25 October 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

What an interesting time we had during the last week of Term 3. The severe weather had a large effect on the state. The school had to be closed due to the lack of power on the Thursday, along with many other schools in the state. Luckily we only had a few branches brought down and no other damage. Unfortunately, our much anticipated Open Night had to be cancelled, but we are hoping to combine the planned displays with Presentation Night at the conclusion of Term 4. I would like to thank SES and all the volunteers who worked through this event to support our community.

We are currently working on class structures for 2017. To assist with our planning, can you please advise the school if you know of any families who are choosing to bring their children to Quorn Area School in 2017 or if your children will be moving on next year?

Our Year 2-6 students enjoyed a fantastic camp at Rawnsley Park at the end of last week. There will be plenty of photos in our next edition. Thank you to teachers Ms James, Mr Baker and Mrs Ikiua-Brooks for organising this event and giving their time to make it happen.

The last student free day for the year will be on Friday 25th of November. Staff will be updating their first aid qualifications and planning for 2017, please mark this day in your calendar.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank staff and the community for their support, during my recent illness. Mrs Bury and Mr Griffiths did a fantastic job running the school in my absence.

It’s All Good
Roy Winther

Secondary Report

Next Monday afternoon we have a Tag Rugby coaching session for students in Years 7-10. A scheduled carnival for the Yr 8/9 students is to be held next Wednesday in Booleroo which I’m sure the students are looking forward to.

On Wednesday the 9th of November we are taking students in years 8-10 to the Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience which is being held in Port Augusta at the Central Oval Complex. This event promises to be full of highly engaging historical information and artefacts, perfect for any school or community group visit.

The Experience brings to life an infant Australia still finding its feet on the eve of war. It follows in the footsteps of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses throughout the campaign, including a commemoration of Australia’s century of service. Driven by artefacts from the Australian War Memorial, the Experience also integrates interactive environments, special effects and more to tell Australia’s story in new and engaging ways. The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience also presents students with an invaluable learning opportunity, with direct links to the Australian curriculum.

As the year is rapidly coming to an end, there are some important dates for current Yr 10, 11 and 12 students. Please see the following:

YEAR 10 STUDENTS

WEEK 3 (1/11-5/11)
Mon and Tues -AQUATICS
WEEK 7 (28/11 – 2/12)
PICHI RICHI WORK PLACEMENT
WEEK 8 (5/12 – 9/12)
WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT
WEEK 9 (12/12 – 16/12)
MON –WED TRANSITION TO YR 11 SUBJECTS AT QAS
THURS – SPLASH DAY AND PRESENTATION NIGHT
FRI – LAST DAY OF TERM

It is vital that students are finalising their Work Experience Placements for Week 8. Letters and information needs to be sent to workplace providers and students are very aware of the process as they have been working with Sarah Bury to do this. It takes time for forms to be posted, signed and returned to the school and if we do not receive the relevant forms, we are unable to send students on their placements. If students DO NOT organise a placement, then they will be required to undertake a placement in Yr 11. This is not advisable, as missing a week of Yr 11 is going to put them behind.

Week 9 (last week of term 4) will see students returning to QAS to begin their Yr 11 subjects. Students will have the opportunity to meet with their subject/home group teachers and gauge an understanding of what is required from them for 2017. Text books may be distributed and possible assignments will be discussed. It is expected that all students attend this vital week.

YEAR 11 STUDENTS

WEEK 7 (28/11 – 2/12)

WEEK 8 (5/12 – 9/12)
INTENSIVE RESEARCH PROJECT STUDY AND BEGINNING YR 12 - QAS
WEEK 9 (12/12 – 16/12)
MON –WED TRANSITION TO YR 12 SUBJECTS AT QAS
THURS – SPLASH DAY AND PRESENTAION NIGHT
FRI – LAST DAY OF TERM

Week 8 and 9 will see students working intently at QAS to begin their Yr 12 subjects. Students will have the opportunity to meet with their subject/home group teachers and gauge an understanding of what is required of them for 2017. Text books may be distributed and possible assignments will be discussed. It is expected that all students attend this vital week. There will be a large component of time spent on the compulsory subject ‘Research Project’ and students will spend quality time initiating, discussing and finalising their topic in preparation for 2017.

