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 1 -

Week 6

WEDNESDAY MARCH 6 2019

SETTING GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

CLONTARF ON COCKATOO ISLAND

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

FUNDING FOR TITRATION

CWA DONATE TO HOSPITALITY

QHS AT YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Firstly, a huge congratulations to students who represented at regional swimming and to those who have made their way through to state. I know this is not the first time for some of you, but it is great to see you continue to progress and achieve. Students have taken part in a variety of sporting activities recently and again this is a testament to the opportunities provided to students by the staff of QHS. We are certainly a busy place.Monday night will see the school hold a special information evening for parents of year 11 and 12 students. The intention of this evening is to provide parents and carers with the understanding, skills and knowledge to support their student through the HSC. The follow-on to this will be workshops with students and possibly follow-up parent workshops. Head Teacher of Administration, Ms Lees has been working hard to make the workshop practical and meaningful and to offer take-home strategies to that will have a positive impact. There will be take-information for attendees and a number of staff speaking at the evening. If you haven’t already sent an RSVP, please contact the school.Next term will see QHS visit Bellingen. We have been speaking with students about this event and what a privilege it is to be part of. Students who participate in this event will be outstanding representatives of our school. It is a chance to meet new people and experience friendly competition

across a variety of sporting and academic areas. Students will be billeted with families and attend different events on a daily basis. Keep an eye out for further information in theleed up to this visit.I would ask that all parents and carers talk with their students about what they have coming up at school. Every child has an assessment schedule with information on it. This shows the assignments and in-class tests they have coming up. We have mapped out a calendar for each year, it is located in the front of the booklet given to each student at the start of this term. If you can’t find the information, please jump onto the parent portal or contact your students year adviser.

Ian Worley - Principal

Records Tumble at Twilight Carnival

After a big day on the court undertaking a series of drills and skill tests, Year 10 QHS student Dylan Smith has been selected for the North West Open Boys Basketball Team.One of 40 students to try out for the team of just 10, Dylan said he is looking forward to the experience.“We are very proud of Dylan in achieving this - as a Year 10 student it’s a great outcome and from here, in the first week of term 2 we head to the CHS State Carnival at Bathurst,” said QHS

teacher, Mr Beresford, who is a former North West Representative and current North West Open Boys Basketball Team Coach.Dylan said he will be busy training and focussing on his game as he looks forward to getting to know some of his team mates from other schools. Congratulations Dylan on this fantastic achievement and well done QHS Teacher, Mr Beresford on your selection as Coach for the North West Open Boys Basketball Team.

DYLAN MAKES NORTH WEST REPRESENTATIVE TEAM

Year 8 student Molly Owen recounted the Gala Day, held last week:On February 27, Miss Eykamp and Mrs Batho took the Under 15s netball team to Tamworth where we participated in the Netball Gala Day. Playing two games of netball, our team unfortunately didn’t walk

away with any wins, but we did walk away knowing that we had tried our best, had a lot of fun and learnt some new skills. Overall, it was a great day and we had fun learning to work together as a team. Thank you to Miss Eykamp and Mrs Batho for giving up your day to take us to the Netball Gala day - Molly Owen.

UNDER 15’S NETBALL GALA DAY

The QHS Hospitality Department has a reputation for offering our students advanced teaching and world class opportunities.In line with those outcomes, on the first of June this year, 20 QHS Hospitality students will be heading to Moreton Island on the Southern Barrier Reef Cruise offered by P&O Cruises.This biannual excursion will address several units of competency and multiple course outcomes of the Hospitality syllabus.Departing Sydney, the cruise will head via Moololaba and Gladstone to Moreton Island offering students the opportunity see first-hand the behind the scenes operations of fine dining restaurants. Students will undertake a tour of the galley, experience a talk on housekeeping and see first- hand, the food and beverage service in a professional cruise ship environment. Students will also have the opportunity to tour a Resort (front and back of house) immersing them-selves in all aspects of a professional hospitality industry.“The cruise will greatly assist QHS students understanding of

the requirements of the hospitality industry and expose our students to new areas of the industry,” said Teacher, Mrs Lawson.This exposure to the hospitality industry, units of competency and course outcomes will offer QHS Hospitality students greater knowledge and understanding of the hospitality course, and in turn benefit them in their HSC.These opportunities are not usually available to country students and QHS are fortunate to have teachers willing to provide these world class experiences for our students.“Many of the students at Quirindi High School have been affected in some way by the drought, consequently disposable income is limited. We are exceptionally grateful to the outstanding Quirindi CWA ‘Drought Appeal’ for their generous donation of $2000.00 towards assisting our students for this excursion. We encourage and assist each and every student at QHS to follow their passion and reach for the stars,” concluded Mrs Lawson.Thank you Quirindi CWA for your generosity in supporting our students to achieve the best possible outcomes.

