9 May 2017
Newsletter Articles
Principal’s Report
On behalf of our school community I would like to extend a warm welcome to the seven new students who have enrolled at our site this term. We also pleased to welcome Bradley Forkert to our teaching staff this term. The majority of Bradley’s work will be in the middle year’s area of the school and timetables were updated at the end of Term One to reflect this change.
One of our major focuses this year is the management of achievement data and student tracking. Essentially this relates to that all important question - “How is my child doing at school?” Our recent ‘Academic Conferences’ held in Week One represented the first formal stage of our reporting in 2017. If you have any feedback relating to the process we would like to hear from you as we seek to review this essential area of our work.
Login details for the Oxford Owl Reading resources will be arriving home in the diaries of our primary students this week. This newsletter also includes a guide for caregivers on how to access and explore the full potential of this resource. If you require assistance, or would like to discuss this resource, please feel free to contact the class teacher or myself directly. We are also pleased to announce that in the coming weeks we will also be providing all students access to Office 365 to use both at school and at home. Students will be able to download and use licenced versions of common MS Office applications for no charge. It also gives them their own storage space to share files with other students and teachers
Andrew Gilsenan-Reed
Secondary Report
Term Two is already in full swing with parent, student and teacher interviews occurring in Week 1 and NAPLAN in Week 2. In regards to the interviews, it was great to see parents that are keen to hear about their child’s progress and ways they can improve before the end of semester results. The contact between school and parents is vital for a child’s education and we must view parents and teachers as partners in education. As philosopher George Santayana said, “A child educated only at school is an uneducated child.”
In Week 4 our Year 10 students depart on their Careers Trip to Adelaide with Miss C and Mr McDonald. This is an experience that students never forget and one they are very lucky to be involved in.
We have been making an effort at the school to recognise and reward students that have displayed consistent positive behaviour. This week during Pastoral Care lessons we took a group of students that have continuously modelled the school values to participate in a PE lesson. Currently I am looking for more ideas about how we can reward these students in different ways, using the skills and knowledge of people in the community. If you think you have something that would engage and reward these behaviours please contact Matt Griffiths on 8648 6101.
One highlight of the term already was the fantastic work done by our Year 10 PLP students Joseph Eckert, Fletcher Dighton-Hoare and Karl Finlay. These three boys organised an amazing community event, a slowdown football match between the town and country residents of Quorn and surroundings. It was great to see so many community members support this event and help raise money for the local community organisations. Well done boys!
Solid Start Conference
Grace and Chyann at the Solid Start Conference for aspiring Aboriginal Health Professionals
Matt Griffiths
Deputy Principal
Counsellor Report
Learning Potential App
Packed with tips and ideas for you to become involved in your child’s learning, the Learning Potential app helps you to make the most of the time you spend with your child.
Personalise the app for your family’s needs. Type in your child’s or children’s name and age to receive articles/videos that are relevant to their age group.
This free app has been developed by the Department of Education and Training in consultation with Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.
https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/
Toastie Thursday
Toasties are back again; place your order at the front office and come down to the Canteen at lunch. We are selling hot chocolate as well this term for $2.00 also.
Thank you Lisa
Last term we farewelled our amazing Parents & Friends President and friendly face within the school community, Lisa Pearson. Lisa contributed to and led many initiatives both within the school and wider community. Her dedication to these projects, with the help of her amazing cohort, has seen many positive changes and additions within the school. Thank you for all that you have done and we will miss you and your family.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Rebecca Lyman, who has offered to fill the position. As a school we look forward to continue working with the Parents & Friends to support the needs of the students and families.
WALK / RIDE / SKATE
On Friday 19th May (Week 3) we will be having a WALK / RIDE / SKATE to school day. This day coincides with National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD).
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Australian children are becoming less active. One substantial contributor is the decline in walking and/or talking public transport to school. Children who are regularly physically active are healthier, perform better academically and less likely to be obese or overweight, which can lead to the long-term and costly risks of heart disease and diabetes etc. Walking regularly is the best exercise because you can build it into your daily routine. |
Students who would like to participate can meet at the Quorn Train Station at 8:15am and be escorted to school by supervising teachers and our local policeman. Students will receive a sticker upon arrival at the station to receive a healthy snack once arriving safely to school.
This campaign is to encourage school aged students to commute regularly and safely to school.
Quorn Slow-Down
Just a quick snippet of more to come.
Karl Finlay, Joe Eckert and Fletcher Dighton-Hoare carried out their Personal Learning Plan assessment on Sunday and what an amazing day it turned out to be. The boys are in the midst of writing thank you letters and creating certificates to thank all of those involved to make the day run as smooth as it did.
The boys will be writing into the Transcontinental, Mercury and include a full write up in the next newsletter. Please stay tuned for the next edition.
