5 November 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

On Friday, we farewelled our Year 12 learners who have begun their study leave period preceding the Stage 2 SACE examinations. We wish all of our leavers the very best not just over the coming weeks, but also over the coming years as they continue their journeys as lifelong learners.

We are reaching the final planning stages in terms of both staffing and timetable structure for 2020. Based on the impressive growth in learner achievement we have secured this year across all assessments, we have committed to the following:

• Maintaining a Foundation class to ensure the best possible start.
• Introducing a Year 1 class to support the mastery of Phonics and continue to build upon the growth in Numeracy.
• Maintaining targeted year level classes for English and Mathematics across the Year 7-Year 10 range.

I am also pleased to confirm the appointment of Tegan Miller as a permanent teacher at Quorn Area School from 2020. Since her arrival in 2018, Tegan has impressed with her commitment to improving outcomes for all learners in our Foundation classes, and we are confident she will contribute significantly to the schools continued growth.

I want to thank the teachers who supported the Week of Inspirational Maths last week. Challenging beliefs around the learning and teaching of mathematics is essential if we are to continue to improve in this crucial area of education that underpins work across the whole curriculum. We believe that the willingness demonstrated by our teachers to be learners, coupled with their commitment to future learning, leaves us well-positioned to secure growth for our present and future learners.

Andrew Gilsenan-Reed

Secondary Report

We held a farewell assembly last Friday to wish the Year 12 class of 2019 all the best as they move on from Quorn Area School. Mr Matt Griffiths addressed the assembly and below is a copy of his kind words.

‘I am lucky enough to be the person to farewell this small but powerful group of students from Quorn Area School. Friday was the last formal day of education for these amazing young people as we send them off to prepare for their exams which will conclude their schooling at Quorn Area School forever.

I have been lucky enough to be involved in these people’s lives for the last 8 years and as with all the people that come through this school, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow into the fine people that they are now. I cannot narrow down my favourite memories with them as we have experienced a great deal of fun, sadness, anxiety, stress and success together. We have been on camps; we have been to trip to Sydney and we have all at one time or another hated being in my PE lessons.

This class began Year 11 last year with a few extras that left school prior to completing year 12 to earn some money in the workforce, so to Fletcher Hoare, Joseph Eckert and Tom Millington we also farewell you from our school. These 3 boys, whilst were challenging at times, also provided some great laughs and memories. We also had an addition this year with Jess Eveleigh coming to our school to finish her year 12 studies as a part time student.

So farewell to our class of 2019:

Haymish ‘the tech wiz’ Moosha
Haymish is one of the most polite and respectful people I have seen come through our school. The only time I have seen Haymish really become anxious is when he is taking part in a quizlet game where he gets super competitive and doesn’t like to be beaten. All students and staff at Quorn Area School know that you are going to be a very successful person one day and probably be running Apple or Microsoft.

Meggan ‘the absentee’ Finlay
Where do I start with Meggan, she would have to be one of the most laid-back students I have known. The stress of year 12 didn’t really phase Meggan as she left her assignments the last minute and claimed that she works better under pressure. She sure knows how to look at bright side of life on every occasion and make the most of her opportunities. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind, she isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd and she isn’t afraid to make her own decisions. If there is one thing that I know about Meggan’s future, is that it will be filled with doing fun things that she actually wants to do… she won’t settle for mediocre.

Lorie ‘straight shooter’ Paynter
I think getting to know the ‘Lori’ over the past 2 years has been great. Early on in the piece I just taught you PE and if we are honest, it wasn’t one of your favourite subjects. As you got older and got more choice over your subjects, PE unfortunately didn’t fit into your career path however getting to see your mind in action during Psychology classes has been incredible. I will certainly not miss you reading my body language during lessons and telling me that my feet are pointing toward the door which means that I was ready to leave. Whichever direction you choose to go, with your tenacity... you will do great things.

Chloe ‘lactose, fructose everything ..ose’ Hilder
The last of the Hilder brigade! I have been lucky enough to see Ben, Brodie and Jarred all graduate and one thing that you all have in common…. You leave your assignments to the last minute and stress the teachers out. Chloe you have had a great deal of obstacles to overcome this year on top of all the other commitments you have had. You have done well to hand up all your assignments and achieve the grades you have despite these challenges and commitments. I just hope that when year 12 is completely finished you can up your average sleep time from 3 hours to 8 hours. I really look forward to seeing the next step of your journey and the success it will bring.

