6 June 2023

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

At Quorn Area School, we strive to provide our learners a safe and nurturing environment. As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, we would like to address an important matter regarding landscaping works on our school premises. These landscaping projects aim to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our school grounds and create a conducive learning environment for our learners for years to come.

While we are excited about the improvements, it is essential to ensure the safety of everyone during these landscaping works. We kindly request your cooperation in observing the following safety measures:

1. Restricted Areas: During landscaping activities, certain areas of the school may be cordoned off or temporarily inaccessible to ensure the safety of learners, staff, and contractors. Please adhere to any signage or instructions provided, and remind your children to avoid these restricted areas.
2. Reporting Hazards: If you or your child notice any safety hazards or concerns related to the landscaping works, please promptly report them to the school administration. We rely on your cooperation to maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Ensuring the safety of our learners is our top priority, and we are committed to working closely with the landscaping contractors to minimise any potential risks. We appreciate your understanding, patience, and support during this process.

If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact our school office. Together, we can create a secure and inspiring learning environment for our learners.

It is pleasing to see increased opportunities for extra-curricular activities this year. The Colour Run on Friday, 2 June, was a huge success in terms of participation and community support. In addition to this, the re-establishment of MNSEC and Primary School sports competitions has seen our learners making remarkable strides in various sports and representing our school with dedication, skill, and sportsmanship. We couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments!

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the coaches, trainers, and supportive families who have played an integral role in nurturing our learners' athletic abilities and guiding them towards success. Your unwavering support and dedication to their development are truly invaluable.

We also want to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of all our learners who have participated in sports, whether as part of school teams or through individual pursuits. Your determination, resilience, and passion for sports are commendable, and we are proud of each and every one of you.

Andrew Gilsenan-Reed

Gaming/Phones/Sleep

We want to take this opportunity to address an important issue that can significantly impact learners' well-being and academic performance: the use of phones and games at night. While these devices have become an integral part of our lives, it's crucial to understand the potential dangers associated with their usage during bedtime hours.

1. Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and other electronic devices can interfere with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to this light suppresses melatonin production, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. As a result, using these devices before bed can make it difficult to fall asleep and reduce the overall quality of sleep.
2. Reduced Sleep Duration: Phone use or gaming at night often leads to extended periods of screen time, delaying bedtime and reducing the amount of sleep obtained. Insufficient sleep can lead to various issues, including decreased concentration, memory problems, difficulty learning, and lower academic performance.
3. Negative Impact on Mental Health: Excessive phone use and gaming at night can contribute to poor mental health. The content consumed or interactions during online gaming can be stimulating, leading to increased arousal and difficulty winding down before sleep. Additionally, excessive screen time can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, negatively impacting overall well-being.
4. Daytime Consequences: Poor sleep from phone and gaming usage at night can affect learners' daytime functioning. It may lead to daytime sleepiness, reduced alertness, difficulties with attention and focus, and increased irritability or mood swings. These factors can hinder academic performance, social interactions, and overall engagement in school activities.

Tips for Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits:

1. Establish a Device-Free Bedroom: Create a screen-free zone in bedrooms to promote a restful sleep environment. Keep phones and gaming devices outside the bedroom or at least out of reach during bedtime hours.
2. Set Consistent Bedtime Routines: Encourage learners to establish regular routines promoting relaxation. These may include reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music.
3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Encourage learners to avoid using electronic devices, including phones and games, at least one hour before bedtime. This allows the body to wind down naturally and promotes the release of melatonin.
4. Educate about Blue Light Filters: Inform learners about the availability of blue light filters on their devices or consider investing in blue light-blocking glasses. These tools can help reduce the negative impact of blue light on sleep quality.
5. Encourage Physical Activity: Regular physical activity and outdoor time during the day. Engaging in physical exercise can promote better sleep and overall well-being.
6. Open Communication: Foster open dialogue with learners about the importance of sleep and the potential consequences of phone and gaming use at night. Please encourage them to share any concerns or difficulties they may be facing.

By prioritising healthy sleep habits and reducing the use of phones and games at night, we can support learners in achieving their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.

If you have further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Sarah Bury or Kate Neu.

YONDR Pouches

The mandatory mobile phone policy, which the Department introduced at the beginning of the term, is well supported by the learners. We are seeing an increase in engagement during lesson times which is positive. Please encourage your child to place their mobile phone/smartwatch in the personalised Yondr pouch provided and not in their locker. It is an expectation that if learners are to bring their devices to school, they must be secured in the Yondr pouch and stored in the front office. We appreciate everyone's assistance and support and hope to continue seeing the positive impact on academic results.

National Walk to School Day

Now in its 24th year, National Walk Safely to School Day occurred on Friday, the 19th of May. We met students & parents at the Railway Station and walked together to promote being a safe road user. We hosted a pancake breakfast for everyone on their arrival at school. The event was well supported, as you see in the photos below.

Secondary Report

Science & Maths

Hi, I am Bryan Crosby, the new science and maths teacher at Quorn Area School. I was a researcher for public organisations and businesses for about 30 years before deciding to become a teacher. Before, I was pushing forward the boundaries of knowledge, now, I get to share some of those expanding horizons with our students. We (Dorothy and I) were very excited to be offered a new start at Quorn Area School, not least because of the beautiful area it is in, in the Flinders Ranges, and the ancient geology that it hosts. Then we found out how lovely Quorn is to live in, thanks to new friends, Friday flicks and the wonderfully welcoming and supportive staff at the school.

