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 4

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 20 2019

CATTLE CLUB CAPTAINS

BANDMASTER ON TOURPRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

BONDING EXCURSION

YEAR 8 FOOD TECHNOLOGY

YEAR 9 PHOTOGRAPHY

Forming good habits at home is essential when it comes to learning. It does take time for us as parents to sit with our children and go through what has happened in their day of learning. To assist parents with students in years 11 and 12, we will be holding an information evening on March 11. It will include tips and strategies to help your child gain the best results from their HSC. It is definitely something that school and home need to work together to do.All students have a copy of their assessment schedule. This sets out the formal tasks students will have to complete for each subject over the course of the year. I would encourage you to ask your child to show this to you. Sit with them and go through what they are doing and what they will need to complete in the future. Putting this in a prominent place will help you as a parent keep on top of what needs to be happening outside of the regular homework sets. Letters will also be going out soon to year 7 parents to allow you to log onto the parent portal. You will be able to view attendance and the daily roll notices communicated to students.

We also use this portal for booking parent/teacher interviews at the end of this term.The Department of Education has introduced a new School Community Charter about communication between school and the community. I would encourage everyone to take the time to view this charter. If you would like a hard copy, please call into the school office to collect one. https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/media/documents/school-community-charter.I would like to extend a big thank you to all of the staff who gave up their family time to take students from year 7 on their excursion. Excursions only run as staff are willing to give up personal time for the greater good of students. Teachers are not eligible for overtime nor are they required to take excursions, so thank you to all the staff who are so willing to give up their time for students.

Ian WorleyPrincipal

2019 Sporting Leaders announced

Congratulations to Josie Saunders, Year 12 QHS student, who last year completed a very prestigious qualification in public speaking - the Diploma of Communication (ASCA). Josie is now able to apply to Universities as part of the Elite Scholars program because of this qualification. Josie also has the following letters after her name: Josie Saunders, Dip. Comm (ASCA).Josie’s results are outstanding. She gained 98.5 % for her practical examination, which was a 1 hour presentation. Included in this presentation were a major speech, an occasional speech which was a report to a committee, memorisation of a famous speech, a job application and an interview for the position. During this practical examination, Josie displayed talent in all forms of communication. Josie then completed a 3 hour written examination on the many theoretical aspects of effective public speaking and communication. For this segment of the examination, she gained 95.5%.Quirindi High School first introduced the Australian Speech and Communication (ASCA) program in 1987 for one year. It was then reintroduced and since 2003 Quirindi High School has been a host centre for the ASCA examinations, with five other schools joining the program.

Congratulations, Josie. This is an outstanding achievement.

QHS OUTSTANDING ASCA results for 2018 included:Josie Saunders - Diploma of Communication - pass with High DistinctionLia Robertson - Certificate of Communication - pass with High DistinctionEmily Cronin - Certificate of Communication - pass with High DistinctionMatilda Eade - Certificate of Communication - pass with DistinctionJames Redgrove - Senior Grade 8 - High DistinctionMark Batterham - Senior grade 6 - High DistinctionThomas Boorer - Senior grade 6 - DistinctionIsabella Davis - Senior grade 6 - DistinctionElla Worley - Senior grade 2 - High DistinctionLily Stewart - Senior grade 2 - Distinction Cloe Hancock - Senior grade 2 - DistinctionKeenan Davis - Senior grade 1 - High DistinctionDarcy Robinson - Senior grade 1 - High DistinctionMolly Owen - Musical Theatre grade 2 - High DistinctionIndiah Nean - Musical Theatre grade 2 - High Distinction

JOSIE ACHIEVES DIPLOMA (ASCA)

