23 October 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

In the coming weeks our Year 12 students will be completing their Stage Two SACE examinations as they close the chapter on their schooling careers. I would like to thank all staff who supported them during their journey from Reception through to Year 12, as every one of them has contributed to the successes of these fine young people. On behalf of the learners I would like to pay special thanks to the teachers who have freely given their time, after school and during the recent break, to support these students to achieve their personal goals. Whilst learners commence study leave on the 2 November teachers will still be available to support them through to the end of the examination period.

Big Write has been a focus of our primary classes in recent months and I would like to express my thanks to those teachers who have worked tirelessly to get this vital initiative up and running. The engagement of the learners in these sessions has improved significantly as they gain confidence in their ability to skilfully express themselves. I would also like to thank those families who have clearly supported this work. The Wednesday night ‘Big Talks’ about the chosen topic have proved beneficial in supporting learners to become fluent writers.

The 2019 Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is currently being updated and should be operational by next week. New models have been added and caregivers requiring further information can contact the school. Whilst the aim is for all high school learners have access to a BYOD we are also keen to support the expansion of the program into our upper primary. If you would like to discuss the benefits of a laptop for your child in Year 5/6 please feel free to contact me directly at the school.

Andrew Gilsenan-Reed

Senior School Report

SACE Information Night

Tomorrow night, Wednesday 24th October at 5:30pm we are holding a SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) information night for families wanting to learn more about their child’s education. During this session we will explain:

• What the SACE is
• How to achieve the SACE
• Subject options for your child in 2019

The session will also allow you to:

• Book a meeting to discuss your child’s subject selections for 2019 (in the following week)
• Ask any questions you may have about your child’s study options at Quorn Area School

This information session is aimed at students who are about to start studying the SACE. We recommend that parents with learners studying Year 10, 11 and 12 in 2019 attend. I anticipate it will run for approximately 45 minutes. If you would like to be involved in this, please let me know either by phoning the school or sending an email to matt.griffiths310@schools.sa.edu.au.

Middle School Report

Welcome back to Term 4. I hope that everyone had a restful and enjoyable break.

Term 4 is a shorter term, incorporating only 9 weeks of teaching and learning. From my observations, it appears that students in the Middle School have engaged with their learning and there are some excellent teaching programs that are being introduced.

Heath and Physical Education Programs

During Term 4, students will be participating in a unit of work on Tennis, where we will be utilising the community courts to learn some techniques and rules associated with the game. Last Friday, the Year 7/8 class began their lessons and enjoyed having a hit with their peers, by focussing on specific shots. Unfortunately we encountered some wind, which made it slightly difficult, however we are looking forward to some nicer weather this Friday. The Year 9/10’s will commence their lessons this Thursday. During HPE, we have also been participating in some fitness circuits to increase our physical fitness levels and have completed some prior fitness tests so that we can compare against some post-tests after we have completed the training sessions.

The Year 1-4 HPE students have been lucky enough to begin a four week unit on Lawn Bowls this term. Our first session was on Monday this week. The very kind members of the Quorn Bowling Club will make themselves available to support the students in learning correct technique and the rules of the game. I would like to thank the wonderful volunteers who are giving up their valuable time to assist the students.

It is very worthwhile for our students to get out in to the community and make use of the many wonderful facilities that we have available to us in Quorn.

Next week the Year 6-8 and 9/10 students will each be participating in one day of Aquatics at the Port Augusta Aquatics Centre. Please ensure that the consent forms are filled in and returned to Mrs Bury ASAP. There is important information about timing and what students will need to bring on the day. Students in Years 6-9 will have the opportunity to participate in three different aquatics activities throughout the day, whereas the Year 10 students will focus more in depth on one chosen aquatic activity.

• Year 9/10 Aquatics – Monday the 29th October
• Year 6-8 Aquatics – Wednesday the 31st October

I am looking forward to a very busy and rewarding Term 4, with many exciting and challenging teaching and learning opportunities for all students in the Middle School.

SAPOL Visits

On Thursday the 27th of September, we had some special visitors from the Port Augusta and Quorn Police Station who kindly ran some workshops with our students. The workshops had a safety focus, which included more in depth information regarding our new local skate park. Students were able to clarify any misconceptions they had, as well as listen to important information regarding general safety and road rules when riding bikes, scooters, skateboards etc. It was lovely for the students to meet our local Police Officer, Brandon Poynter.

For the older students, the workshop included important information on bullying and harassment. The students worked on scenarios in groups and reported what they would do if faced with a certain bullying and harassment situation. It was pleasing to see the students participating in a mature fashion and sharing possible ideas and solutions to certain situations.

The SAPOL visitors spent the morning in our primary classes joining in with the literacy activities and listening to reading. Two of the officers participated in the 9/10 Health and PE class, playing basketball in the gym. This was very exciting for the students.

Sarah Bury
Middle School Coordinator

Primary School Report

Year 3/4 Camp

During Week 8 of Term 3 our class went to Kookaburra Creek Retreat just outside Melrose. We had 3 days of activities based around Science, HASS and Outdoor Education. We visited the Melrose Heritage Centre, cooked our own evening meals, conducted experiments, created a mess, went bush walking, explored Alligator Gorge, became tired, laughed, were blown about in the wind, but most importantly - we had fun, lots of fun.

Subject Report

Library

Scholastic Book Fair is on in the Library (23rd to 27th October). Reasonably priced books from the Scholastic range are available for purchase. They make for great Christmas presents for children or grand-children. Cash sales only

Miscellaneous Reports

Congratulations to Flynn (absent), Levi and Kayla for winning prizes with their ‘Back to Schools’ poster entries. Students were presented with their prizes by Joy Lee and Shirley Dawson.