YEAR 12 STUDENTS

WEEK 3

FRIDAY 4th NOVEMBER – Yr 12 Farewell Assembly – QAS gym 12 midday

WEEK 4

Exams To Be Held At The Quorn Council Chambers

THURSDSAY 10th NOVEMBER – Maths Applications 9-11am

WEEK 5

MONDAY 14th NOVEMBER – Biology 9-12pm
THURSDAY 17th NOVEMBER – Physical Education 9-11am

WEEK 6

SATURDAY 26th NOVEMBER – Yr 12 Graduation Dinner – Standpipe Golf Motor Inn

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Sarah Bury at the school.

Subject Report

Tech Studies

Library

SAASTA

During 2016 Julian McCarthy, Jumeka Saunders and Keenan Saunders completed a Certificate 3 in Sport and Recreation through SAASTA and TAFE SA. This involved completing some work books at school around OH&S, teaching basketball and football skills and preparing for life in the work force. They were also required to attend three week long blocks at Regency TAFE.

Certificate 3 in Sport and Recreation

Miscellaneous Reports

Finance News

Please find attached a copy of the proposed Materials and Services Charges for 2017. These charges will be discussed for approval at the next Governing Council meeting 16th November 2016. If you have any questions or issues regarding the charges, you are welcome to attend this meeting, or alternatively express your views in writing addressed to the Chairperson of the Governing Council prior to this meeting.

Roy Winther

Pastoral Support Worker

Investing in your community

I am often asked what aspects my role at QAS involve and I can easily answer, (alongside many of my work colleagues), that investment is at the base of most of what we do. How we allocate our thoughts around home, kids, school, work, leisure, sport or rest involves investing the time we have to produce outcomes that are important to us personally.

One thing has become apparent to me during my now 10 years living in Quorn, (yes, I’m still a new-by ) is that as I invest within the community it strengthens the desire to see great outcomes. A great community is made up of a wide variety of people who recognise that what they ‘bring’ to their community is of more importance than what they ‘expect from it’. This constructive outlook demonstrates that they are desiring strength and security because the investment is present.

I have had the privilege of working alongside many very talented staff members who invest EXCESS amounts of the time and care to bring opportunity, instruction and experience to the young lives who attend QAS. It reminds me of the saying “The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet”.

Cheers Sharon Taylor

111 REASONS TO USE YOUR SCHOOL CROSSING

Reason 1: Nearly one in every eight road deaths in South Australia is a pedestrian. In addition to fatalities there are on average just under 100 pedestrians seriously injured as well as many more who receive minor injuries each year.

Reason 2: Your child will learn about pedestrian safety by watching you, so use safe behaviour around cars, roads, footpaths and car parks. Always stop, look, listen and think before crossing a road, and use pedestrian crossings wherever possible. Always cross at the safest point, even if you have to walk further out of your way and if you’re crossing at the lights, wait for the green man!

Reason 3: Queensland’s Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety recently conducted an Australia-wide survey of parents focused on keeping kids safe around roads and cars. They found until the age of NINE, children’s perceptual and cognitive abilities are not sufficiently developed to enable them to make sound judgements when they are crossing roads. Holding hands with your children is the best way to keep them safe around a school crossing.

Reason 4: The Australian Road Rules states that a pedestrian must not cross a road within 20 metres of a crossing (including a school crossing) except at that crossing.

And the other remaining 107 reasons? That’s the amount of the fine ($107) that can be issued by SA Police for failing to cross within 20 metres of the school crossing. So keep an eye out for any hazards and keep holding hands until you’re all safely in the school yard or in the car.

This article has been prepared by A/Sgt Nigel ALLEN of the Road Safety Section, South Australia Police. If parents have any questions about school crossings please contact the Road Safety Section on the telephone number 82076586.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION NIGHT

BUSHFIRE AWARENESS - Monday 31st October.
Where: Quorn CFS Shed
Time: Sausage sizzle at 6:30pm
Presentation at 7:00pm. ALL WELCOME