QUIRINDI HIGH SCHOOL

Newsletter

QUIRINDI HIGH SCHOOL113 Hill Street, Quirindi, NSW, 2343 Phone - 02 6746 1177

Fax - 02 6746 2648 E - quirindi-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Term 3 -

Week 2

WEDNESDAY JULY 31ST 2019

OPEN TOUCH TEAM STATE BOUND

STATE CROSS COUNTRYPRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

WELCOME PAULIN!

WORK LIFE EXPERIENCE

GENEROUS DONATION

As a teacher and parent I reflect many times a day as to what it is we are trying to achieve in our schools. Yes, we want students to be literate and numerate and have an understanding of the content of subjects-this is a given. What is it we are trying to achieve for our children through education? What is it we want to see at the end of 13 years as they walk out the door and onto the next stage of their lives? All staff contemplate this and reflect on it as they look at what they teach and whether students have been able to learn from them. Is it the content that is important, that facts can be memorised and regurgitated at a regular point or is it the skills, the capabilities and student takes with them that are important? In the world they enter now, can they collaborate and communicate successfully, do they have attitudes and values that will help them succeed in their chosen field, have they got the practical and professional skills needed for entry into the world as it is today, are they able to research and think critically about an issue or problem and can they innovate and create.The world of education has changed immensely from the time many of us went through. Not just on the technology front but in the way students learn and what it is important for them to learn with facts at our finger tips through the internet.

Our roll as educators is to keep pace with the changes and in partnership with parents, help students progress and achieve. It is a dual role. We can’t do it without the support of families. Within the home, discussing and demonstrating a value for education and the difference it can make creates learners who see why what they are doing is important. This in turn supports the learning processes within the school.Nelson Mandela stated that education is the key to changing the world.There are so many positive cultures at Quirindi High School, I feel privileged to be the principal and as a parent I take great pride in walking with my children in their uniform and letting people know about the great school they attend. When we as a school community espouse the wonderful things about our school within the community, it does so much to lift our students. It is often the first thing I hear adults ask each other-where did you go to school? How great is it that our kids will get to say-Quirindi High School.

Ian Worley - Principal

2019 Musical

The final countdown is on for the QHS musical - OLIVER! This colourful and vibrant version will take to the stage at Quirindi’s Royal Theatre this Thursday and Friday evening. The public performances will commence at 7.30pm. Tickets $10 per person or $20 for a family and can be purchased at the door. Make your way to the Royal Theatre this week to support or talented students an teachers!

Due to the overwhelming success of the QHS MacqLit program last Semester, several students have successfully graduated after dramatically improving their overall literacy. This positive outcome has also allowed for new students to join the program – they are excited to be joining in Term 3. “Students have taken some of their newly acquired literacy skills into various other areas of their learning, such as English, Science, HISE and workplace experience applications. These positive outcomes are empowering students to more confidently approach literacy in their everyday life,” said Mrs Craswell, QHS Learning and Support Teacher and MacqLit Coordinator.The school is extremely proud of the effort that students have applied to the program and excited about the lifelong positive impact their learning will have for the students.“It has been really enjoyable watching them establish strong connections between language and everyday literacy, which has resulted in a growth in their personal confidence. We are looking forward to future learning” said Mrs Craswell.The Macquarie Literacy Program (MacqLit) for small group instruction provides intensive support to those older students who still need help as they progress through the higher grades. MacqLit is not just about decoding and working at the word level. It incorporates multiple opportunities so students are able to apply their decoding strategies to authentic reading tasks and QHS is thrilled to see students achieving such positive outcomes. Well done all

