This term in HaSS, Grade 10 classes have been learning about building a modern Australia. Students have had a learning intention of understanding what are the human rights, migration to Australia, the changing role of women in Australia and the Civil Rights movement.

For the remainder of term 4 Grade 10 students will be focusing on a negotiated study topic with an intention on meeting class deadlines in preparation for Grade 11 in 2025. The purpose of a negotiated study is to give students more ownership of their learning, and to increase their motivation and engagement for the remainder of the term.

This term, students have started physics. Currently, we are diving into the interesting topic of forces, a fundamental concept that explains how objects interact and move. From gravity to friction, students are uncovering the invisible forces shaping our everyday lives.

To bring their learning to life, students are working on a hands-on project: designing and testing parachutes. This activity challenges them to apply their knowledge of forces like air resistance and gravity to create a parachute that falls as slowly and safely as possible. It's a perfect way to combine creativity, teamwork, and scientific problem-solving.

Grade 10 students are exploring dystopian themes in their English unit, learning to compare and contrast ideas like control, freedom, and technology in literature and media. At the same time, teachers are helping students prepare for life after High School. Teachers are working to equip students with literacy skills, knowledge and confidence they need for a successful future after Queechy High School.

We are quickly approaching the end of another very successful school year here at Queechy High School. I look forward to our upcoming Presentation Assembly and Graduation dinner, where we celebrate the achievements of our current Grade 10 cohort. A massive thank you to the Grade 10 team and other staff members who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure these events are the success they always are.

End-of-year reports are currently being completed and collated. Please read the information in this newsletter regarding the dates that they will be sent home with students.

The last week has been extremely busy and again our students have excelled in representing our school with pride. Last Wednesday night we had a music showcase evening where a number of our talented musicians performed to the wider community and the feedback has been amazing about how talented these students were. Over the weekend we had a number of our students compete in the State High School basketball tournament that was held in Launceston. I was extremely proud of the integrity, sportsmanship, and effort that our students put in.

I am proud to say that our new fitness centre is up and running and the students absolutely love it probably not as much as
Mr Goss and Mr Crawford though.

Over the course of the year in Maths Extended we have incorporated an innovative approach to mathematics education, Peter Liljedahl's Thinking Classrooms.

This evidence-based framework is designed to transform the way students engage with mathematics, fostering deeper understanding, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

The Thinking Classroom approach emphasizes active student engagement through problem-solving, collaborative work, and meaningful discussions.

Instead of traditional modelling of teacher directed learning, students work in small groups, tackling challenging and intriguing problems. This method not only strengthens their mathematical abilities but also builds essential skills such as communication, perseverance, and teamwork.

Key Features of a Thinking Classroom:

• Students solve problems on whiteboards, windows, or other erasable surfaces. This encourages trial and error, creativity, and shared learning.
• Students are assigned to groups randomly, ensuring everyone collaborates with different peers throughout the term.
• Problems are carefully chosen to spark curiosity and stimulate thinking, allowing multiple entry points for learners of all levels.
• Teachers guide and observe rather than lead, allowing students to take ownership of their learning.

All our Maths teachers have undergone workshop(s) to implement this approach, and we look forward to implementing more Thinking Classrooms, next year. 

This years’ Queechy Music Showcase was one of the best ever. MC’s Alex and Archie did an amazing job of presenting the performers. A number of piano pieces, ranging from student originals through to Beethoven and Chopin, were of a very high standard. Placebo Effect played an exhilarating set where every band member featured on a vocal number. Halfhearted Pilgrimage played the final set of the show despite being one man down. Their composure and technique are well ahead of their age. A huge strength of the show was the vocal talent: Bella, Miranda, Stella, Elly, Toyomi, Nicol and Alex blew us away and at times, gave us goose bumps. Thank you to
Mike Guy who assisted students on stage and Declan and Darcy for doing lighting. All who attended commented on what a great night it was.

Mr. Woods

Students have been working on a pottery artwork which incorporates a brick wall with a graffiti style word attached to it. Below is artwork from Leo, Oliver, Brax and Summer.

On Wednesday, 27th November our girls who participated in the girls AFL umpiring gala day met with Will and Garry from
AFL Tasmania to do a presentation of 2 x $100 gift vouchers for the students who were selected as excelling at the AFL Umpiring Gala day earlier in term 4. Well done to Grade 7 student Dot and Grade 8 student Matilda for being the recipients of these awards. The girls have now completed training in umpiring AFL, so keep an eye out for them if you are attending a local football game in 2025, as they may be umpiring! 

On Thursday the 28th of November, the Child Studies and Child Studies Extended students hosted a community playgroup. The students have been learning about play and stages of development, as well as child safety to help them to plan activities suitable for children aged 0-5. We had sensory stations, cooking, imaginative play, construction, as well as arts and crafts.
We were visited by many families, giving the students opportunities to practice interacting with children and their parents/carers. We received great feedback about the playgroup set up and how well the students communicated and presented themselves.
Thank you to all of the families who braved the terrible weather on the day.