Last week the HSIE Faculty took away three senior classes to Newcastle for a practical excursion. There were 23 students in total, and they came from Business Studies, Legal Studies and Senior Geography. The idea of the excursion was to gain knowledge and practical examples from experts in their field, knowledge which the students will now be able to apply to their HSC assessment tasks and examinations. The first stop as we hit Newcastle was the Foghorn Brewery, where the Business Studies students were taken on a tour (minus the tastings!) of the brewery. At the same time, the Legal Studies class watched some court cases at the Newcastle District Court, gaining valuable insight into how our legal system works in practice. The last group activity for this

session was the Senior Geography students having a meeting with town planners in the City of Newcastle Council Chambers. After a superb and very filling lunch at the brewery, the students ventured up to their accommodation at the Newcastle Beach YHA. From here it was onto Kotara Westfield, where the business students conducted marketing experiments and interviews. They also got in plenty of shopping and some even managed to catch a movie before heading back to the YHA. The weather was so great in Newcastle that we then took a stroll along the harbour front near Honeysuckle, taking in the harbour air and views. Last stop for the night was an ice cream before walking back to the YHA, where the students stayed up way too late.

On the second day took a morning walk along Newcastle and Nobbys Beach. The Business Studies class had an in depth discussion with the Hunter AI Group general manager, Adrian Price, where they picked up invaluable information from an industry veteran. Last stop for the trip was Maitland Gaol, where we were taken on a spooky, historical tour of the whole gaol, including the cells, exercise yards and shower blocks. We even got to lock Mr Owen and a few students in the cells. It was just a pity we couldn’t leave them there. The trip was a great success and the students had a priceless experience. Thank you to Chris Owen and Kara Valentine for giving up their time at home to add their expertise to this excursion. - Mr Ian Packer - Year 12 advisor

Senior HSIE Excursion to Newcastle

QHS is delighted to announce Mr Beresford as the 2019 QHS Boys Supervisor. The talented PDHPE Teacher and former QHS student, is in his second year of teaching at QHS.Mr Beresford said he nominated for the role to assist QHS students reach their full potential.“Part of my role is to help students with any day to day struggles they may have, to celebrate the positives of all the students and to build peer spirit,” said Mr Beresford, who continued, his door is always open.“My office is located in the Multipurpose hall and I’m there to assist students feel comfortable at school and to achieve the best they can.”“I encourage students to have a go at things, don’t be embarrassed to be good at something, respect yourself and respect others are just some of the core values we adhere to at QHS.”QHS Principal, Mr Worley welcomed Mr Beresford to the role on behalf of the QHS community.“This is a QHS initiative as not all schools have a Boys Advisor. We feel it is a positive step for boys in our school to assist them become successful young men and we welcome Mr Beresford to the role that compliments the already established Girls Advisor position held by Mrs Lawson,” said Mr Worley.

BOYS Supervisor

QHS Clontarf students undertook a QantasLink worksite visit last week.The students enjoyed exploring the Qantas aeroplane including the control areas.Qantas representative, Alistair outlined what skills/training and qualifications are needed to become an Aeronautical Engineer, Aviation Engineer and other jobs with Qantas. For some boys it was the first time that they stepped foot on a plane and it was a great opportunity to experience work-life in this profession. All boys who attended had to reach the Clontarf, Positive Behaviour Benchmark to attend this excursion – well done.

INSPIRATIONAL Day

Beau Mullholland and Taylor Hartley are the 2019 QHS Cattle Club co-captains.Year 12 student, Beau returns to the helm after a successful 2018 in the role and is joined by new QHS student, Taylor.*Final dates and student numbers for the QHS Cattle Club are still being finalised and students will be notified as dates and numbers are confirmed.*Both students bring passion and expertise to the role and QHS is delighted to have such talent onboard.Beau said he was thrilled to have the opportunity of being 2019 Cattle Team Captain for a second time.“I would like QHS to succeed again this year after a full show season in 2018 and encourage every student in the cattle team to embrace teamwork, effort and a positive attitude.”Beau continued he encourages the QHS Cattle Team to continue to improve their showing preparation and judging skills including their meat judging skills.“We are fortunate to have such a progressive