REACH FOR THE

STARS

QHS Year 10 student James Redgrove has been chosen to represent Willow Tree Lions Club in the annual Youth of the Year event. Pictured here with President Noel Saunders, James recently delivered his 5 minute prepared speech on ‘Education’ followed by questions from Lions Club members.James first started speaking at Willow Tree Lions Club dinners in Primary School and has looked forward to representing Willow Tree Lions Club in this program ever since. From here, James will now proceed to round two in Kootingal in March where he will be expected to attend an interview, deliver two impromptu speeches and his prepared speech against other district Lions Club representatives. James will also attend the Quirindi Lions Club this week (as a guest presenter only – he has already qualified for the next round) along with the Quirindi nominees Emily Cronin and Josie Saunders.Best wishes to all our QHS students.

Two QHS students have been selected for the next round of the Lions Club Youth of The Competition to be held at Kootingal in March.Year 12 Student, Josie Saunders will represent Quirindi Lions Club and Year 10 student James Redgrove will represent Willow Tree Lions Club.Thank you to the judging panel of Mr Lobsey, Mrs Roberts and Mr Lewis, who also stayed late and gave students valuable feedback on the competition night for them take to the next round in Kootingal in March.Lions Youth of the Year event is designed to encourage, foster and develop leadership in conjunction with other citizenship qualities in

youth, at the age when they are about to enter the fields of employment or higher education.“I feel both nervous and excited to be entering the next round,” commented James.“It is a wonderful opportunity and we are very grateful,” Concluded Josie.Congratulations to all our students for entering and all the very best to Josie and James for the next round.Special mention to Emily Cronin who entered the Quirindi competition, Emily completed the interview process, but, unfortunately fell ill before the public speaking section.

LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Preparing for Youth of the Year

Josie and James to represent

QHS students Alex Baker and Lakara Martin have downloaded the new QHS eBooks Platform app to their iPad and phones.“It’s great being able to easily take my favourite book with me anywhere I go! I even downloaded a book while I was travelling home on the bus from my Legal Studies excursion,” said Lakara.Alex has found the app terrific as he doesn’t have to wait for someone to return a book to the library.“I can login in quickly to the eplatform and get my book instantly.”Both agree the eplatform is simple to download, quick and easy to use and encourage everyone

try eBooks for a different reading experience.https://quirindihighschool.wheelers.co/This will take you to our eBook homepage. Sign in using your school username and password. You are then ready to browse and borrow books with a simple clickOr better still, download the ePlatform app onto your phone or iPad. You can then read anywhere, anytime!The ePlatform is also available on ALL computers at school – click the ePlatform link in the Shortcuts Folder on your desktop when you log into a school computer.Need help? See Mrs Owen in the Library.

THE EASE OF BOOKS

Quirindi High Schools’ ‘Twilight Swimming Carnival’ held at the Quirindi pool yesterday evening proved a hugely popular event - with over 400 students of all ages and from all teams cheering participants on to the finish line.“It was enriching to witness students united in team spirit as they cheered on the athletic endeavours of their peers. Well done to all our students and thank you to all our volunteer teachers, the P&C and the dedicated Lifeguards who also had an exceptionally long day,” said Principal Mr Worley.The schools’ decision to fund 12 months of ‘free access’ to both the Quirindi and Werris Creek pools and Quirindi gym for all enrolled Quirindi High School students is proving also success with a large number of students entering events at the swimming carnival.“We made the unique decision to fund our students year-long access, to encourage more

of our students to learn to swim and to promote healthy lifestyles. The funding program also enables equality access to community facilities for our students and ensures the continued use of community facilities.”A staggering 7 new records were set on the day, which included fun events, free swim time, team war cries and a BBQ lunch provided by the QHS P&C.“The event was also a popular community event with many parents/carers attending before and after work to cheer on their students. Well done to all involved, it takes a focussed effort to coordinate an event like this and its was a terrific day all round,” concluded Mr Worley.RECORDS x 7Bella Pollard set a new record in the 13 Years 50 metres Freestyle event with a time of 31.56 seconds.