Hayley Morris, Year 9 Quirindi High School student, on her roan Quaterhorse mare ‘One Moore Bobbie’ came second in the Affiliated Senior (14- 19 years) Cutting event at Tamworth recently. The outstanding achievement was part of the acclaimed Interschool Horse Event held at AELEC that attracts 400 plus students annually.Hayley, who works part time at ‘Dee Bar Performance Horses’ near Werris Creek said it’s great to have the chance to follow her passion.“I really enjoy that I get to compete in cutting events and it was made all the sweeter having a great horse,” said Hayley whose family have had the mare – bred and trained by Frank Green – for the past eight years.“One Moore Bobbie knows how to block the cow in competition, she sets me up well and is on the game, which makes it fun. We communicate well.”Hayley, who aims to one day become a Veterinarian says she enjoys working with animals because they are a joy to work with.“I would like to thank my parents, Josh and Joanne and my supporters Link and Chirs Beauman as well many others for their support.”While horses are her passion, Hayley said she really enjoys Agriculture and English at QHS and is looking forward Primary Industries next term.We get a lot of opportunities at QHS and I am really grateful for the ongoing support.Well done Hayley and ‘One Moore Bobbie’!

Any youth who would like to have a say in the things that matter to young people in regional NSW are encouraged to apply for the Regional Youth Taskforce.The NSW Government is now recruiting for the Regional Youth Taskforce.The taskforce will be made up of 18 members who will meet regularly and provide direct advice and feedback to NSW Government agencies and Ministers on policy decisions and local action plans regarding youth. This is great news for our young people who want to play a part and get involved in local matters. If you are aged 12 to 24 and have an idea for youth in our community, this is a great time to share it.Our young people of today will become the leaders of tomorrow which is why we want to ensure our regional youth are front and centre throughout the decision making process. For more or submit an application visit www.nsw.gov.au/RegionalYouthTaskforce Applications are open until 11:59pm 5th August 2019.

WELL DONE HAYLEY

MacqLit MAGIC

REGIONAL YOUTH Taskforce

Join us for a great weekend away to the big smoke - Relax, unwind, laugh, drink, eat and shop till you drop at The Big Design Market at Barangaroo - offering shopping at over 200 designer stalls, gourmet food and drink outlets. The BIG DESIGN BUS will depart Tamworth at 5am and pick up from Quirindi at 6am. (Pickups available along the route).Included in the weekend ($300) is: travel; accommodation; breakfast; entry into markets; pre dinner drinks and nibbles; fun; laughter and good times... Be sure to pack a sense of adventure as we have a few surprises in store!Limited seats available - Reserve your seat/register your interest by contacting the school by friday August 9. Get in quickly!

Dear Parents and Students of Year 10,You are invited to a Senior Curriculum Information Evening regarding the Preliminary and HSC subject choices available to students at Quirindi High School.The focus of the night is to outline the different pathway options for students as they enter senior school and provide information and answer questions on the subjects offered to Year 10 by QHS in 2020. There will be an opportunity for parents/carers and students to talk to representatives one on one from each of the faculties and the Careers Adviser.Information on the night will also include: • Requirements for the calculation of an ATAR• School leaving age and the RoSA certificate for early leavers• VET Subjects at Quirindi High• School Based Apprenticeships & Trainees• How to make the most appropriate subject choices for students Students will be given a subject selection booklet prior to the night so they have time to process the information provided and can prepare questions for teachers regarding the subjects they may wish to choose and their suitability in a subject. Light refreshments will be provided. A text message will be sent to parents to which parents can reply if they are attending; please indicate how many in the text. Parents who do not respond to the text will receive a follow up phone call to ensure you have received the information.Please RSVP by completing the GOOGLE FORM - link https://forms.gle/GuveVg25cj2NYEqt8 or follow the link on our facebook page OR contact the front office by Friday 2nd of August for catering purposes. For more information, please contact: Ms Jennifer Lees on 6746 1177.

esafety.gov.au

Commit to your child’s online safetyChildren are exposed to online content in their preschool years. Behaviours like cyberbullying begin at primary school. Peer pressure can cause poor online decisions for many teenagers.