Agricultural Farm and dedicated teachers at QHS and this year is set to be another great year for the team.”Year 11 student, Taylor has been successful in the show ring and Junior Judging competitions.“I was fortunate to place first in paraders at the Gloucester Junior Beef Cattle show, then Reserve Champion and first in junior judging, which saw me qualify for Sydney Royal Show,” said the Year 11 student, who continued she is delighted to be such a vital part of the QHS Cattle Club.“I’m excited by the career and opportunities that Agriculture holds for the future. And I enjoy being a part of the supportive atmosphere here at QHS.”Taylor continued she is also looking forward to helping younger students enjoy showing cattle and being part of the successful team.“I’d like to thank everyone for giving me this opportunity and if anyone ever needs a hand don’t be afraid to ask.”Congratulations to both Beau and Taylor and thank you for standing up as school leaders.

QHS CATTLE CLUB 2019

LAKE KEEPIT excursion

Last week, Year 7 and their Year 11 buddies went to Lake Keepit to participate in the bonding excursion. The purpose of the excursion was to foster the strong bonds between students, and build resilience, trust and communication skills. After their arrival students participated in a difficult mud obstacle course, which built their team work and communication skills. Lake Keepit currently holds less than one percent of its’ capacity, the students experienced a very interesting landscape and were still able to kayak up the small existing stream. Students completed a bush archery course which allowed them to collaborate and give feedback to one another.

The students also completed a monkey climb course which required them to work as a team to climb up some very difficult obstacles on gum trees. At night students were involved in night games and time to socialise with their peers. The full participation in all activities demonstrated how mature and resilient our students are. Thank you to the Year 11 buddies who demonstrated leadership and were most helpful in the organisation of day to day activities with Year 7. Thank you to Mrs Saunders, Mr Field, Mr Beresford and Miss Braithwaite for their help in the supervision of the excursion.Miss Jen Stock - Year 7 Advisor

Nominations are now open for Year 7 students to join the QHS Student Representative Council If you would like to be part of an outstanding school team, then be proactive and nominate to be a part of the Quirindi High School Student Representative Council.Year 7 will be represented by three students:One boy + One Girl + One student (either boy or girl) who polled closest.If only one candidate is listed for either boys or girls, they will be elected unopposed.If there are no candidates listed for either boys or girls, the candidates will be chosen from nominees listed.?Being part of the SRC gives students the opportunity to

develop leadership skills and to take an active role in what happens at the school. If you are elected you will become both the face and the voice for your year group and learn to participate and lead meetings and to speak in front of groups.Nomination forms were handed out at the Year Meeting on Monday morning.Nomination forms are also available from Mrs Owen in the Library. ***ALL nominations are due in by Wednesday 20 February.Place your nomination forms in the SRC Nomination box in the QHS Library.Voting will take place during your Year Meeting on Monday 25 February.

YEAR 7 CAN NOW NOMINATE FOR SRC

World famous photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson coined the phrase, ‘the decisive moment’ when describing capturing a moment in time through the art of photography. Today, QHS Teacher, Miss Braithwaite inspired our Year9/10 photography students to embrace photographic techniques including ‘the rule of thirds’ and using ‘leading lines’ and ‘composition’ to engage the viewer in an image.“Students were exceptionally creative and absorbed in the class today, and have produced some inspirational work, commented Miss Braithwaite. Who knows… we may have a budding Cartier-Bresson at QHS?

THE DECISIVE MOMENT

QHS is delighted to welcome, Teacher, Ms Howard to the QHS Support Unit. Ms Howard and her two children moved to Quirindi just after Christmas 2018. Her son, Harrison has commenced Year 7 at QHS and is having a great time making new friends and her daughter is settling in well at Quirindi Public School.“We moved here from Moree, to be with my partner and closer to family. I was previously a teacher at Moree Public School and prior to that a teacher at Moree Secondary College,” she said.Ms Howard, who has a vibrant personality and sense of humour said she is enjoying the fresh start and being part of such a proactive community.“I’m feeling very welcomed by the students and teachers and the entire Quirindi community and there is definitely a great friendly atmosphere at QHS.”Ms Howard and her family are swimmers who enjoy the facilities in the area.“We also really love camping and being outdoors which, this region has in bounds. Life here is magic and relaxing and it’s such a great environment to raise kids and to be a

teacher,”Offering energy and experience in her teaching role, Ms Howard is looking forward to building rapport with QHS students and fellow teachers.“We have lots of family in the local area and QHS offer fantastic facilities and opportunities. I’m looking forward to learning more about the QHS students and embracing all that the community and the school have to share.If you see Ms Howard in the community, please be sure to say hello and welcome her to our fantastic QHS community.

