10 June 2025

Principal's Report

Staff Updates: New Faces and Family News

As this is our first newsletter of term two, we would like to share some staffing updates with you. We're pleased to welcome new staff to our school community and share some recent family news from within our team.

New Staff Appointments

We are pleased to welcome the following staff members who have recently joined our team:

• Suzie Fowler – Year 1/2 Teacher
• Suzie joins us with experience in early years education and a strong interest in developing literacy through creative approaches.
• Chad Ko – Deputy Principal
• Chad brings a wealth of experience, having held leadership roles in regional schools across South Australia. He will be teaching maths, science, and physical education.

We look forward to working alongside them and wish them every success in their roles.

Staff News

We would also like to extend our congratulations to members of staff who have recently welcomed new additions to their families:

• Monique Griffiths (Deputy Principal) - welcomed a son, Lenny, in May.
• Yulia Ko (Year 1/2) - welcomed a daughter, Harriet, in May.
• Chloe Eveleigh (AEW) is currently on leave and awaiting the birth of the newest member of her family.

Opening of Our New Playground!

We are thrilled to confirm that our brand-new school playground officially opened earlier this term. We are still waiting for the delivery of the benches and a swing, but we can't wait any longer to enjoy the space. After over a year of planning, designing, and building, our exciting new play space and urban warrior course have opened—and the smiles on our learners' faces say it all!

What's new?

Our new playground includes:

• A climbing wall for building strength and confidence
• Slides and bridges for active fun and exploration
• Shaded seating areas for rest and quiet play
• Soft fall surfaces for safety and comfort
• Inclusive equipment to ensure all learners can join the fun

The playground was designed with input from learners and staff to create a space that is not only fun but also supports creativity, teamwork, and physical wellbeing.

Play with Purpose

Play is an essential part of learning and development. Our new playground offers a safe, engaging environment where children can build friendships, develop motor skills, and enjoy the outdoors.

Thank you to everyone who supported this project, from ideas and feedback to construction. We're so proud of what we've built together.

Let the adventures begin!

Primary Report - Foundation

Literacy

Our Foundation learners have had a wonderful and busy term in Literacy, learning lots of new skills and having fun along the way!

We’ve been diving into our first set of Read Write Inc. (RWI) sounds and exploring how to blend phonemes to create CVC words. A big focus has been on identifying initial sounds, and it’s been amazing to see so many learners making fantastic progress and even moving up into new groups—what a wonderful achievement!

In our writing sessions, we’ve been exploring different genres and topics during our weekly Big Write. This term, we’ve focused on procedure writing—learning to explain the steps for doing something. The learners have had a great time writing about how to make fairy bread, cheese toasties, brush their teeth, feed a dragon, and more!

One of our highlights was putting our writing into action. After learning how to build a sandcastle, we headed to the sandpit to try it ourselves! It was wonderful to see learners working as Collaborative Cams, helping each other, and showing resilience like Persevering Petes when their first attempts didn’t quite go to plan.

Well done to all our Foundation learners for a fantastic start to their literacy journey!

Numeracy

In Numeracy, our Foundation class has been working through the Securing Foundations, Numicon program, building a strong understanding of early number concepts and numerical skills.

We’ve spent time exploring patterns, and the learners have become expert pattern-spotters—finding them not just in the classroom, but all around our school! It’s been exciting to see their eyes light up when they notice repeating shapes, colours, or numbers in their everyday environment.

A big part of our learning has focused on using Numicon shapes to represent numbers from 1 to 10, and we’ve even started challenging ourselves by extending beyond these numbers. The learners have done an amazing job creating sets, comparing values, and building confidence with number relationships.

Using a range of hands-on tools—Numicon shapes, number rods, and even iPads—our learners have been developing their ability to manipulate materials, solve problems, and explore mathematical ideas in creative and meaningful ways. It’s been fantastic to watch the growth in their understanding, and their enthusiasm for numbers continues to grow each week!

Our Foundation class was extra lucky this term to receive a special gift from Ebony, a Year 11 learner, who created a Numicon puzzle just for us! The learners were excited to explore this thoughtful present, which has quickly become a classroom favourite. The puzzle pieces help us build a great big number line, and the children have loved using them to reinforce their understanding of number order, shape, and patterns. It’s been a wonderful way to make learning fun, interactive, and engaging. A big thank you to Ebonie for her creativity and kindness—her puzzle has greatly impacted our learning and added something truly special to our Numeracy time!

Spanish

This term in Spanish, our Foundation learners have begun learning basic words and phrases, and they’re off to a fantastic start!

We’ve become confident in introducing ourselves by saying, “Hola, me llamo…” which means “Hello, my name is…”. It’s been wonderful to hear learners using this phrase with growing confidence.