Bella Pollard set a new record in the 13 Years Girls 50 metres Butterfly with a time of 33.62.QHS Senior Girls 50 metre Freestyle team: Bella Pollard, Nicole Rea, Katie Martin and Lilly Nicholls set a record with a time of 2.18.84. (Two of the four girls (Bella and Katie) in the OPEN relay team were from Year 7)Annabelle Avard set a record in the 15 Years Girls 50 metre Butterfly with a time of 35.82.Annabelle Avard set a new record in the 15 Years Girls 50 metre Backstroke with a time of 38.22.Sam Avard set a new record in the 17+ Years Boys 50 metre Butterfly with a time of 30.31. Liam Faulkner also broke the existing record.Sam Avard set a new record in the 17+ Years Boys 100 metre Freestyle with a time of 1.03.68.Further Swimming Carnival results will be given at the Awards Assembly on March 15th at 10am.

TWILIGHT SUCCESS FOR QHSSwimming Carnival Coverage

QHS Clontarf Academy Year 12 students recently travelled to Cockatoo Island, Sydney to take part in a Leadership Camp.The camp provided each student the opportunity to create a personal action plan in conjunction with a set of goals that will help them successfully complete year 12. As well as this the camp offered a few unique

experiences including: a harbour cruise and cultural tour, resilience project and the Glen seminar at Bondi Icebergs. These boys have completed 48 of 51 terms in regards to their schooling life and a leadership camp such as this provides the tools and motivation to ensure they complete the remaining terms to the best of their ability.

Making Plans

FUTURE FOCUSSED GOALSQHS was a hive of activity this week when almost 100 students, assisted by their parents/carers met with QHS staff to undertake their Personalised Learning Pathways (PLP’S).The strategic discussions and planning event was held to encourage students to set individual goals.This will help students determine where they want to direct their education - to best set them up for their future.“The program included discussions on students daily goals, numeracy goals and literacy goals as well as short, medium and long term goals,” said Megan Outerbridge, QHS ACLO.

As well as developing strategies students can utilise to achieve their goals, the event encompassed how indicators on how students can recognise when they have attained their goals.“All students were future focussed and set positive and realistic goals that will be reaffirmed and tracked throughout the year. We are very thankful to the parents/carers for their time and input in the process,” said Mrs Craswell - LaST yrs 10-12.All QHS students will have the opportunity to undertake their PLP’s in their Year Groups under the guidance of their Year Advisors and

are encouraged to think about their future goals in preparation.“We were overwhelmed with the positive parental/carer support and the foresight and planning of our students and would like to thank them. We have many amazing students here at QHS,” continued Megan Outerbridge.Thank you to all students, teachers/carers, QHS staff Miss McInnes - LaST yrs 7-9, Mrs Craswell - LaST yrs 10-12, Megan Outerbridge - ACLO and to Mr Thompson and Mr Sampson from the QHS Clontarf Academy for your energy and enthusiasm.

The University Showcase is a collaboration between Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University, University of Wollongong, University of Newcastle and the University of New England. It provides high school students with information on life as a university student, what they can do to prepare, and outline what paths they can take in order to pursue their dream career.Ms Bernadette Gammon, a prospective student adviser with Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie, encouraged all senior students to attend the University Roadshow. She says it is normal for Year 12 students to feel overwhelmed by the university processes.“Many of the students we speak with are still undecided about where and what they would like to study, which is completely OK. We are there to help out in any way we can. The University Roadshow gives students a chance to start thinking about life after school and allows them to speak with representatives from each of our three universities.”By joining forces on the Roadshow, the five universities are able to provide students with a

wide range of options, and reduce the amount of time students need to be away from the classroom.“We aim to give school students information early so that they can make the most of the opportunities throughout the year. The Roadshow covers topics such as the courses, accommodation options, career paths, right through to pathways into university study; the University Roadshow covers it all.”We would like to thank the Five Universities for visiting QHS today and all students, parents and staff who attended received valuable, timely information and feedback regarding their individual circumstances.DID YOU KNOW THAT UAC (Universities Admission Centre) Opens on April 3rd till September 30th?During this time admission is $70, after September 30th it will increase to $200. So best be prepared and start thinking/talking about which pathways you would like to pursue beyond High School.Ms Kerri Saunders has hardcopies of information should students and parents require them.

TRIGGERING OPPORTUNITIES for HSC students

QHS HSC PARENTS/CARERS workshopQuirindi High School is hosting a HSC Workshop for parents and carers. The workshop – run by teachers - will provide practical strategies for parents and carers in supporting students learning during the HSC.At QHS we believe great outcomes are achieved, when parents, students and teachers all work together towards the same goals.This workshop will be hosted at the Quirindi High School Library on Monday the 11th of March from 6-8pm.The interactive workshop will outline some of the following: What is study? What can parents/carers do to help their child/ren? What can parents/carers do to help student/s in terms of their HSC? It will be a relaxed evening offering plenty of tips and tricks on how to support student/s through

the HSC in a friendly positive atmosphere.THE WORKSHOP WILL COVER- Assessment procedures- N-Warnings- Misadventure- Utilising the QHS Study Centre- Scholarships available at QHSWith a major focus on:- Organisational tools- The importance of communication- Visible Learning – How has teaching practice changed and what this means for your child.Parents will be actively involved throughout the workshop and provided with a number of resources to take home. Tea/coffee and dinner will be provided.Parents must register by contacting the school on 02 6746 1177.