Welcome Ms Howard

QHS Year 8 elective Food Technology students, today applied their understanding of liquid and solid measurements in class with teacher, Mrs Cowan. As well as undertaking a brief on Work Health and Safety requirements, the students had great fun creating food of exact consistency and texture according to a recipe – they did this by utilising measurements including the weight and size required per ingredient. P.S – the pikelets were delicious!

Cooking up a storm

QHS will be involved in an attendance initiative known as NIPS standing for Non-attendance Interview Program in Schools.The program will be run by a team including a Regional Attendance Officer(s) and school staff and will occur during term 1 2019.The objective of NIPS is to reduce the number of unjustified absences by talking with students concerned and to raise awareness at school and home of the importance of regular attendance. Students with attendance issues will be individually interviewed by this team to discuss any barriers to regular attendance. If your child is interviewed, you will receive a letter outlining the process which was followed.If you have any queries about NIPS, please contact Mrs Liz Saunders on 6746 1177

attendance initative

QHS Bandmaster Mr Garrett, is back on the Liverpool Plains music trail for 2019. As part of a QHS collaboration with our feeder public schools, the talented musician, recently taught at Blackville Public School. There students learnt how to read some music, play a guitar and recorder and students even sang songs. As part of the ongoing musical enrichment project on Tuesdays, Mr Garrett heads to Blackville, Walhallow and Spring Ridge

Public Schools on Wednesdays, he heads to Wallabadah, Willow Tree and Murrurundi Public Schools and on Thursdays, the Bandmaster is busy at QHS with the school band in the morning and the Quirindi Public School later in the day.Welcome back to what is set to be another amazing year of musical collaboration and creation.Thank you Blackville Public School for providing the photograph of Mr Garrett in action.

THE MUSIC MAKER

As a school of excellence, QHS promotes outstanding educational outcomes for all our students, this includes embracing the importance of sport and exercise in aiding our students’ learning.Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps the body build more connections between nerves, leading to increased concentration, enhanced memory, stimulated creativity, and better-developed problem solving skills. The role of Sports Captains and House Captains are important at QHS as they promote participation and encouragement within student groups of all ages and sporting abilities. They also demonstrate cooperation, commitment and communication. This week, teacher, Mr Chambers, was pleased to announce the Sports Captains for 2019 as Hudson Shaw and Lilly Nicholls.

“Both Captains show great leadership, encouragement and communication skills that will enhance the school sporting spirit at QHS. We encourage this year’s Sports Captains as they set out to make a positive impact at the 2019 sporting events,” encouraged Mr Chambers.Following House meetings on Monday, students also elected their respective House Captains. The House Captains for 2019 are:CUNNINGHAM - Charde Bobbine, Sophie Dunbar, Lachlan Bradfield and Casey Clarke.LIVERPOOL - Maddie Hearne, Tahleea Ison, Gemma Hawkins and Jayden Jameson.OXLEY - Kate Murphy, Lia Robertson, Riley Richardson and Sam Palmer.TAYLOR - Jordie Thompson, Thomas Young, Hamish Slade and Taylor-Jordan Jarrett.Congratulations to all our senior students who are part of our sporting leadership team for 2019.