One of our favourite topics has been learning about Spanish colours. The class has especially enjoyed spotting colours around the room and naming them in Spanish. We’re now very good at saying blue (azul), yellow (amarillo), orange (anaranjado), red (rojo), and green (verde)—and we love showing off our new vocabulary!

As part of our Spanish learning, the Foundation class recently went on a trip to Spain. We started by learning the Spanish words for different types of transportation, like car (coche), bus (autobús), train (tren), and plane (avión). We discussed what transport we would need to take to get to Spain and decided that flying on a plane was the best way.

The learners had a fantastic time taking on the roles of passengers, using their imaginations to board our classroom aeroplane. With tickets in hand and lots of excitement, we “flew” to Spain and practised our Spanish greetings along the way. This creative experience helped bring our language learning to life and made for a memorable and engaging way to explore Spanish culture and vocabulary!

Health

In Health, our Foundation learners have spent time learning about Quorn Area School’s learning dispositions and how to use them in our everyday learning. These important qualities help us become confident, resilient, and successful learners.

One of the key dispositions we’ve focused on is Persevering Pete. The learners have done an excellent job showing perseverance in many areas of their learning, especially when faced with challenges. We’ve been learning that it’s perfectly okay to make mistakes, as long as we keep trying and don’t give up.

It’s been so rewarding to see learners supporting each other, staying positive, and using encouraging words like “I’ll try again!” when something doesn’t go right the first time. These healthy attitudes are helping us grow both as learners and as classmates.

In one of our favourite Health lessons, we played a game called “Keepy Uppy” to help us practice being both Persevering Petes and Collaborative Cams! The goal of the game was simple—but tricky! We had to work together to keep a balloon in the air and stop it from touching the floor. It was a fun and active way to explore what it means never to give up and to work as a team.

Through this activity, learners showed great determination, especially when the balloon almost fell. They encouraged each other, took turns, and found creative ways to keep the balloon up, demonstrating the true spirit of collaboration and perseverance. Even when things didn’t go well, they stayed positive and gave it another go.

Art

This term in Visual Arts, our Foundation learners have had a fantastic time exploring various art mediums and discovering different materials and techniques to create their own masterpieces.

We experimented with a range of tools and styles, learning how to use each material effectively to bring our ideas to life. Our learning journey led us to a special final project for Term 1—creating self-portraits.

Using mirrors and their photographs, learners carefully observed their faces and practised copying, drawing, and colouring their features with great attention to detail. It was wonderful to see each child’s unique personality shine through their artwork.

In term 2, our Foundation learners have dived into the exciting world of Media Arts, discovering the role of photographers and the art of capturing moments through the camera lens. The learners have thoroughly enjoyed becoming young photographers, learning how to use the iPads safely and responsibly, including how to care for the devices while using them.

We explored the different camera app features, such as the buttons to take photos, how to frame a shot, focus the screen, and choose the best position for capturing great pictures.

Our learning connected beautifully with our work on emotions—while practising portrait photography, learners took turns being photographers and actors. The photographers directed their actors to show different emotions and poses, helping them develop creativity, communication skills, and an understanding of how feelings can be expressed visually.

It’s been fantastic to see our learners developing new digital skills while expressing themselves through this creative and interactive art form!

Other news

One of the most exciting parts of this term has been meeting Ivy, our school’s new wellbeing puppy! The Foundation class was absolutely thrilled to welcome her, and we all agree—she is super cute!

We’ve been learning how to interact with Ivy calmly and respectfully. This includes being quiet in the room, using gentle voices, and approaching her slowly so we don’t startle her. The learners have done a wonderful job showing kindness and responsibility around Ivy.

We’re so excited to have Ivy visit our classroom more often, and we can’t wait to see how she will continue to support us with our learning and wellbeing. She’s already brought so many smiles to our faces!

Primary Report - Mr. Hocking's Classes

In Term 1, learners across all of Mr Hocking’s classes have been busy exploring, creating, and developing confidence. From investigating how objects move, building friendships in our classroom communities, and diving into reading, writing, and numeracy, it’s been a fantastic start to the year. Here’s a look at what each class has been learning! 

Foundation – HASS (MAPPEN: Me and My Community) 

This term, our Foundation learners explored the concept of community by considering how we care for ourselves and others. Through puppets and role-play, they practised critical social skills such as asking for help, listening, and resolving minor conflicts. Each learner created a puppet of themselves and used it in a class puppet show, celebrating kindness, respect, and belonging in our classroom community. 

Foundation – Science/Design and Technology (MAPPEN: Movement of Objects) 

Foundation learners investigated how objects move and what affects their movement, such as size and shape. They explored how animals move, experimented with sliding, rolling and bouncing objects, and designed a playground fit for an animal. To finish the unit, they used their understanding of pushes and pulls to design and build a toy that can move — great fun with lots of learning! 

