29 October 2024
Principal’s Report
Empowering Young Voices
Oracy skills are crucial in primary education, laying the foundation for effective communication, social interaction, and confident self-expression. In the primary years, fostering oracy helps learners learn to speak and listen effectively—skills as essential as reading and writing. Since the start of 2023, Ellie Buchanan and Victoria Alexander have led our oracy journey, and we have benefitted from their newly acquired expertise and commitment to sharing their learning. This vital work is still in the developmental stage at our school, and we are seeking your support to build upon the work of our dedicated primary school teachers. We ask that you share your experiences of the following activities with your child's teacher so they can connect the learning at home to learning in our classrooms.
- Read Aloud Together: Reading stories aloud can help children understand the rhythm and structure of language. Discuss the story and ask questions to encourage them to express their thoughts.
- Engage in Conversations: Regularly talk with your child about their day, interests, and feelings. This helps them practice articulating their thoughts and improves their vocabulary.
- Play Word Games: Games like Scrabble, Boggle, or even simple rhyming games can make learning new words fun and interactive.
Childcare survey and consultation
The childcare challenges in Quorn have been well-documented over a long period. As a school, we know the impact on families and the challenges of recruiting vital workers to our beautiful setting. Many of you will already be aware of the survey circulating, and we thank those who have completed it and promoted it on social networks. In addition to continuing to promote the survey, we are also seeking your support in ensuring that the voice of our community is heard at the consultation sessions later this month. It is anticipated that the sessions will be held on the 25 & 26 November, and we will provide details of the times and venues later this week.
Reflection
The start of term four is always a time of reflection as we prepare to farewell our high school leavers and begin the transition of our new learners who will commence school in 2025. Each cohort we farewell from our school is unique in its experiences, contributions, and intended pathways, which we celebrate during individual and collective farewells.
Looking to the Future
To our leavers, remember you have the skills, knowledge, and character to tackle whatever comes next. We hope you will cherish your memories here and know you will always be part of our school family. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the countless ways you've inspired us all. We are excited to see where life takes you and confident you will make a difference wherever you go.
Andrew Gilsenan-Reed
2024 Yearbook
Primary Report
Connecting through Learning
This year, QAS has explored different pathways to grow Literacy and Numeracy success. One of the ways in which we have done this is by implementing additional learning opportunities to help bridge gaps and enhance learning outcomes through the use of the Scholastic Into Connectors books and the Numicon Big Ideas Program.
Into Connectors & Connectors
The Into Connectors and Connectors program aims to develop oral language skills and comprehension strategies. Learners engage in reading short, topical texts that stimulate discussions, which are built upon a Reciprocal Reading framework. This structure uses specific roles to support learners in sharing and exchanging their ideas.
Numicon Big Ideas
I am sure many are familiar with Numicon and the shapes and language we already use at school. The Numicon Big Ideas program is aligned with Numicon, focusing on reviewing concepts to correct and clarify any misconceptions. Utilising Numicon tools the learners engage in tasks that aim to build and strengthen their foundation to develop their confidence and understanding of different skills.
With 2024 being the pilot year, it has been exciting to see the growth that has already happened in such a short period of time. A big thank you to our team of SSOs who have been integral to the success and growth of our learners! Looking towards 2025, if you would like to know more information or explore pathway options for your child, please get in touch with their classroom teacher or Victoria.
QAS Book Week 2024
Secondary Report
Orienteering
Our Year 7-10 students have been honing their orienteering skills since last term, and last week, they tackled courses at the Melrose Showgrounds. This week, we’re excited to take the adventure further up into the Mount Remarkable foothills, where students will challenge themselves on a more demanding, up-and-down terrain course. These experiences are helping students understand orienteering as a sport while developing essential skills with maps, compasses, and navigation in the outdoors.
Miscellaneous Items
Home Stay 2025
Royal Life Saving SA’s Holiday Swim Program
Now is the time to get those last-minute enrolments in!
Online enrolments will close soon, and we don't want you to miss out on booking your children for Holiday Swim!
The main aims of the program are
- Teach children critical life-saving skills
- Teach basic swimming skills
- Equip kids with the knowledge to stay safe in, on and around the water.
The program is AFFORDABLE so that it remains ACCESSIBLE to families and communities that might otherwise miss out on the opportunity to participate in swimming lessons.
Royal Life Saving also offers pathways into the aquatic industry with their ICONIC Bronze Awards. The Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and Award of Merit and Distinction levels are designed for those wanting to further their knowledge and skill set before moving into the aquatic industry as Lifeguards and Swim Teachers within their local communities.
The program is returning in December 2024 and January 2025 with the Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive program.
PROGRAM FEES
$41.50 per child (additional pool entry fees may apply)
Higher awards from $50
LENGTH/DURATION
5 days (may vary based on location)
5yrs+ 45-minute lessons
Under 5s 30-minute lessons.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us by phoning 08 8210 4500
or email holidayswim@royallifesavingsa.com.au
More information can be found on our website: www.holidayswim.com.au
Government-Funded Program – Saver Plus
Stationhand Opportunity
A diverse role exists at South Gap Station, North of Port Augusta, for a school leaver who is a practical-minded person and keen to work with sheep and cattle in the great outdoors.
The job has many aspects, including mustering on a two-wheel motorbike and handling stock in the yards, water runs, mechanical work, fencing and yard building, fixing various things, and being part of a small team.
There is a lot of variety and opportunities for learning in this job. We run a commercial beef and meat sheep enterprise on a property roughly a ¼ the size of Kangaroo Island.
Must have good two-wheel motorbike riding skills, mechanical skills and an interest in working with stock.
Family environment: a family-owned and operated business. Board and keep supplied above award wages.
Contact Kate for more information and to apply at 0428 438965
Swim Club
Certificate IV in Education Support
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