27 July 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Yesterday we were pleased to welcome back learners onto the site as we returned to face-to-face learning. Switching an entire Area School to online learning last week presented some unique challenges. Still, the professionalism of the staff, combined with the support and engagement of caregivers, quickly resolved any issues. Our learners engaged exceptionally well with online lessons, with high attendance and work completion. I want to thank the teachers for their willingness to step into the 'Zoomiverse' and become learners in an unfamiliar setting. The challenges were significant, but so too were the rewards for our learners.

On behalf of the of the staff at Quorn Area School I want to express thanks to the community for their support of the new restrictions we have put in place following directions from SA Health and the Department for Education. The challenging situation across Australia means that it is unlikely that we will relax restrictions quickly. We will continue to update families on changes as they occur, and we ask that you follow the notifications on Schoolzine.

I want to extend a warm welcome to Sharon Hooper and Hanna Dunn, who joined our team at the start of this term. Sharon Hooper will be replacing Sharon Taylor in the Pastoral Care Worker role at our site for the remainder of 2021. Hanna Dunn is our new Aboriginal Education Worker, and we look forward to the fresh ideas and perspectives she will bring to this vital position working alongside our Aboriginal Education Teacher, Sarah Bury.

Finally, on behalf of the school community, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of our outgoing Pastoral Care Worker, Sharon Taylor. She made a significant contribution to the wellbeing of our school community during her time in the role, and we wish her well as she moves on to the next chapter.

Andrew Gilsenan-Reed

General School Notices

Learners returned to school last Monday and were welcomed back with an assembly held by the school Prefects. Learners were acknowledged for their commitment during Term 2 and encouraged to continue their commitment for the remaining two terms of 2021. Term 2 class awards were presented along with attendance awards. It was pleasing to see so many of our learners record 100% attendance during the award period.

Term 2 Class Awards

Term 2 100% Attendance Awards

Sports Day

Primary Report

Thank you to ALL the students who got involved with Jump Rope for Heart!

A huge thank you for the effort skipping and fundraising for the Jump Rope for Heart program this term. Together we raised an incredible $3,285.08 and this money will all go towards vital heart research and education programs.

We’ve loved seeing so many smiling faces skipping on the playground and in sports lessons. Our Jump Off Day was a huge success, you can see a few action photos and a video from the day below.

Congratulations to our fundraisers! Keep up the skipping and thanks again for the hard work!

Book Week 2021

Book Week will be celebrated this year on the 27th of August (Friday, Term 3, Week 6). This Year we are encouraging all learners to dress up as either the Book Week theme of ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’ or their favourite book character. Be creative! The Book Week Parade will be held in the Gym at 8:50m if restrictions allow. Further details in be in the Week 4 Newsletter.

From the Primary Team

Governing Council Update June 2021

Our Governing Council met late last term and many issues were discussed and progressed. There have been concerns raised by members of the school and wider community about the safety of students and families accessing the school grounds from West Terrace, Wolseley Terrace and Stokes Road. The Council and school leadership will work with the Flinders Ranges Council and Department of Infrastructure and Transport over the next few months to review signage and safe road crossing sites. Ensuring the safety of both pedestrians and traffic on roadways around the school site is a priority to our Council. Quorn does not currently have a permanent police presence, but regular patrols along the school zones will increase over the coming months to help deter speeding motorists – especially through the main crossing.

A survey of families using the Happy Haven Out of School Hours Care service was completed and reviewed, with feedback given to the Happy Haven leadership team. The QAS mobile phone policies for Primary and Secondary students was reviewed and approved. Parents and students are to be reminded that mobile phones are not to be used during class times, for more information on the guidelines, please visit the QAS web page or contact the school for more information.

The current school lunch ordering system is under review and information being gathered for the Council to consider to plan for the rest of the year. Our next meeting will consider the future of the Pichi Richi Trade Training Program for our High School students, we would value families’ input to this.

Next Governing Council Meeting – Week 3, Thursday 5th August, 5:30 in the school staff room. Please let the Council know if you have any issues or concerns raised.

Regards, Andrea Tschirner

Miscellaneous Reports

Dental Assistant Traineeships