Foundation – Mathematics (Mindset Mathematics) 

This term, learners explored numbers, shapes and patterns through hands-on activities, games and inquiry. They used their fingers to understand number quantities, described everyday shapes, created patterns, and sorted objects into groups. Learners also worked together to solve simple problems and explain their thinking using mathematical language. 

Years 1 & 2 – Health (The Right to Be Safe) 

Learners explored the idea of personal safety and their right to feel safe. They identified safe and unsafe situations, recognised warning signs, and learned strategies to keep themselves and others safe. Through discussions and interactive tasks, learners developed confidence in knowing what to do in risky or unfamiliar situations. 

Literacy 

Learners worked on reading and writing skills using Read Write Inc., Big Write, and VCOP programs. They wrote recounts, narratives and persuasive texts while focusing on spelling, grammar, punctuation and handwriting. Learners collaborated with peers to edit and improve their writing, building confidence in expressing their thoughts clearly. 

Numeracy  

Using Numicon Book 4, learners explored number patterns, place value, addition and subtraction strategies, early algebra, and geometry. They used visual tools to support their thinking and explained how they solved problems. This strong start to the year has helped build their confidence and understanding of maths. 

GRIP Leadership Conference

In Week 2, the Learner Action Team members and Junior House Captains from the Year 5/6 class travelled to Port Augusta to take part in the GRIP Leadership Conference. Throughout the day, they explored what it means to be a leader—learning how to lead both people and projects with confidence and purpose. They returned full of energy and ideas, ready to make a positive impact in our school community. Watch this space!

SAPSASA football and netball carnival

In Week 4, 20 enthusiastic Year 4/5/6 learners (alongside our footy coach, Noah!) represented QAS at the SAPSASA football and netball carnival at Central Oval in Port Augusta. Our two netball teams played six tough matches each, showing teamwork, resilience, and school spirit. On the football field, QAS combined with Wilsden Primary School to form a powerhouse team that went on to win their grand final!

A big thank you to the SSOs, parents and families who came down and made the excursion possible!

Introducing - Chad Ko

Hello Quorn Area School community! I am excited to have joined this wonderful school as the Deputy Principal behind Monique. It has been a privilege to be part of the team, and five weeks have absolutely flown by with the support of our dedicated staff. We have hit the ground running this term - launching an awards program to celebrate outstanding secondary learners, submitting grant proposals for exciting new learning opportunities, and planning a fun-filled Sports Day for Term 3, integrating our brand-new playground. Please feel free to reach out to me, as I will always make time to answer questions and offer support. I look forward to working alongside our learners, families, and community to help create the best possible learning environment here at Quorn Area School.

Career Roadshow Excursion

Learners in years 9 to 12 travelled to Port Augusta on Wednesday, 28th of May, to explore the UniHub Career Roadshow. The event provided a valuable opportunity for learners to engage directly with a wide range of employers, training providers, and industry representatives. Learners explored career prospects across diverse fields and gathered insights to help guide their future pathways. All learners thoroughly enjoyed the experience with the chance to learn and practice CPR, test their balance and aim, use VR headsets, explore how to be a game designer, try out their STEM skills and use a welding simulator. Thank you to Mr Ko, Steph and Chloe who joined us for the day.

Cass Evans

Say Hello to Ivy – Our Wellbeing Groodle!

We’re incredibly excited to welcome a special new member to our school community – Ivy, our Wellbeing Dog! Ivy is a gentle and friendly Groodle (a Golden Retriever and Poodle mix) who will be spending time at school each week learning to support the wellbeing of our learners.

Why a wellbeing dog?

Studies have shown that interacting with a calm dog can help children:

• 🧘‍♀️ Feel more relaxed and less anxious
• 📖 Build confidence in reading and speaking
• 👫 Develop empathy and emotional awareness
• 😊 Enjoy a boost in mood and engagement at school

When will Ivy visit?

Ivy will initially be in school daily, so she will become used to the sounds and smells of school and the varied interactions of people of all ages. Once she has completed her initial training, she will be available for quiet time, small group sessions, and special classroom visits.

A little about Ivy:

Ivy is a hypoallergenic Groodle known for her soft, curly coat and calm, affectionate personality. She loves belly rubs, naps and treats. We hope she will also develop a keen interest in listening to learners read and sitting quietly with learners who need a comforting presence.

Health & Safety:

All interactions with Ivy will be closely supervised, and hygiene protocols will be followed (including handwashing before and after contact). If your child has allergies, fears, or concerns, please let the school office know so we can accommodate their needs. Ivy is a reminder of the litter problem in our school, and we will now work with learners to explore the dangers of litter to those animals with an inquiring mind like Ivy.

Ivy is already bringing joy, calm, and comfort to our school – and we can’t wait for your children to get to know her better.

🐾 Welcome to the learning community, Ivy! 🐾