Learn how to:

• Reduce accidental exposure to inappropriate content

• Initiate conversations about online stranger danger

• Identify age appropriate apps and websites

• Deal with online stranger contact

• Have a conversation about online issues including cyberbullying

• Manage apps and privacy settings

• Support your child using online safety resources

• Report serious cyberbullying and image based abuse

• Manage screen time and excessive use

• Have a conversation with your child about their online brand

eSafety is important for every child from ages 1 to 18

1-7 8-12 13-18

Hear from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner on empowering young people, parents and carers to manage online issues.

Commit to your child’s online safety by attending this presentation from one of Australia’s leading online safety experts.

Date: Time: Venue:

Freeevent

Mon 9th Sept 6.30pm - 8.30pm Call 6762 9200 to register your attendance

eSAFETYCentacare New England North West are hosting an eSaftey workshop in Tamworth on Monday the 9th of September at 6.30pm. To register your interest or to find out more contact Sharon at Cetacare, located at 201 Marius Street Tamworth on 6762 9200

Remarked schools signs indicating speed limits and parking restrictions for school zones have been updated during the school holidays. The amount of traffic during drop-off and pick-up times around schools, combined with the potential for dangerous driving, can put children, parents and crossing supervisors at serious risk. The safety of our children and those delivering and picking them up is paramount, so we encourage drivers to ensure you’re aware of school zone times, 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm on gazetted schools days. It is important to remember restrictions don’t just apply to 40km/h speed limits, you also need to be aware of kerbside parking restrictions which include but are not limited to No Stopping, No Parking, Restricted No Parking and Bus Zones.

SCHOOL ZONES

UNICEF Australia, with the support of the NSW Government, is hosting the first Youth Summit for young people living with drought in NSW. At the Summit, children and young people will come together with decision-makers and one another to discuss the challenges they face living with drought in NSW and how responses can be improved. The Summit will explore the ways decision-makers can best support children and young people to build resilience and become better prepared to reduce the negative impacts of ongoing and future drought. The Summit also presents an opportunity for young people

living with drought to have a break from the land, work with their peers who are going through similar struggles, and have an opportunity to connect, engage and reflect, surrounded by beautiful Lake Macquarie.If you’re aged 14-24 years and are impacted by drought, participating in the NSW Youth Drought Summit is a unique and exciting opportunity to speak up for drought-affected children and young people.Applications close on Friday, 30 August at 11:59pm AEST.h t t p s : / / w w w. u n i c e f . o r g . a u /droughtsummit

BE PART OF THE NSW YOUTH DROUGHT SUMMIT

Well done to all our Year 10 Work Experience students on your recent terrific attendance and application and thank you to all businesses and organisations for supporting our students future employment learning. See some pics of our students in action.

WORK EXPERIENCE

High classroom noise levels can negatively impact all students, and, particularly students with special education needs. At QHS, Acting Head Teacher, Support, Mrs Radoll worked with Commercial Furniture Solutions supplier BFX Furniture to create custom made individual learning booths for QHS students.“A range of considerations were undertaken in the construction of the furniture aimed at minimising sudden loud noises that may negatively impact students who find sudden noise distressing,” said Mrs Radoll.The design also incorporated the fact, that some students may be more sensitive to colour due to their heightened sensory responses and strong visual processing abilities. “Colour is a major issue in the design of learning spaces for special needs children. Certain colours or hues affect certain neuropathways in the brain and create biochemical responses.”Mrs Radoll and the design team chose hues of blue, a naturally refreshing and soothing colour that calms nerves. To maintain an inclusive environment, the furniture also allows the space to be

reconfigured.“The booths are movable, which allows for teachers to address different student’s needs throughout the day and for students to work individually, in groups or as a whole class.”This design supports the relationship between students and teachers and provides students a quiet space to calm down and re-focus when needed.“It was important for the booths to remain in close proximity to the main learning area. This is important for easy accessibility, to reduce distress and for students to still feel connected to the class.”Well done Mrs Radoll, on the new Support Unit learning booths.

