23rd May, 2014 – Issue 14

Phone: 02 67461177 Fax: 02 67462648

Email: quirindi-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Message from the Deputy Principal “Put it before them briefly, so they will read it; clearly, so they will appreciate it; picturesquely, so they remember it; and above all accurately, so they will be guided by its light." Joseph Pulitzer

Words spoken by one of the world’s most notable men and words that reflect the professional focus of teaching staff at Quirindi High School; 2014 continues to see a focus on staff embedding Assessment for Learning theories into classroom practice.

What does this mean for students of Quirindi High School?

Throughout the term students will notice staff from across the school visiting the classrooms of other teachers to observe the techniques they use to generate quality learning environments. Learning walks are a positive and practical way of developing stronger teaching strategies within a classroom, providing teachers with many examples of varied approaches for delivering content. Students benefit as lessons no longer stay as the traditional “chalk and talk” rather, we focus on developing skills required by the 21st century learner to gain successful career and life opportunities post school years. If you are interested to learn more about the school focus please ask our staff at upcoming parent teacher meetings.

The Literacy and Numeracy team have established a student competition termed “Focus for the Fortnight”. This competition highlights specific words that will extend student vocabulary by requiring students to demonstrate understanding of the selected word. The student understanding can be in written form, graphic form or in a performance method and is a group task to be completed by roll calls. This competition is an innovative strategy to encourage the development of student skill.

Increasing knowledge and improving skills is the core business of Quirindi High School but this is not a task teachers can undertake without your support as a parent. We encourage you to speak with your son/daughter about what it is they are learning at school. Avoid the question “what did you do at school today?” as you will get the standard “Nothing.” Instead ask “what was something new you learnt today?” you may well be surprised by the response. Encourage your son/daughter to work on assessment tasks to meet deadlines and to undertake some revision of the work they have completed in class. This application at home will pay dividends in the end by providing your child with a sound base for future success.

As always if you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Sally Chad Deputy Principal

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2014 school fees

Accounts for School Fees have now been posted. Payments can be made at the Front Office. In 2014, excursions must be paid for in full before a student will be permitted to attend. A student assistance scheme is available through a government funded subsidy whereby anyone who is having financial difficulty is encouraged to send a letter to the Principal requesting assistance with payment for excursions or elective fees. This will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence. Please keep in mind that payments, no matter how small, are always welcomed.

P&C Meeting Tuesday 27th May

Quirindi Bowling Club 6pm ALL WELCOME

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Formal Assembly Friday 16 May 2014

Celebrating Student Achievement at QHS

Year 11 and 12 Merit Award Recipients

Anne Smits, Kim Jones, Amanda Rutter and Alisha Hayes

Year 7 Merit Award Recipients – Chase Clarke, Jade Norvill, Emma Bridge, Beau Mulholland, Kate Murphy, Grace Pezzuto, Christine Garey, Joshua Redgrove, Casey Clarke, Maddie Hearn, Olivia Eleveld, Lilly Nicholls, Blaze Cameron, Matthew Forsyth, Zabiane Effer, Simon Lye, Liam Peach, Kailob Porter.

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Principal’s Award Recipients Jack Roberts.

Absent from photo – Tyler Thistle and Angus Eleveld

QHS Exchange Student – Anne Smits – Farewell Presentation Brittnee Hyde and Jade Henderson present Anne Smits with a Certificate of Recognition for her

contribution to Quirindi High School.

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Library Happenings! Reading Challenge

Have you challenged yourself to read a book each month yet?

Pick up a book and you just might

“ Discover or rediscover the joy of reading” !

Need a Book to Read? Come and browse the shelves and try out our Reading Chair!