Friday 8 March 2019HSC Music WorkshopBlandford Horse SportsUnder 15 NW touch football trialsLPSC International Womens DayMonday 11 March 2019HSC Parents Workshop 6-8pmThursday 14 March 2019Welcome Year 7 Social - Crazy HairFriday 15 March 2019Shave For A CureMonday 18 March 2019North West Rugby Trials-FarrerWednesday 20 March 2019Liverpool Winter Trials GunnedahCHS’s under 15’s Netball- Tamworth

Saturday 23 March 2019State ElectionsMonday 25 March 2019ACER PAT Test for New EnrolmentsWednesday 27 March 2019Nips Interveiws Years 7 & 8Thursday 28 March 2019Quirindi Community Touch Football CarnivalASCA ExaminationsFriday 29 March 2019ASCA ExaminationsTuesday 2 April 2019ASCA WorkshopsWednesday 3 April 2019North West Winter Trials - Armidale UNEFriday 5-7 April 2019MUNA Gunnedah- Gunnedah Sunday 7 April 2019The Quirindi Canter

Wednesday 10 April 2019Year 7 to 12 Parent Evening 4 to 7pmThursday 11 April 2019Easter Egg Hunt at QHS from 5pmFriday 12 April 2019North West Golf Trials-Tamworth

QHS Study Centre OPEN - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 3.20-5pmHSC WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS

17 Oct to 12 Nov 2019

Wk 6 A = March 4-March 8Wk 7 B = March 11-March 15Wk 8 A = March 18-March 22Wk 9 B = March 25-March 29Wk 10 A = April 1-April 5Wk 11 B = April 8-April 12

Term 1 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...

Did you know, one of the most effective learning strategies includes seeking and acting upon expert feedback?QHS Science staff, Mr Roberts, Mr Harries, Mrs Batho, Miss Eykamp, and Miss Morrow are eager to provide this expert feedback to all QHS students both inside and outside of class times.Seeking and using feedback correctly does not come naturally, it is a skill that has to be taught.Head Teacher Science, Mr Roberts suggests parents/carers can help their student’s learning by asking them what they are learning in Science, and how they know when they have achieved that learning.“If your child cannot articulate what they need to do to make progress, ask them to seek a Science teachers advice on what they need to work on, and some suggestions for improvement. Once your child has enacted those suggestions, return to a teacher for revaluation and a new set of goals,” suggests Mr Roberts.Students in years 7 – 10 have already received (or will soon receive) their practical portfolio books. The aim of these books is to keep a record of progress and achievement in Science.Students will receive feedback after completing an experiment report focussing on their scientific literacy and practical skills, which can be used to improve their performance. Students will then be given the opportunity to repeat the experiment, and prepare a new report, demonstrating their growth after acting on the feedback.These reports will be completed after three different experiments during the term. Other practical learning activities will be completed in class, but will not be assessed using the practical portfolio.For Senior QHS students in Years 11 and 12, the easiest way to receive and act on feedback

is through the completion of past HSC papers. All of the previous HSC exams are available on NESAs website, at https://educationstandards.n s w. e d u . a u / w p s / p o r t a l / n e s a / 11 - 1 2 /Understanding-the-curriculum/resources/hsc-exam-papers .Students can submit questions they have completed to their teacher for marking and feedback and use the feedback to improve their content knowledge and examination technique.“Students can also ask their teachers to provide them with specific questions that would target their areas of need.”The learning of our students does not happen by accident- it is developed by design. Encouraging your child to actively take responsibility in seeking teacher feedback will go a long way in developing the skills and attitudes needed for successful learning.

Learning Successful Learning

FUNDING FOR EDUCATION

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen attended QHS today to announce funding for $7,000.00 towards the purchase of equipment in support of the school’s bid to host the NSW Schools Tritration Competition. Funded by the NSW Minister for Education, Rob Stokes, the request for funding was coordinated by the dedicated QHS P&C and will go towards the purchase of Science equipment for the school.Krystal Bowley, Second Vice President, attended today’s funding announcement on behalf of the QHS P&C and QHS Principal, Mr Worley who also attended thanked the government for their financial contribution to the P&C.“The funding will offer further educational opportunity to our students and we thank the QHS P&C for being proactive in attaining this significant amount for our school,” said Principal Mr Worley.