Friday, 14th June 2013

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Dear Community, Last week the AGM of our School association was a highlight with a few members attending for the first time. It was, as always, refreshing to have new input, feedback and ideas. Hopefully the fact that we only have five meetings a year will encourage everyone to return and others to join. We thanked Jan Rowlands for her inspired chairing of the Association over the past year and were grateful she accepted the role of Treasurer for the coming 12 months. Jan replaces Mark Nightingale who has effectively undertaken and streamlined the work of this position through 2011-2013 – thank you Mark for your work and commitment. Ryan Lee, a staff representative for at least ten years and the Secretary for most of these, has finally resigned this post and will be replaced by Caleb Turale – thank you, Ryan, your dedication, enthusiasm and organisational skills have been appreciated. We welcomed Alison Watt as our new Chairperson and Nadine Holmes as Vice Chairperson. Student Leaders, Jack Rowlands and Andrew Cooney, addressed the School Association asking them to consider endorsing a change to our uniform. They suggested that in Terms 2 and 3 students be allowed to wear a black puffer jacket or vest with their school uniform as protection from the cold. Together we decided that this was a neat and appropriate addition - it will not be badged with a Q as other items are, nor will it be sold in our uniform shop, instead we will continue to sell a red and blue Queechy-specific jacket. Allowing students to buy the brand of black puffer jacket that they prefer means they will feel happy to wear it on the weekend, maximising the use of what, depending on the type bought, might be an expensive item of clothing. Only plain, black jackets/vests with small, inconspicuous brand names are acceptable and students are expected to wear these with their full school uniform, not add items of non-uniform such as jeans, ugg boots, non-Queechy shorts etc. We are hoping that by agreeing to this option students will no longer wear a hoodie in winter – these really do detract from our uniform. We know that much of the learning undertaken at Queechy is on par with, if not better than, that in other schools – competing at a regional level provides us with an opportunity to check our perceptions. The Launceston Competitions are one such event and our Grade 9/10 Drama Class were extremely successful this year. Not only did they win their section, they were also awarded the Style Boutique Perpetual Trophy for the "Item considered most creative and entertaining" over six classes. This year that meant excelling against thirty other competitors from Launceston Church Grammar, Riverside High School, Scotch Oakburn College, Kings Meadows High School, Lilydale District High School, Launceston Christian School and St Patrick’s College. Additionally our Grade 10 Creative Writers scooped the pool with Skye Cusack, Isabelle Sutton and Danni Robertson achieving first, second and third places respectively. Congratulations also to Tayla Long (9C) who submitted an entry and received some great feedback. Teachers are currently completing their mid-year reports, providing information on your child’s progress with ratings, comments, work habits and future goals. I look forward to reading these as they come across my desk for signing – it is always a pleasure to identify those students who have made greater than normal gains and consider what might have enabled this success – expert teaching, home support, positive relationships, extra-curricular activities and/or those light bulb moments when they recognise the importance of learning for their future. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress please contact me, I am always happy to talk with you.

Regards, Kathy Davis

School Holidays Start of Holidays: Monday8th July Student Free Day: Monday 22nd July First Day Term 3: Tuesday 23rd July

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On May 31st 2013, I attended the SALON SOUTH SCHOOLS held at the University of Tasmania where a number of Grade 10 high school representatives from across the state, gathered to share their ideas on improving life in Tasmania. There was a high level of debate as we developed a vision for better future for our generation. The two ideas put forward by the group were breaking the cycles of poverty and negativity through education, infrastructure and the economy, and ‘shaking up’ the culture in Tasmania to embrace diversity. As motivated young people, we have established Youth for Change Tasmania with a sense of a hope, and believe that change is possible. Overall, it was a very enjoyable session and I’d like to thank Mrs Williams for giving me this wonderful opportunity and experience. Regards, Sila Han

Queechy Breakfast 2013 Started last week with many enthusiastic Grade 9/10 volunteers preparing breakfast for our Queechy students. Everyone was able to enjoy and appreciated the hot milo, porridge and toast donated by Betta Milk, Cripps Nu Bake, Coles, Kings Meadows Rotary Club and Banjo’s Central. Please support the business’ that assist our students: Your children at Queechy .

