7 November 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

In recent weeks we have begun to finalise our planning for 2018. As part of this process we have identified a number of priority areas for improvement as we seek to secure successful learning outcomes for all of our students. One of the most significant changes will be the introduction of sub school leaders who will oversee our Junior school, Middle school, and Senior school. These leaders will work closely with teachers and students in their assigned year levels to closely support learning. We are also confident that this enhanced level of tracking and support will lead to improved communication with families as we aim to work together to achieve success. In addition to these changes we are also focused on improving learning in the key transition areas as we seek to build firm foundations for future achievement. From January we will be restructuring our primary school to allow for a dedicated Reception class to give students the best possible start. In addition to this we will be operating Y7 only classes for English, History, Geography, Math and Science in order to fully support the learning of our students as they begin their secondary school career. Work is still continuing on staffing and class allocations and we will continue to update so you can support your child in preparing for the challenges of a new year of learning in 2018.

Our BYOD policy has already impacted significantly on the opportunities we offer students as we seek to engage them with the learning journey. The current policy relates to Y7-12 students and families of Y6 students should refer to the website for further information as they prepare for the transition into Y7 and high school. In recent weeks I have been approached by caregivers regarding the possibility of expanding the policy to include Y5/6 and I am aware that some families have already purchased laptops. If you do have a child who is currently in Y4/5 I would be interested in your views on this matter.

Andrew Gilsenan-Reed

Secondary Report

Our Year 12 students have finished the face-to-face part of their schooling, with only exams left to complete before they set out into ‘real world’. On Monday our first year 12 exam was taken by Grace Smith who sat a 3-hour Biology exam. Exams will continue over the next 2 weeks with the last one being Physical Education on Thursday the 16th at 9am. We would like to wish all our Year 12’s the best of luck with their exams and their transition into the next chapter of their lives. Some parents will be over the moon others will be saddened by their children leaving school but none the less it is an exciting time for these students. We will have a formal farewell assembly for the Year 12’s on Thursday 16th November at 2:30pm in the school gymnasium.

We have met with all our Year 10 and 11 students and discussed the first stage in subject selections for 2018. The second stage is for the parents of the students to come in and meet with Luci Legge and myself to finalise these selections. This will take place during Week 5 from the 13th-17th November. Please contact me to book a time to meet and discuss your child’s selections either by email matt.griffiths310@schools.sa.edu.au or phone on 86486101.

There are many events for our students to take part in over the next few weeks. They include a Touch Rugby carnival this Friday in Jamestown and Year 6-9 Aquatics in Port Augusta on Wednesday 15th November. Please ensure that your child’s attendance and behaviour are at the highest level to ensure they can take part in these events.

Parents please be reminded that during Term 4 we have the DECD SunSmart Policy in place and all students are expected to wear broad brimmed hats whenever they are outside. Please encourage your child to bring a hat to school to wear during these times. If you do not have one please see Michelle Baker at the Finance Office to buy a new one.

Matt Griffiths
Deputy Principal

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Counsellor Report

Toastie Thursday

Place your order at the front office and come down to the Canteen at lunch.

We are also having a milkshake day later in the term so keep an eye out for more information.

Fund My Neighbourhood – School

GATEWAY TO INCLUSION

The school has lodged a request for funding to support culturally inclusive art activities that bring the neighbourhood together. Please visit the link below to sign up and vote.

Fund My Neighbourhood – Kindergarten

EDIBLE COMMUNITY GARDEN

The Quorn Kindergarten is hoping to promote healthy eating and a chance to try new foods with their fund my neighbourhood grant. Please click on the link below to vote for their project.

PODCAST: How Gratitude Can Make Your Family Happier

Gratitude is a virtue that has received a LOT of attention from researchers in the past decade or thereabouts. It seems as though the most sure-fire way for many people to become happier is to be grateful. And because gratitude is such a simple concept for most people to understand (and because most people are fairly grateful anyway), it is a simple principle to practise in family life to improve everyone’s wellbeing, and make our families happier.

SURFNSKI - January School Holidays 2019

Check out the itinerary for Canada 2019, Wanderers Australia would like to invite YOU to be a part of our SURFNSKI tour to Canada and USA during the summer school holidays. Join students from across Australia and tour as a group to North America.

Check out their website for further details and a video of the 2017 trip which some of our students were apart of.

WE ARE STILL ON THE LOOKOUT FOR:

Any kind of plastic bottle tops or locks and hinges for an outdoor busy board for the junior primary playground.

We would love your help – Become a Volunteer

Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the engagement, achievement and wellbeing of all children and students.

DECD volunteers can participate in a wide range of programs and services including coaching sporting teams, helping children learn to read, attending working bees, mentoring students and through membership on governing councils, management groups and parent groups.

If you feel you have different skills, expertise and knowledge to offer, please get in contact with the school. It’s never too late to start. No matter who you are or where you’re from, it’s all about wanting to help out. It’s in this spirit that the department actively encourages Aboriginal people and people from multicultural and diverse backgrounds to become involved also.

Young Environmental Leaders

Last week the 2/3/4 and 5/6 class joined Mrs Taylor in the garden to complete the Bee Hotel, a project that was created by our YEL students. Check out the gallery below and in the next couple of weeks we will publish our YEL movie.

Young Environmental Leaders

VIEW GALLERY

Young Environmental Leaders

Click images to enlarge

First Day of Transition

On Wednesday morning we welcome the Kindy students who will be attending in 2018 as Quorn Area School Reception students. The Reception Ready Program has been designed to facilitate a smooth and seamless transition to Reception. The children will see learning experiences more closely aligned with those encountered in the first year of formal schooling and tailored excursions to complement and enrich the classroom learning experience.

Aspiring to Inspire

Monique Carcuro
School Counsellor

Miscellaneous Reports

Rowan Ramsey Award

Each year, the Member for Grey, Mr Rowan Ramsay MP, presents a School Community Award.

Accordingly, we are currently seeking nominations of individuals (students/staff/community members) who have provided outstanding support to our school. If there is a person in your mind who fits this criteria, please forward their name and a supporting paragraph (8-10 lines) to Matt Griffiths by Monday 13th November.

Short Courses for School Students Booklet 2018

The inaugural TAFE SA Short Courses for School Students, 2018 is now available and ready to download from the TAFE SA website, please click on the link to access your copy today