses and around 85 per cent leave Toogoolawa to pursue work or further study.
These incredible outcomes are why Custodian CEO John L. Fitzgerald and the Custodian team remain deeply committed to Toogoolawa. The school embodies the same philosophy at the heart of 7 Steps to Wealth – to “be all you can be.”
With our combined help, Toogoolawa School can help ensure every boy who comes through its gates has the chance to do just that.
Toogoolawa
Nam vitae sapien dapibus, condimentum ipsum non, porttitor purus. Cras et diam ac – nunc urna magna, porttitor eu laoreet aliquam velit. Suspendisse potenti!