10 August 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Despite my length of service in schools, I never cease to be surprised by the adaptability of our learners. Our learners switched to online learning and back again without missing a step in their learning journey was testimony to the work of our staff and community working in partnership to achieve success. There is even an acceptance that while we find face masks a challenge, they increase protection for our community. We commend our senior learners on their support of this 'uniform change', and we will continue to explore outdoor learning opportunities as the weather improves.

Hopefully, we will see restrictions further relaxed over the coming weeks; however, the unfolding events across Australia highlights the need to be agile in our thinking and planning. We have rescheduled our Sports Day to 17 September. While we hope our community is involved, we have put plans in place if current restrictions remain in place.

Despite the disruptions to our lives over recent weeks, our teaching spaces are still full of learners willing to make mistakes, take chances, and own their journey. I have been incredibly impressed by our Y12 learners. Despite the pressures of the final year of compulsory schooling, they have taken recent events in their stride, and the learning partnerships they have developed with teachers show maturity beyond their years. They have genuinely modelled our dispositions throughout the year, and our school is a better place because of this.

Andrew Gilsenan-Reed

General School Notices

Staffing

Hi my name is Hanna Dunn. I am the new Aboriginal Community Education Officer, my role is supporting Aboriginal learners in classes as well as working on cultural connections with small groups of learners, and facilitating games for students throughout the break times. I am a proud Kokatha/Barngarla woman and I am very passionate about culture and heritage.

I am originally from Tumby Bay but have lived in Quorn for over a year now, I also work at the Quorn Kindergarten as an educator. I am looking forward to listening and helping your children in any way I can.

Breakfast Club

Sometimes mornings can be tricky for families, and we are here to support that. A basic breakfast can be made available for children when these situations occur. BREAKFAST CLUB AVAILABLE IN THE OSHC ROOM Monday, Tuesday, and Friday with Hanna from 8:30am.

School Closure & Student Free Days

Monday 6th September & Tuesday 7th September

Primary Report

Mr B’s 5/6 Class

This term in Literacy, the Year 6 learners are developing their ability to use poetic devices by learning to improve their poetry, whilst the Year 5 learners are more closely examining the effects dilemmas have on the choices that they have to make.

Numeracy has been focused on calculating area with 3D shapes and nets, as well as working into long multiplication and division. We’ve built an array of three-dimensional shapes, from cubes through to dodecahedrons.

Technology has been far dirtier than usual as we examine sustainability and how sustainable choices can assist with designing homes that provide far reaching benefits for people. We’re building model homes using Cob, Adobe brick, Rammed Earth, Wattle and Daub, among other techniques. Other sustainable techniques will also be modeled.

Matthew Buckingham
5/6 Class Teacher

Governing Council Report

Update, August 2021

The QAS Governing Council met via Zoom in early Term 3. The recent on-line meeting was a reminder to congratulate and commend QAS staff for all the work they have put into overcoming hurdles to continue our student learning on-line during the recent lockdown. Council has been busy working on several important issues, particularly relating to Vocational Training opportunities in high school curriculum and road safety.

Road Safety at Quorn Area School

You may have noticed a bunch of new faces at the school crossing. The student monitors have been working diligently at the beginning and end of each school day. Congratulations to the students who completed the training, and thankyou for the valuable job that you do for our school.

Members of the Governing Council have been working through road safety issues. Our Council will continue to work with SA Police and the Flinders Ranges Council to encourage motorists to follow speed limits during school hours, and to upgrade school crossings and signage relating to school safety. Please be reminded that the speed limit around the school grounds is 25km/hr. We are particularly interested in reminding some of our P Plate student drivers that this limit also applies to them!

Pichi Richi Trade Training

Governing Council has recently met with school leadership, the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society and Flinders Ranges Council to discuss the future of the trade training program. Council is committed to ensuring this program continues, and the opportunities it provides to our high school learners. Council have formed a sub-committee to meet with relevant community members once a term, this will help to ensure that this program is relevant and the best possible learning outcomes are provided to our students into the future. If you have input, questions or ideas to contribute about Vocational Training opportunities for your children, please let us know.

Parent Opinion Survey

QAS families may have received an email with a parent survey from the Department. If you have received a request, we urge you to take the time to complete this feedback, all information helps our school to continue to improve. If you have any issues with communication with the school, please let us know.

Term 3 Events

Dates for planned events this term are changing to respond to Covid safety measures. Sports Day has been postponed until Week 9, but the format is not yet determined. Please be aware that parent and community participation this year may not be possible. Updates will be provided closer to the event. Student free days are scheduled for the 6th and 7th of September.

Next Governing Council Meeting, Thursday 16th of September at 5:30pm.

Regards,
Andrea Tschirner

Rowan Ramsey MP Award for School Community Service

Is there anyone in the school community that has ‘gone the extra mile’ this year’? Why not nominate them for the School Community Service Award. The recipient can be a parent, community member or staff member. Please include a reason for your nomination in the email.

Nominations can be made via email dl.0793.admin@schools.sa.edu.au by Friday 24th September.

Parents & Friends

Volunteers Required

The P&F committee are assisting at the upcoming Quorn Races by serving afternoon tea trackside. If you can spare an hour of your time between 11am and 3pm then please contact Sarah Kruger on 0487 180 718.

Miscellaneous Reports

Flying Headspace

Please see Sarah Bury for a referral form. Places are filling fast. All referral forms will be sent home this week, ready for Jack’s visit next Tuesday (Week 5)