USQ's bond with Flexi School strong - Toowoomba Chronicle

USQ Vice-Chancellor Jan Thomas signs the five-year renewal of the MOU with Toowoomba FlexiSchool with Centenary Heights High School Deputy Principal Barbara Pearson. Contributed

A MEMORANDUM of understanding between the University of Southern Queensland and Toowoomba Flexi School is a perfect example of how the Toowoomba community works together, according to Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas.

"Toowoomba embraces its responsibilities with enthusiasm and USQ is proud to support socially responsible practices to ensure no one is left behind," Professor Thomas said.

"I think that is captured beautifully in our partnership with Flexi School where we hope to facilitate new pathways to university study and scholarship programs for Flexi students.

"We've been working with Flexi School for years and now the bond is stronger than ever."

Professor Thomas and Centenary Heights High School deputy principal Barbara Pearson (Flexi is an annexe of Centenary Heights SHS) signed the five-year MOU, an extension of the initial partnership established in 2008.

The MOU will benefit Flexi School students as well as school staff, volunteers and community mentors who will gain access to training opportunities at the university.

University staff will also gain access to further professional development opportunities.

The Flexi School will provide a model for USQ researchers to investigate alternative pathways into higher education.

Ms Pearson said the MOU was a great initiative that would benefit both parties, but most importantly the students.