But wait, there is more!

We have the opportunity to revitalise the science and maths teaching and equipment here in QAS.

During my research, I have worked with Electron Microscopes and Light microscopes and seen how school students love to view the microscopic world up close. During previous work as a science educator doing incursions around South Australia, I always saw that the most fascination was always held for looking at samples under even basic microscopes. But our principal has funded taking this to the “Nec Level”. We now have two high-quality Olympus microscopes that magnify images up to 1000x. Not only are the eyepieces comfortable for genuine viewing directly, but we have a digital camera capable of taking digital colour images at 5MPixel resolution.

Bryan Crosby
Secondary Science/Maths

MNSEC Netball

Last Wednesday, some of our Secondary girls travelled to Port Pirie to participate in the 9/10 Knockout Netball Competition. On a balmy 22-degree day, the girls switched beanies for sunscreen and took on Gladstone, Jamestown, Booleroo, and Mid North Christian College in 8-minute quarters. They played extremely well as a Team and encouraged each other regardless of the outcome. They showed great sportsmanship towards the other teams, and their disposition on the court reflected our expectations at school which were lovely to see. Each player walked away with something to be proud of and equally contributed to the team.

The girls had a great last game, finishing on a high and 3rd overall. We thank our families who travelled with us and transported the girls to the event. Thank you to Trish Lehmann, who umpired all day, Sarah Holtham for being the official scorer, and Bronwyn Peart & Lyverne Pyman for their sideline support and encouragement.

Primary Report

On Tuesday, 9th May, eight Year 5/6s headed down to Port Augusta to participate in a Leadership Day run by the Regional Development Group for the Far North. Our learners joined a group of students from other schools around Port Augusta and adult leaders from all over the Far North. They spent the afternoon learning how to be great champions for their communities and how they could grow to be fantastic leaders. This involved conducting interviews with the adults, discussing key attributes of impressive leaders, and building the tallest tower using pasta, marshmallows, and string. It was a great opportunity for our Year 5/6s to improve their leadership skills.

Ellie Buchanan
Year 5/6 Teacher

Questacon

Questacon Science Circus is a team that brings lively science presentations to regional schools across Australia. They have a long-standing relationship with the Australian University and perform in schools and communities like Port Augusta. We were lucky enough to have them visit our school and present shows designed to engage and increase curiosity among our learners. They performed four shows throughout the day, targeted at different age groups. We learnt science skills of questioning, testing and observing to discover the world around us.

Girls Football State SAPSASA Carnival

Congratulations to Shelby Finlay, who recently competed at the State Carnival for SAPSASA Football in Adelaide.

The team was made up of girls from across the partnership. They played a total of 9 games with 8 wins and a draw to win the carnival. The highlight for Shelby was playing on the day.

National Simultaneous Storytime

National Simultaneous Storytime was held on the 24th of May at 11 am. Our Learners joined in with other students from around the country to simultaneously read the chosen book, The Speedy Sloth, by Rebecca Young and Heath Mckenzie. Afterwards, they completed some fun activities related to The Speedy Sloth. Thanks to our teaching staff for organising this fun event.

From the Autism Inclusion Teacher

This year, I have taken on the role of Autism Inclusion Teacher. This new initiative aims to build teacher capacity and promote inclusion in school communities.

What is Autism?

Autism is a type of neurodiversity. People on the autism spectrum have strengths and support needs that will present differently for each individual and can vary over time. It is a lifelong developmental condition in which individuals experience difficulties with social and communication skills and display various repetitive behaviours and/or sensory behaviours. Some people on the spectrum may also have additional learning differences or disabilities, which we refer to as ‘co-occurring’ ’needs.

What to know more? Visit the link below:

Kate Neu
Autism Inclusion Teacher

Scholastic Library

Literacy and Language program learners can access quizzes and online books and view their Lexile levels on the School Library Platform. Our Primary team recently had the training to see the new features available such as monitoring reading comprehension skills which we are keen to implement. Learners will be provided with their individual login details. The platform can be accessed via the link below:

Sound Scouts

The program is free to participate in. Please follow the link below to enrol your child.

For more information, visit the link below or contact Kate Neu.

We’re skipping through the term!

Jump Rope for Heart is well underway, and it’s great to see so many children out in the yard skipping with smiles on their faces. Congratulations to the 17 learners who have already raised $1,685 and clocked up 12 hours of combined skipping.

It’s not long until our Jump Off Day on Friday, 30th of June at 12 pm so keep on practising those tricks! And don’t forget to share your online fundraising page with friends and family to raise money for a great cause!

Do you still need to sign up online? It’s not too late; follow this link and enter your details.

P.S. Don’t forget our skipping goal of 40 hours!

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2023

The competition ends Term 3, Week 7. Please hand in forms to the front office or Miss Neu as soon as you finish. You don’t need to wait until the end date. For more information, see Miss Neu or visit the link below:

Congratulations to Blake and Ava. P who have already completed the challenge!!

Book Week 2023- Read, Grow, Inspire!

Book Week will be held in Week 5 of Term 3. While it is a while away, I wanted to share this year’s theme Read, Grow, Inspire. Watch the video below for more information about this year’s theme. Can’t wait to see the inspired costumes at the Book Week Parade. More details to come.

Miscellaneous Items

Save the Date – Sports Day

NAIDOC Celebrations – Port Augusta