Student Voice
This term we are trialing a Student Voice process for ‘Topics for Discussion’ e.g. Lockers, Phone Policies etc. These topics will be posted within the school with a corresponding meeting date and those willing to have a voice on the matter can attend. Also newly arrived are our School Prefect jackets, I cannot wait to see our Prefects out and about representing our school in their professional attire.
Mother’s Day Stall
The school Mother’s Day stall will be held during lunchtime on Thursday and Friday this week (week 2). The stall has gifts ranging from $1.00 - $15.00 with wrapping available.
Light Photography Incursion
On Monday the 8th May the Year 11 Photography students, armed with hot chocolate and warm clothes, arrived at school after the sun went down and implemented techniques they had researched, to capture some amazing light graffiti. Check out the gallery.
Understanding the ‘Boy Code’
WEBINAR
Dr Justin Coulson is a nationally recognised parenting speaker, author and columnist. I have been to see him before and can vouch for his knowledge. I would love to share this experience with you so please feel free to join me in the staffroom for nibbles and a chat on Tuesday 30th May.
I have attached a flier with more information.
ANZAC Day Commemorative Service
Shay Geldard laid a wreath on behalf of Quorn Area School at the recent Anzac Day commemorative service in Quorn.
Past student of Quorn Area School, Dustin Hombsch who is in the Royal Australian Navy raised the flag at the ceremony. He is pictured centre with Mark Tuckwell and Travis McDonald.
End of Term 1 Class Awards
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Mrs Reed F/1/2 |
Quinton Moore |
Phoneque Wilton |
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Mrs Ikiua-Brooks 2/3/4 |
Molly Agnew |
Madison Hately |
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Miss James 5/6 |
Kayla Daly |
Reece Freer |
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Mr Nicholson 7/8 |
Maya Omonte-Kramer |
Ethan Baker |
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Mr Pilz Mr McDonald 9/10 |
Tahlia Powell |
Aiden Hately-Bell |
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Mr Vodegal Year 11 |
Taitum Hately |
Philip Taylor |
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Ms Legge Year 12 |
Grace Smith |
Kyle Maison |
100% Attendance for Term 1
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Shelby Finlay |
Julian Baker |
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Jordan Baker |
Matilda Brooks |
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Kayla Daly |
Kate Grant |
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Dayne Hancock |
Tayla Finlay |
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Meggan Finlay |
Grace Smith |
Aspiring to Inspire
Monique Carcuro
School Counsellor
Subject Report
Sports
Term Two sporting events reduce after a frantic Term 1, where we had 7 carnivals that our school was involved in. This term we drop back to 3 with AFL 9’s next Thursday at Jamestown Community School. We also have MNSEC Netball in Port Pirie during Week 5 of this term. Notes will be sent out to interested students in the days to come.
We have finally received our House Captain shirts and they look amazing. Thank you to Miss C and senior students for their involvement in organising them. These shirts will be presented to the students at a whole school assembly during this term.
Matt Griffiths
Sports Coordinator
Library
BOOKMYNE APP
Download the free ‘Bookmyne’ App for your phone (iPhone or Android) then link it to your library card barcode and PIN, then you can search and place holds via your phone.
LIBRARY WEBSITE
http://www.libraries.sa.gov.au/quorn
WHEELERS EPLATFORM APP
Download the free ‘Wheelers ePlatform’ App to your device, search for South Australian Public Library Network (SAPLN), then sign in using your library card barcode and PIN, and you can then then browse and borrow ebooks.
AUTHOR VISIT
Kristin Weidenbach – Thursday 18th May, 7pm – no cost, light supper supplied – all welcome
Governing Council
The next meeting of Governing Council will be held on Wednesday 17th May at 7:00pm. Due to members leaving the district we need to fill two positions on Governing Council. If anyone would like to volunteer or nominate a person, please come along to the meeting. If that date is not suitable you can either contact the school or Mark Tuckwell, Chairperson of Governing Council.
Miscellaneous Reports
Lost Property
We have a large amount of lost property (particularly jumpers) located in the Administration Building. The items have been washed but are not named, so feel free to call in and collect an item of clothing for your child. Any items not collected by Friday will be donated to the Op Shop for future purchases.
Easter Fundraising
Thank you to the Transcontinental Hotel for their kind donation of $128 raised from an ‘Egg Guessing’ competition held in the lead up to Easter.
Mother's Day Luncheon
Spoil your Mum, a loved one or come to remember her on Mother's Day, Sunday 14th May, at the Blacksmith's Chatter 7 First Street, Orroroo. Enjoy a lovely meal whilst listening to the harmony of musician Gabrielle Ballard. Open from 11.30am. Bookings preferred, Phone 0427 581 302.
NOTICEBOARD