Science Teacher, Ms Strong has joined the talented team of teachers at QHS.“I will be teaching Science and Senior Chemistry… and maybe some terrible dance moves if given the opportunity.”After graduating from Winmalee High School in the beautiful Blue Mountains in 2007, Ms Strong studied an Undergraduate Degree in Biomedical Science at the University of Technology Sydney in 2012, and attained her, Masters in Teaching from the University of Sydney in 2014. “I previously taught at Nyngan HS (180 students) then at Canobolas HS in Orange, when I was offered to relocate to Quirindi for a change of pace and scenery I jumped at the opportunity.”An avid bookworm and tea enthusiast, Ms Strong also enjoys hiking, camping and exploring and excited to be in the Quirindi area. “I have relocated to a beautiful home for myself and my whole family (which is a cat and a dog), and I am just so grateful for the opportunity to live and work amongst such welcoming and inspiring students and teachers.”The self-declared ‘massive science enthusiast’ feels that imparting knowledge and skills to young people and communities is the best way to provide them with opportunities for their futures.“I bring energy, enthusiasm and a positive attitude to the role. I have a lot of fun as a teacher, which I hope is contagious,” said Ms Strong, who continued… “I think everyone has something truly inspiring within them, and my favourite thing is getting to know people to find out what that is.”Ms Strong added she aims to assist her students appreciate the value of learning to learn, to think critically, and most importantly to have fun with it. “QHS provides a wonderful environment and encourages its students to strive for excellence. I have been so impressed by the high standard of teaching and learning that takes place here- what amazingly passionate and inspiring teachers QHS has.”Welcome Ms Strong to the team at QHS.

STRONG in SCIENCE

LEARNING BOOTHS FOR SUPPORT

In an enthralling, technical and high-paced match, QHS Open Boys Touch Football team took the win last Friday against one of the States’ top sporting schools. The QHS team, comprising 13 students won 11 points to 8 against Endeavour Sports High School, making the comeback after being one point down in the first half.Coach, Mr Harris was proud of the team spirit both on and off the field.“It was fast play from end to end, and a great team effort. This is the third time we’ve made it into the State Finals and the highest ranking we have ever achieved – heading into the three-day competition ranked 3rd out of the ten teams,” said Coach Harris.The last time QHS played Endeavour Sports

High School was three years ago.“We received a resounding loss three years ago; at the time the boys said their goal was to become as accomplished and cohesive as Endeavour, and today they have proven their dedication and hard work.”Quirindi High Schools Open Boys Touch Football side will now contest the State CHS Knockout Finals at Bateau Bay from the 13th to the 15th of August.“The team comprises players of all ages, they all encourage one another and the diversity also makes for a strong future in the sport,” said Coach Harris, who added the team will stay focussed on their training.WELL DONE TEAM and GOOD LUCK!

HEADING to the STATE FINALS

Recently, members of the QHS Quirindi Clontarf Academy ventured to Singleton for the inaugural Year 7 & 8 Singleton Rugby League Carnival.The purpose of the camp was to strengthen student relationships and further engage attendees in their schooling and the Clontarf

Program. “The football carnival, engagement activities throughout the camp and time with other Academy members from Moree, Inverell, Narrabri, Oxley, Hunter River, Irrawang and Newcastle provided the perfect opportunity for this to be achieved,” said QHS Clontarf Director,

Marcus Thomson.As well as these terrific opportunities, the carnival allowed students a small taste of what to expect on the upcoming Ross Kelly excursion - giving these students something to aim for next year and beyond.

QHS would like to extend a big ‘Thank You’ to Dr Paul March from Sydney, who has offered his considerable skills as an Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA) Examiner. Thank you Dr March, QHS Teacher and ASCA Coordinator Miss Stock, also to Mrs Scott. Congratulations to all students for your outstanding presentations and for those students and parents/carers who attended to cheer on their peers.QHS has a proud history as an ASCA centre with each examination process offering students an opportunity to present on a subject they have a special interest in, including: readings and/or memorisations from relevant prose, poetry and/or drama; impromptu speeches and exchange of ideas with audience.