2019 Sporting Leaders announced

Wednesday 20 February 2019VET Careers Network RegistrationThursday 21 February 2019Twilight Swim Carnival - 2.30pmAustralian Defence Forces TalkMonday 25 February 2019Year 8 & 9 Clontarf Worksite Visit ACER PAT TestingTuesday 26 FebruaryQHS P&C MeetingThursday 28 FebruaryUniversity RoadshowFriday 1 March 2019Schools Clean Up DayQHS North West Open Girls and Boys BasketballTuesday 5 March 2019Year 6 Taster DayASCA Workshops 5th-29th MarchNorth West Swimming Trials - ArmidaleFriday 8 March 2019HSC Music WorkshopBlandford Horse SportsUnder 15 NW touch football trialsLPSC International Womens DayMonday 11 March 2019HSC Parents Workshop 6-8pm

Thursday 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- TamworthSaturday 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 CanterWednesday 10 April 2019Year 7 to 12 Parent Evening 4 to 7pm

Thursday 11 April 2019Easter Egg Hunt at QHS from 5pmFriday 12 April 2019North West Golf Trials-Tamworth

QHS Study Centre will commence in Week 3 - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 3.30-5.00pm - Library

TERM START AND END DATES FOR STUDENTS 2019

Term1 – 30 Jan to 12 Apr 2019Term 2 – 30 Apr to 5 Jul 2019

Term 3 – 23 Jul to 27 Sept 2019Term 4 – 14 Oct to 18 Dec 2019

HSC WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS 17 Oct to 12 Nov 2019

Wk 1 B = Jan 30-Feb 1Wk 2 A = Feb 4-Feb 8Wk 3 B = Feb 11-Feb 15Wk 4 A = Feb 18-Feb 22Wk 5 B = Feb 25-March 1Wk 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...

please contact me at any time in the Mathematics Department. If you feel that you would like some workshops or further information regarding Tasks please contact our staff or myself. Please remember that independent practice of questions, conversations and resilience through independently correcting mistakes can contribute to students’ mathematical growth.Regards Jodie RobertsonHead Teacher Mathematics

Welcome back to 2019, hopefully everyone is rested and looking forward to the year ahead. Our Mathematics Department for 2019 consists of Miss Reichel, Mrs Gulliver, Mrs Stewart, Ms Robertson, Mr Miggins and Mr Beresford. Assessment Tasks are approaching fast and we would like to remind students and parents of some important dates.NESA requires that all students have a Scientific calculator and it is a requirement that students obtain a casio fx 82 AU plus II if possible, which is available at the QHS Canteen for $25 .

All students should have returned their text books from last year and previous years. If you have any books in cupboards or under beds please send them in to the library. Any borrowed books that have not been returned will be issued with text book accounts. Some of the texts retail at $80, so it is important that they are returned.Term 1 Notification Due DateYear 7 Week 4 Week 6Year 8 Week 5 Week 7Year 9 Week 4 Week 8Year 10 Week 6 Week 8Year 11 Week 7 Week 9 and 10Year 12 Week 5 Week 7Please note that due to extra curricular excursions and our timetable that some tasks may differ from the Assessment Schedule and if this has occurred your child will have been given an amended Notification with the minimum two weeks notification. The only change for Term 1 is Year 8. Please read the Assessment Schedule Booklet that your child has been given as absences on the due dates incur penalties.Stage 4 - Year 7 and 8 will be working on their journals from week 5 and these will be completed at school. The aim of the journal is to reinforce the learning in a lesson and the development of explanations through

understanding, communication and reasoning. Students will have homework to complete on a regular basis and should be spending about 10 minutes each day reinforcing the learning from their mathematics classes. It would be beneficial to students if you could ask your child what they did in their mathematics class today on a regular basis and get them to explain what they are doing in mathematics. Regular conversations such as this reinforce mathematical processes and skills, giving students the ability to create and maintain mathematical pathways and connections.Study Books – All students in Year 7 to 12 will be developing study books as part of their Assessment tasks throughout the year. All students require an A4 96 page book to complete the glossary and worked examples that are outlined in the Assessment Notification tasks. This book will be submitted on three occasions for all Assessment Tasks and will be carried onto the following years as a study guide.HSC Study days are available through Newcastle University on 3rd March. This is a great opportunity for students to attend HSC lectures on English and Mathematics. See our facebook page for further details.If you would like any assistance or information,

Mathematics Department