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Lunch with the Girls On Wednesday, 5th June fifteen Grade 10 girls were lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend the Beacon Foundation ‘Lunch with the Girls’. The program was run by Taz and Fran at the Aurora Stadium who set out many challenges and activities to inspire and challenge the girls. The girls learnt many life skills such as reaching their full potential through a focus on self-awareness, motivation, personal responsibility and goal setting. Thank you to Mrs Bennett for taking us. Shannon Smith & Lucy Quon.

Student Free Day Monday, 22nd July 2013

My China Experience: The inspirations behind Peeking Ducks and Warriors published by Windy Hollow Books Award-winning Melbourne author Krista Bell travels extensively overseas researching her stories for young readers. Using her travels in China as an example, Krista will inspire writers of all ages to rush home and create their own stories from their own unique experiences. Session suitable for primary school aged readers to adults.

Come and meet Krista! Where? When?

Ground Floor, Launceston LINC Saturday 29 June at 10.30am

Visit Krista’s website at: www.kristabell.com

Term Dates 2013

Term 1 5 February - 18 April Term 2 6 May - 5 July Term 3 22 July - 27 September Term 4 14 October - 19 December

Student Free Days 2013 Monday, 22nd July Friday, 25th October

From the School Office SMS ABSENTEE SYSTEM: The main contact will receive an SMS if your child is absent from Tutor Group. To avoid receiving an SMS please phone the school office. The mobile/txt number is 19910010. GRADE 10 QLD TRIP: Payments can now be made at the school office via cash, EFTpos or by cheque. QUEECHY WEBSITE https://education.tas.edu.au/ queechyhigh/Pages/Home.aspx

The Woolworths Earn & Learn program is now closed for this year. The response has been fantastic, so thanks to everyone who supported their school by collecting Woolworths Earn & Learn Points. With more than 13,900 schools and early learning centres taking part in 2013, more kids will benefit than ever before. We are now at the important stage of the program where the Woolworths Earn & Learn Points sheets are collected by schools then returned to Woolworths. Schools and early learning centres will then be able to choose from a catalogue of thousands of educational items – covering subjects such as mathematics, english, science, arts and crafts, music, sport and more. There is an unbeatable range of products available so schools and early learning centres will be able to order exactly what they need. The Principals and Directors of participating schools and early learning centres have been provided with information on the validation and redemption process. If you’d like to know more about how your Woolworths Earn & Learn Points will be redeemed, please contact your school or centre directly.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER HOST FAMILY Volunteers are the backbone of AFS (Intercultural Programs Australia). AFS programs is a worldwide network of people who are committed to increasing intercultural understanding. Build your intercultural competence as you help support young people and families as they engage in AFS Programs. Host families WANTED now for German students, 6 female & 4 males, who are arriving in July for 2 months, ages 14-16 years.

STUDENT EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES Go study abroad with connecting lives and sharing cultures. Looking for an authentic overseas experience? AFS has a program to suit you. Scholarships available now - call us on 1300131736 or visit our website www.afs.org.au

Wednesday, 26th June

Drama/Music Students (Hairspray) Excursion Gr 7,8,9&10

Wednesday, 26th June

Grade 9 Try-A-Skill

Thursday, 27th June

Marine Science Excursion

Friday, 5th July

Last Day of Term 2

Monday, 22nd July

Student Free Day

Tuesday, 23rd July

First Day of Term 3

Wednesday, 18th September

Grade 10 - Fashion Parade

Thursday 3rd October Wednesday 9th October

Gr 10 QLD trip

Queechy High School Penquite Road, Launceston Tas 7250 PO Box 678, Kings Meadows Tas 7249 Ph: (03) 6341 4455 Fax: (03) 6344 9892 Email: [email protected] Web: www.queechy.tased.edu.au Absence SMS: 19910010

Principal Mrs Kathy Davis Acting Assistant Principal Mr Caleb Turale Assistant Principals Grade 10 Mrs Jenni Hudson Grade 9 Mrs Louise Meyer Grade 8 Mr Caleb Turale Grade 7 Mrs Heather Jackson

Who to Contact? Grade AST Grade 7 Mr Adrian Smith Grade 8 Mr Ryan Lee Grade 9 Mr Bruce Harrison Grade 10 Mr Brendan Poke

School Executive Officer Mrs Tanya Smart Guidance Officer Anita Markham Social Worker Alicia Hodge