Book of the Week MARALINGA by Judy Nunn

Reviewed by Mrs Squire Mathematics Faculty

What is the Book about? Maralinga by Judy Nunn is about Atomic Bomb testing in South Australia in the 1950s, and how it affected the lives of Australian and British soldiers, as well as the Australian Aborigines. The story is intertwined with personal relationships. Who would this book be suitable for? This book would be suitable for mid to late teens and mature readers, and those readers interested in Australian History involving both the Aboriginal and European population of Australia, and the impact Atomic Bomb testing had on society at that time. Would you recommend the book? This is an extremely well written and well researched book. It provides enlightening effects of the influence of the British in Australia after World War II. Rating:

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STUDY SKILLS TIP:

7 COMMON MISTAKES IN APPROACHES TO STUDYING Every time you have a test, quiz or exam this year, refer back to this list during your preparation to ensure you are not making these common mistakes in your approach to studying: 1. Not making study notes on a regular basis, instead, waiting till just before the test or exam. 2. Not finishing the study notes early enough before the test so there is not enough time to learn them properly or do practise. 3. Not making the study notes brain-friendly and structured in a way that makes them easy to learn. 4. Not testing yourself to see if you know the content or not, just reading your notes over and over. 5. Not using a wide range of study techniques, being lazy and just using the same old techniques, regardless of whether they are working for you or not. 6. Not doing practise for exams under exam conditions (ie time limits and not looking at notes or answers). 7. Not doing questions from a wide enough range of sources. The aim should be that by the end of the year you have eliminated any of those common mistakes that you are prone to. To learn more about effective studying visit the Summarising and Active Studying unit of www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. Our school’s subscription details are - Username: quirindihs Password: 192results You will also find a great personal development unit: “Live Your Best Life” on the ‘For Students’ tab.

ASCA – TRY SOMETHING NEW THIS YEAR!

Entry Forms are DUE IN to the FRONT OFFICE by

Week 5 - Friday 30 May 2014 (that’s next week)

ASCA PROMOTES COMPETENCE, REWARDS EFFORT AND ENCOURAGES EXCELLENCE Participating in ASCA is a great way to promote your communication skills and a great

certificate to include in your resume.

ASAC Examinations will be in Week 4, Term 3. See Mrs Owen in the Library for an entry form and more

information.

Get involved – it is well worth the effort! Mr Owen and Mrs Lewis are also here to help you prepare for your ASCA presentations.

Happy Reading and Studying! Mrs Owen – QHS Teacher Librarian

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HONEYWELL ENGINEERING SUMMER SCHOOL (HESS) 2014

The Honeywell Engineering Summer School (HESS) brings together 100 Year 11 students from NSW and ACT, each with a desire to pursue Engineering as a possible future career. The HESS runs from Sunday 7 December to Friday 12 December 2014, in Sydney. The cost is $725.00 inc GST and includes accommodation, meals and transport to attend the various venues of the HESS. Travel expenses to and from the school are the responsibility of the student. Successful applicants will spend 6 days living at Dunmore Lang College. During HESS students will attend lectures/demonstrations at the University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, University of Technology, Sydney, University of Western Sydney and University of Wollongong. Through interactive sessions HESS will provide students with valuable insights into the many aspects of a wide range of engineering disciplines. Along with attending university lectures, there will be industrial visits where students can see the different engineering disciplines at work. To be eligible to attend the HESS students must be entering Year 12 in 2015 with the ambition to enter university. Acceptance is by application form on a first come first served basis. Further information about HESS can be obtained from the website at: www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sydney; or by phoning Jenny Ha, Events Coordinator 0294105612. HESS is supported by Rotary International and the Quirindi Rotary Club and students may be eligible for financial support from Quirindi Rotary Club to attend HESS. Interested Year 11 students should contact Robert Lewis of Quirindi Rotary on 0447627695, for further details concerning Rotary support.

Dates to put on your Calendar

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat/Sun

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B

26th May 27th May

P&C Meeting

6pm

Quirindi Bowling

Club

28th May 29th May 30th May 31/1

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A

2nd June

North West

Equestrian

3rd June 4th June 5th June 6th June

School

Photos

7/8

7

B

9th June Queen’s Birthday Public

Holiday

10th June

Parent/Teacher

interviews for

Year 11 & 12 in

the MPC

11th June 12th June

Athletics

Carnival at

Golland Fields

13th June

Formal

Assembly

14/15

Hospitality

Excursion

commences

8

A

16th June

Hospitality

Excursion

17th June 18th June 19th June 20th June 21/22

9

B

23rd June 24th June

Bellingen Visit

25th June

Bellingen

Social

26th June 27th June 28/29 Holidays

Commence