THANK YOU - DR MARCH

C L O N T A R F L E A G U E C A R N I VA L

GOOD LUCK GIRLS!

Congratulations to the talented athletes who represented QHS at the NSW PSSA / All Schools Cross Country Championships at Eastern Creek last Friday.Ashya McCrae (4000m Under 16’s), Molly Owen (4000m 14yrs), Annabelle Carter and Bella Pollard (3000m 13yrs). The quartet completed the course with personal achievements. The QHS Community are very proud of your representation and achievement at this level of competition with some age groups having 100+ entrants in the race. Well done girls!

the

LET’S GET TALKING TOUR!On Tuesday, Year 10 students were engaged in a Batyr school workshop. The workshops aim to remove the stigma around mental health. They also engage, educate and empower young people to reach out for support when they need it.“Look Out For Your Mates’ identifies the signs and symptoms students can look out for to recognise if a friend might be struggling with their mental health, and equips them with the skills to start a safe conversation,” said QHS Year 10 advisor, Mr Hamilton.According to Batyr, 1 in 5 Aussies will experience a mental health condition in any given year.“We know there are greater challenges for Aussies living in regional and remote areas

due to stigma, access to services, isolation and pressures from drought. We know regional communities need our support, so we’re packing up a bus, and bringing the Get Talkin’ Tour to communities in Northern NSW.”Batyr has partnered with NSW Positive Rugby Foundation and will be visiting 6 towns, running 30+ events including 7 mental health literacy training sessions, 14 batyr@school programs and 14 Positive Rugby sessions.The Get Talkin’ Tour aims to provide communities with the tools and skills to look out for their own wellbeing and that of their mates. It’s a day designed to bring the whole community together to start important convo’s and promote positive wellbeing. Read more about Batyr https://www.batyr.com.au/gettalkintour/#XlvbsYFZG1k0e169.99

QHS Dance students were hard at work this-afternoon, prepping for their performance as part of the Massed Dance at this year’s CAPERS to be held in Tamworth on November 8 and 9.Teachers Mrs Hinsley and Miss Stock were kept busy stepping the students through their dance moves and discussing preparation for

this year’s performance theme – ‘Carnivale’.Dancers will undertake their preparation for the event during their Sport time at the school.“We have a great group of enthusiastic dancers for this year’s event. CAPERS offers the region’s school students the chance to the stage, many of them for the first time,” concluded Mrs Hinsley.

CAPERS CAPERS

The Gamilaraay language - ‘Word of the Week’ for last term, what better word to say than ‘YALAAU’ meaning ‘SEE YOU LATER’.Thank you students Dylan Smith and Malik Hunt.“Language makes people and communities unique, and plays a central role in our sense of identity, our though processes and learning and our communication,” said QHS Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer, Megan Outerbridge.Congratulations to all students for sharing your learning and a big thank you to MegO for her dedication in bringing our Gamilaraay language to life at QHS.

NAIDOC WEEK of Voice - Treaty - Truth

Let’s work together

Friday 2 August 2019North West Athletic CarnivalJeans for Genes Day OwenClontarf Foundation- Employment ForumOliver Musical Royal Theatre 7.30pmMonday 5 August 2019Education Week AssemblyTuesday 6 August 2019Biology Exam HSC PrepYr 10 Parent Evening for subject selectionWednesday 7 August 2019Senior Geography Dorrigo NPThursday 8 August 2019Year 10 interviews - subject selectionFriday 9 August 2019Cafe Service Periods pd3 & lunch Year 10 Interviews - subject selectionFriday Night RugbyMonday 12 August 2019Year 10 catch up interviewsTuesday 13 August 2019Open Boys Touch State FinalsWednesday 14 August 2019Clontarf Foundation-Ross Kelly Cup

