20 October 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Welcome back to the final and invariably busiest term of the school year. Our Year Twelve learners are readying themselves for their forthcoming examinations whilst also ensuring the completion of coursework as this chapter of their learning draws to a close. I want to thank all of the staff who have supported them during their journey from Reception to Year Twelve. The support, both formal and informal, provided to our learners as valued individuals is a great strength of the school and one that prepares them well for the multiple challenges ahead. Whilst learners commence study leave on the 30th October, teachers will still be available to support them through to the end of the examination period.

Our remaining Secondary learners are also approaching the end of a year’s growth as we prepare to transition them to their 2021 classes in Week Seven of this term. We have planned to complete their 2020 courses before camps in Week Six, and the remainder of the term will target the building of firm foundations for a successful 2021.

Finally, this Friday we will be celebrating Book Week 2020 in our Primary school, with a parade and themed activities. I want to thank Megan Novillos for her organisation of the event and the entire primary team for their wholehearted support. I am fascinated by how the theme of 'CURIOUS CREATURES, WILD MINDS' will be interpreted by both learners and caregivers. I am sure we will all look forward to both the pictures and report in our next newsletter.

Andrew Gilsenan-Reed

Leaner Engagement and Wellbeing

Attendance

One of the most important things your child can do to reach the goal of success is also one of the most basic: attend school every day on time!

Consistent school attendance from the early years is fundamental to ensuring children gain a strong foundation for later learning.

Children and young people who do not regularly attend school miss out on planned learning experiences, sequences of instruction and class participation. The impact of this loss is compounded with each absence.

Please ensure that you contact the school if you know that your child is going to be absent so we can keep accurate records. If your child is not at school by 9:15am, you will receive an automatic text message. Please respond to this text message and we will update our records.

Thank you to the families who have returned the attendance letters which were sent home late last term, this has enabled us to update our attendance data. Care group teachers will remain vigilant in relation to following up with phone calls this term to ensure accurate attendance records are being maintained.

Each school day equates to valuable learning time

Secondary Report

Year 12 Update

The time is fast approaching where we prepare to farewell another crop of Year 12 students from Quorn Area School. The 2020 cohort are a group of learners that have and continue to achieve to the best of their ability, with some really going above and beyond this year. Not only are they great students they are also amazing people who have so much to offer society when they enter the next phase of their lives. I sincerely look forward to seeing what they all achieve during their next steps.

These students will have a couple more weeks to utilise teacher time to hand in all their assignments and to prepare for their final exams beginning on Monday 2nd November. I wish them all the best for their remaining month of time at Quorn Area School, they will all be missed.

Upcoming Dates for Year 12 Students and Families

Year 12 Exam Timetable

Work Experience and Pichi Richi in 2020

With Covid restrictions in place during 2020 we were unable to find a safe and viable way to run Work Experience & Pichi Richi. We will endeavour to offer both of these learning experiences to all Year 10 and 11 students in 2021. If you have any questions about this please contact me at the school.

Transition

Week 7 is fast approaching; this is when we begin the transition process into 2021. Last year we ran the same transition program and for the learners that attended it was extremely beneficial particularly for the Year 11 & 12 learners. They were able to complete 3 weeks of work which really took the pressure off of their studies throughout this year, allowing learners to achieve some amazing results.

On Wednesday 18th November all of our Year 6-10 students will embark on a camp to Illawonga Camp on the Murray River for 3 days and 2 nights. This will be a great way to build cohesion within this secondary group. When we return to school our learners will be in their new classes and their teachers will begin teaching 2021 subjects.

Camp Illawonga

As mentioned above our school camp is from Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th November. We are heading to the Illawonga Camp on the Murray River for 3 days of activities. The video of last time we went on the camp is below.

Matt Griffiths
Secondary School Coordinator

Quorn School & Community Library

Scholastic Book Fair

This week, Tuesday, 20th October – Friday, 23rd October

Remember that every purchase made earns literacy resources for our school.

Payment options:

• EFTPOS (not available this year)
• Cash OR
• Online payments preferred

1. Go to www.scholastic.com.au/payment
2. Enter State and school
3. Enter your credit card details and amount (note: making a payment does not order your child's books)
4. After your payment, please Record your 8-digit receipt number and amount paid OR print your receipt
5. Bring this to the library staff and use it as payment for your child's chosen books.

Miscellaneous Reports

2021 Material and Services Charge – School Fees

The 2021 prescribed amounts as determined by Education and Children’s Services Regulations are:

• for a student enrolled in primary education F-7: $246
• for a student enrolled in secondary education 8-12: $325

We are proposing to keep the charges at the recommended amount and invite all parents to attend the next Governing Council meeting on Wednesday TBA to discuss these charges before a final approval is given to proceed.

School Pick-up and Drop Off

It has come to our attention that parents are dropping students off opposite the staff carpark, and in some instances, in the staff carpark. This poses a high risk to both student and staff entering this area. Can we please ask that you utilise the gym carpark, the carpark alongside the school crossing or the entrance via Stokes Road. This will keep all students and members of our staff safe.

School Yearbook

We are now taking orders for the 2020 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.

Ancillary/Support Positions

If anyone is interested in becoming an Ancillary staff member please register by clicking on the link provided below. Ancillary staff include School Services Officers, Early Childhood Workers, Hourly Paid Instructors and Aboriginal Community Education Officers.

Rowan Ramsey School Community Award

Nominations are now open to a staff, parent or community member who has ‘gone the extra mile’ dedicating and volunteering their time and skills to Quorn Area School.

If you would like to nominate a deserving person please forward your submissions to dl.0793.admin@schools.sa.edu.au.

The worthy recipient will be formally recognised at our end of year presentation assembly on Monday 30th November 2020.

The University of Adelaide – Student Accommodation 2021

C.A.S. Hawker Scholarships

The 2021 C.A.S. Hawker Scholarships open on Monday 7th December and close on Friday 8th January 2021.

C.A.S. Hawker Scholarships are one of the most generous privately funded scholarships available to undergraduate students in Australia. Each residential scholarship is valued at up to $60,000 over three years. The scholarships are available to all Australian students. The majority have been awarded to students entering their first year of university studies.

Selection is largely based on personal qualities and demonstrated leadership as well as academic ability. Undergraduate Hawker Scholars are able to attend a range of Australian educational institutions.

The Charles Hawker Scholarship perpetuates the memory of scholar, soldier and pastoralist Charles Allan Seymour Hawker and commemorates the achievements of one of Australia’s most respected statesmen.

Career Awareness Day Adelaide Zoo

This special day gives students a chance to learn all about how they might become part of the zoo team one day. It’s a great chance to meet staff from a range of careers at the zoo – from Zoo Keeping, Veterinarian, Vet Nursing and more, including horticulture and management. Hear how our staff became part of the zoo team and learn how students can get that competitive edge to land their dream job!