We have all witnessed you grow into the fine young people you are today, each with so many positive traits but most importantly you are individuals who are not afraid to stand up for yourself and your beliefs. This growth of character is something the Quorn Community should be so proud of also. This is not quite the end though, all of these students still have their final exams to sit and then as of the 15th November they can relax.

To all the year 12s leaving us this year, we wish you the very best for your future wherever it may take you.’

Matt Griffiths
Secondary School Coordinator

Subject Report

Cricket Clinic

Brayden Frost from SACA ran the cricket workshops for F-9 students last Thursday. Students were given the opportunity to participate in structured cricket skills sessions. The students thoroughly enjoyed the workshops which aimed at building team skills as well as provided opportunities for students to build on their hand eye coordination skills.

Aquatics

As part of the Health and Physical Education curriculum, the Year 6-10 classes have participated in a range of aquatics activities over the past fortnight at the Port Augusta Aquatic Centre. The weather in week 3 was perfect, which allowed the students to achieve the best outcomes with Kayaking, Sailing, Wind surfing and Snorkelling. I was the supervising teacher and am pleased to say that all of our students conducted themselves in a mature and enthusiastic manner, whilst being keen to ask questions and learn new skills.

Woolworths Earn & Learn

Thank you to all of the families and community members who contributed their Earn & Learn stickers to QAS which allowed us to purchase some sports equipment. One of the main items that we purchased was a giant outdoor ‘Connect 4’ game. The students have been busy challenging each other to a game in break times.

Sarah Bury
Learner Wellbeing and Engagement Coordinator

Milkshake & Hot Dog Day

Parents and Friends

Colour Run

The Ranges Colour Run was held on Sunday the 27th of October and was a huge success. The Parents and Friends commitment to this event was amazing and they worked tirelessly to make the day a success. A special thanks to the following businesses who sponsored the event in various ways including donations of food items, coloured hair sprays as well as monetary donations towards the event. We would like to thank the following organisations for their support of the event:

• Wiltja Constructions
• LKM Hair Designers
• Beyond the Bump Imaging
• Dental on Commercial
• Pichi Richi Park
• Wordsworkers
• Woolworths Port Augusta
• The Flinders Ranges Council
• FJ Hoare Mobile Maintenance
• Quorn Recyclers
• Triple K Trucking
• Corey Finlay Electrical

Another huge thank you to Mark Finlay and Nigel Crisp from The Flinders Ranges Council who were responsible for setting up the road closure signs and general supervision of the event to ensure all went smoothly. This was all in their own time and we thank you sincerely.

Thanks again to all of the volunteers on the day who helped with various jobs including the colour stations, hair colour stall, registrations, drone operation, BBQ and drinks etc. Special thanks to the Lions Club for providing hot chips as well as the Corral Coffee for bringing along their coffee van. Thanks also to Ashley Parkinson who was the announcer on the day.

The committee will be meeting again shortly to evaluate the event and make suggestions for improvements for next time the event is held.

Miscellaneous Reports

Mobile Dental Care

Mobile Dental Care SA will be visiting our site during Week 9 of this term. Students will be bringing home information packs and consent forms in the coming days.

Cirkidz

During the October school holidays, we were fortunate enough to have ‘Cirkidz’ visit and run some amazing workshops for the children. The workshops were held in the Quorn School and Community Gymnasium and was well supported by the local community as well as surrounding areas. The kids had a fantastic time and were able to develop a number of different skills throughout the sessions. We would like to thank the Cirkidz organisation who kindly donated all of the entry fees back to the school for us to put towards the cricket net project.

School Yearbook

We are now taking orders for the 2019 School Yearbook. The cost of the magazine is $30 – an email can be sent to michelle.baker315@schools.sa.edu.au to place your order and your money can be deposited into the school bank account, alternatively you can call into the Finance Office to order and pay for your Yearbook.

Employment Opportunity for Students

VACSWIM – Quorn Swimming Pool

Disability Policy and Programs – Parent Conference

Kids Club

Quorn Kindergarten

Enrol now for 2020 preschool with Quorn Kindergarten. Be part of SALA, Bush Kindy day, local excursions, and a fantastic learning space. If you have lost your forms, we have plenty more! Just drop in and have a chat with our lovely staff, or visit us on facebook @quornkindy. Aboriginal 2 year old children turning three in 2020 are strongly encouraged to enrol. 3 year old children turning 4 before May enrol now!

Christmas Pageant Poster Competition