Friday 16 August 2019Friday Night RugbySaturday 17 August 2019HSC Body of Work Development DayMonday 19 August 2019HSC TRIAL EXAMS-WESLEY HALL (ALL WEEK)ASCA Examinations for Feeder SchoolsTuesday 20 August 2019Biology Exam HSC PrepYr 5 Taster DayAgQuip Hospo cateringWednesday 21 August 2019Clontarf foundation- Yr 8 & 9 Engagement NightFriday 23 August 2019Friday Night RugbyMonday 26 August 2019HSC TRIAL EXAMS-WESLEY HALL)HSC Minimum StandardsTuesday 27 August 2019Partner School Meeting 4.30pmFriday 30 August 2019Friday Night RugbySaturday 31 August 2019Body of Work Development DayMonday 2 September 2019PRELIM EXAMS

Tuesday 3 September 2019PRELIM EXAMSWednesday 4 September 2019PRELIM EXAMS9 September 2019Junior Maths Examinations13 September 2019Preliminary Year 11 Work PlacementHSC VET Work PlacementYr 11 Bio Assessment due Week 9Thursday 19 September 2019ETA HSC English Study DayThursday 26 September 2019Year 12 Farewell SocialFriday 27 September 2019Year 12 Graduation AssemblyLast Day of Term 3 2019

HSC WRITTEN EXAMS 17 Oct to 12 Nov 2019

Wk 3 A Aug 5 - Aug 9Wk 4 B Aug 12 - Aug 16Wk 5 A Aug 19- Aug 23Wk 6 B Aug 26 - Aug 30Wk 7 A Sept 2- Sept 6Wk 8 B Sept 9 - Sept 13Wk 9 A Sept 16 - Sept 20Wk 10 B Sept 23 - Sept 27

Term 3 2019

QUIRINDI HIGH SCHOOL2019 SCHOOL

TIMETABLEMON, TUES, WED & FRIDAYRoll Call 9.05 - 9.20 15 minPeriod 1 9.20 - 10.35 75 minRecess 1 10.35 - 10.50 15 minPeriod 2 10.50 - 12.05 75 minRecess 2 12.05 - 12.20 15 minPeriod 3 12.20 - 1.35 75 minLunch 1.35 - 2.05 30 minPeriod 4 2.05 - 3.20 75 minTHURSDAY-SPORTRoll Call 9.00 - 9.10 10 minPeriod 1 9.10 - 10.25 75 minRecess 1 10.25 - 10.40 15 minPeriod 2 10.40 - 11.55 75 minRecess 2 11.55 - 12.10 15 minPeriod 3 12.10 - 1.25 75 minLunch 1.25 - 1.55 30 minSport 1.55 - 3.20 85 min

What’s on...

Mr Luke Scanlon presented a cheque on behalf of local fundraising group the Quirindi Canter Fun and Charity Bike Rides to the Quirindi High School Support Unit. The considerable donation, of $1.212.36 will be well-utilised in the continued development of the Support Unit Garden and veggie patch at the School. Quirindi High School is extremely thankful to be a recipient of such a great community event’s fundraising.“This wonderful donation will assist us in improving our garden are to offer students

more life-skills around maintaining and growing garden produce to use in cooking. Students already use these skills in our current garden and we are looking forward to developing on the project thanks to this exceptional donation,” said Acting Head Teacher, Support, Mrs Radoll.The Quirindi Canter Fun and Charity Bike Rides event, held annually in April, raise funds through a day of community oriented fun fitness activities, with funds raised going to support young people with full time care needs in the Quirindi District.

CANTER DONATION

QHS would like to welcome French Exchange student, Paulin to the school. Paulin, who will be attending QHS for the next 12 months said while his spoken English is currently limited, he is looking forward to learning more about our school, community and culture.The Year 9 student has elected to undertake an exchange in Australia to improve his use and comprehension of the English language as a pre-requisite for his chosen career of becoming a Fighter Pilot.

Paulin will be staying with three different host families during his exchange, the Robertson family (he is pictured here with Nikki Robertson), the Straney family and the Green family.Welcome Paulin - enjoy and we look forward to learning from you as much as you are from us.

BONJOUR PAULIN