In grade 8 Mathematics, students delve into the captivating realm of measurement. They are learning about length, area, volume, and mass, developing their understanding through practical examples and engaging activities. Exlporing the matric system, conversions, perimeter, circumference, surface area, and volume. Students acquire the skills to solve real-world problems and to make informed decisions. By mastering measurement, students cultivate critical thinking and problem solving abilities that extend beyond the classroom. Embrace the power of measurement and discover its relevance in our everyday lives! 

Grade 7 history has kicked off for term 2 with an exciting travel through time to ancient Egypt. Throughout the unit so far we have been studying hieroglyphics (a form of writing using symbols created by the Ancient Egyptians) trade, conflict and the geography of Ancient Egypt and how it compares to the modern day.  Students have even tried their hand at a spot of trade themselves participating in a game called ‘trade wars’ where they get to act as an ancient civilisation and create trades, conflicts and alliances to earn points for their country. It’s been great to see the grade 7 history students expanding their research and inquiry skills by completing a number of PEEL paragraph and research poster tasks as well. 

We’re sure the grade 7s will continue to enjoy the Ancient Egypt unit as we start learning about the mysteries of mummification in the next few weeks.

In a captivating exploration of carbon cycles and ecosystems, students at our school embarked on a captivating journey of discovery. Through limewater experiments, they witnessed the transformative power of carbon dioxide, observing its effect on the transparent solution. Building on this knowledge, the students eagerly constructed terrariums, carefully selecting plants to create self-sustaining ecosystems. By observing the interconnectedness of organisms within these miniature worlds, they gained a profound understanding of how carbon dioxide is absorbed during photosynthesis and contributes to ecosystem stability. These hands-on experiences not only deepened their comprehension of environmental processes but also nurtured their role as future environmental stewards, equipped to make informed decisions for a sustainable future.

The first half of term 2 has been very busy within the HPE space, with there being many events, taking place alongside of regular classes. All grades across the school have been studying a unit on Fitness, looking at the different ways in which we can remain fit and active in our everyday lives. This unit aligned with our annual Cross Country Carnival which took place in week 4, with there being great participation from each grade group.

Wednesday and Thursday Afternoon sport began in Week 4 of this term, with teams competing in Boys Football, Girls Football, Netball and Soccer rosters on a weekly basis.

In week 5 the annual Bulldogs Cup was held at Youngtown oval against Kings Meadows High School, with all of our junior and senior teams competing on the one day. At the completion of the Senior Boys Firsts game, the cup was tied at 3-3, however we retained the cup on aggregate score from the two Senior Firsts games. We would like to thank the South Launceston Football club for hosting the day again and Mr Darren Crawford for the huge amount of time that went into the organisation of the event.

Winter sports will continue throughout term 2 and into term 3, with all rosters and results being available at https://nhssa.org.au/

Term 2 has seen Drama students working on a scripted performance. One of the grade 8 classes will be performing two plays from Ancient Greece: Oedipus and Antigone, Classic tales of tragedy.

The other grade 8 class are doing a comedy script about a therapy session that gets hijacked by a crazy actor. The 9/10 class are practising a play that parodies Australian soap operas, called Neighbours Away. All classes are busy learning lines and having fun working with each other.

IGA before school

A reminder to all families that once students arrive at school, they are not permitted to leave school grounds without the permission of the Grade Leader or Assistant Principal and a parent. Students are asked not to congregate at the Norwood IGA before school and to ensure they are on-site when the music starts of a morning.

Bulldogs Cup

A top result from all our teams at the Bulldogs Cup last week. This annual competition between Queechy and Kings Meadows High School football teams is always an exciting event. This year went right down to the wire with great performances from our two senior teams to finish off the carnival. A huge thank you to all staff and students involved, well done!

Inter-High Cross Country

Another strong result for Queechy at the cross country this week. Several stand-out performances from individual students and a top overall team result, finishing second in the Division 1 competition. We will also be sending off a strong team to the state titles at Symmons Plains in the near future, keep an eye out for the upcoming results.

Year 10 Camp

Our camp program has finally re-started with a year 10 camp currently underway on Maria Island. This will be a challenging camp for our students with support from Parks and Wildlife staff ensuring all our students will have been stretched out of their comfort zones over the three days on the island. Our students will return with both an increased set of skills to assist them in their lives and a great set of memories that they will carry with them going forward. An incredibly huge thank you to Georgie Gibbons who has ensured this camp was able to go ahead. Greatly appreciated by the whole Queechy community!

Farewell 

It is with some sadness that I farewell a long-term staff member from Queechy.

Alicia Hodge will be leaving us today to take up a more senior role in DECYP supporting our Social Workers across the North. Alicia has created the most wonderful legacy in her time at Queechy. The number of students and families positively impacted by the support of Alicia would extend into the thousands, I am sure. Alicia has been a rock for so many of our students and her knowledge of individual students, their siblings and the wider Queechy community has been an invaluable asset to us during her time here.

I wish her the very best as she heads off onto the next stage of her own learning journey.

The cooler months bring colds, the flu, COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Being prepared is the best way to protect yourself and your family.

Prepare

Children are most likely to catch and spread the flu. Make sure your child has received their annual flu vaccine. This will boost their immunity against most likely circulating flu strains. It will also help stop them getting very sick.

Plan

If your child is at higher risk of becoming very sick from the flu, COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses, make a plan with your healthcare provider for when your child becomes sick.

Protect

Protect others by keeping your child home if they’re unwell, encouraging regular hand washing, and covering coughs and sneezes.

For more information, read the [enclosed/attached] parent and carer factsheet or visit the Department of Health website.

Thanks for doing your part to keep our school community safe, healthy and learning.

The rising number of children and young people vaping is a growing issue of concern in our community.  

Electronic cigarettes (vapes) can be appealing to young people due to bright colours and flavours. But no vapes are safe as they are often full of harmful chemicals and nicotine.  For this reason, vapes can be addictive and harmful for lungs, brain development and general health.  

It is important to talk to your children about vaping. Try to be understanding, compassionate and non-judgemental as you support them to learn more about the dangers of vaping or in seeking support to quit. 

Information on what vaping is, the impacts and how to support your child is available on the new Department for Education, Children and Young People webpage on vaping, which can be accessed here: 

https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/about-us/projects/child-student-wellbeing/vaping/