To start term 3, students in year 7 have started a unit on algebra, something which many of them would never have experienced learning before!

Below is some work students have completed where they have been recognising patterns of shapes that are increasing in size. By creating an algebraic rule for that pattern they can calculate what the number of sides for that shape will be when it is unrealistic for that amount of sides to be drawn in such a short period of time.

The students in grade 7 are currently exploring forces. This week we have been focussing on non-contact forces and exploring these using magnets.

Grade 7 students undertook a novel study before term 2 and have continued into term 3.  One of the texts being studied has been a book titled A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park.  

Students will learn the story of Salva Dut, a survivor of the Second Sudanese Civil War, and his struggles to flee to safety. This story is one of perseverance and determination as Salva flees a warzone. To the present day Salva Dut continues to help others in his Non-profit organisation “Water for South Sudan”.

By reading this book students will have the opportunity to learn about how different characteristics and traits can be effectively conveyed by an author through text. They will learn to identify key themes and support their ideas by referencing specific quotes from the text.

Grade 7 students have been finishing a History unit on Ancient Egypt, where they looked at topics such as archaeology, trade and conflict, religion and the importance of the Nile. Flowing on from that (no pun intended), students have been working through a unit on water in the world. We looked at how precious a resource water is and watched a documentary about a village in Kenya and what the women would have to do to retrieve water: twice each day, they will travel 6 kilometres to get to a well and back home, then carry the water (which was an incredibly heavy load) on their backs. It made us realise how fortunate we are to have clean water when we turn on a tap.

Moving forward, students will begin a case study on a dam that was built in Ethiopia a few years ago and how that has both positive and negative impacts for the countries that the Nile flows through (Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt in particular).

Could you correctly answer the following questions?

Which Egyptian Pharoah’s tomb was discovered intact, with thousands of artefacts?

What was the name of a famous female Egyptian Pharoah?

How tall is the Great Pyramid of Giza? How long did it take to build?

What percentage of the earth’s surface is covered by water?

Of all the water in the world, how much of it is fresh water? How much of that can we use (how much is frozen)?

Can you explain the water cycle?

Drawing illusions. A great opportunity to explore the design element of depth by using various tonal effects. Students selected what media they wanted to use – greylead pencil, charcoal, pen, texta etc.

Students added to their illusion drawings to create a ‘Surreal twist’ for the viewer. Animals, eyeballs and babies – very strange!

In Cooking Brunch we have a strong focus on practical literacy and numeracy skills alongside social skills that help students in everyday life. This week we made this super simple and super delicious “One Pot Lasagne”.

Students used a checklist to mark off all the ingredients as the collected them, paying special attention to measuring the appropriate quantities carefully.

Everyone did an amazing job, unfortunately it tasted so good that we were not quick enough to take any photos.

Here’s the recipe so you can have a go making at home yourself!

One Pot Lasagne

Serves 2

1. Put Mince and onion in pan. Cook until browned.
2. Add ALL other ingredients except cheeses.
3. Bring to boil then lower to a simmer for 10-12 minutes.
4. Stir in cream cheese and mozzarella.
5. Divide into 2 bowls, sprinkle with parmesan and eat.

Welcome back to all students and families to term 3. I would like to warmly welcome and introduce to you several new teaching staff at Queechy.

Lily Spencer - I have been working in various capacities at QHS since 2021.  I am a passionate educator who enjoys getting to know all of my students and ensuring that they are all striving to be the best possible versions of themselves.  I love everything sport and you will probably find me playing, watching or umpiring Netball or Touch Football in my spare time.  For the rest of the year, I will be teaching HaSS, English and Health and PE, all areas I am very passionate about.  

Terence Johnston - I am a devoted husband, father and public school educator who lives in Launceston. Being new to Queechy High School, I have enjoyed meeting staff and students so far and look forward to working with students to assist them in becoming the best version of themselves. 

 Liam Shelton - Join me as I embark on an exhilarating journey as a first-year teacher at Queechy High School. I'm thrilled to bring my passion for teaching and athletics to the Health and Physical Education classes, instilling teamwork and dedication. Equally exciting is sharing my love for maths and science, making these subjects come alive for my students. As I step into this role, I'm eager to create an inclusive and vibrant classroom, fostering curiosity and growth. Together, we'll explore the wonders of learning, and I can't wait to inspire and support my students every step of the way. Let's make this year unforgettable!

Solomon Roach 

Term 3

Even though we are only two weeks in there has been several events and activities to support both staff and student learning already this term.

Our first day back saw all our teachers and teacher assistants learning more about how we can use AI to support our work and student learning. AI is an extremely powerful tool that can not only save time, but also add extra depth and complexity to the learning we can challenge our students with. A big thank you to Kaleb Clark and Nathan Woolley for running this session.

Our staff were also engaging in several Reading Instructional Practices on the day and then planning for their use in different subject areas.

Students have had a busy time with The Australian Maths Competition, visits from Beacon and Newstead College, multiple excursions off-site and Jeans for Genes Day today.

Attendance

It is pleasing to see that our attendance rate has jumped up at the beginning of this term. I remind all families about how to contact us if your child is not at school for any reason.

· Reply to the SMS message sent out when your child is absent

· Text the school SMS number 0427 016 460

· Phone the school office 63414455 and leave a message at the “Leave an absent student message” prompt by pressing 1 when asked

· Phone the school office and talk to one of our admin team. This is especially important if you need support to get your son/daughter to school. The admin team will then have the most appropriate person contact you back.

· Schoolzine App. This can be downloaded from either the Google or Apple Store on your device · School Website. https://queechyhigh.education.tas.edu.au/absentee and leave a message there

Celebration Morning Teas

Invites have been sent out for families to come and join us to celebrate students who had excellent reports go home at the end of last term. I look forward to catching up with both students and families at these events starting from the 14th of August.

Please find the link for Newstead College’s Newsletter for Term 3 below.

https://newsteadcollege.education.tas.edu.au/_d/4086

Learning how to sew your own slow fashion clothes with Lisa Haas 

Dates: Thursdays August 10-Sept 7 4-6pm and Wednesday Sept 13 4-6pm

At The ReDress Hub, we're here to help you on your journey to be more 'circular' with your clothing choices, avoid or reduce the consumption of fast-fashion, and clothing and textile waste. 

This series of 6 x 2  hour workshops, has been specially designed for young beginners as an after school activity. This series of workshops has been created to assist you on your circular clothing journey, so you can start to create your own handmade 'slow-fashion' clothes and contribute to the global circular clothing movement. 

The amazing Lisa Haas (a designer and school teacher) will be your workshop facilitator, guiding you over the six workshops from how to choose fabric, read, mark, and cut out a pattern right through to constructing and finishing a garment for you to proudly wear at the end of the course.

The Slow Fashion Sewing Series includes:

• Week 1: Patterns and Fabric (choosing fabrics, reading a pattern, cutting out pattern piece)
• Week 2 : Patterns and Fabric (marking and pinning, cutting out fabric and tacking)
• Week 3 : Construction Fundamentals (stay stitching, facing, understitching)
• Week 4 : Construction Fundamentals (stay stitching, facing, understitching)
• Week 5: Garment Construction (side seams, sleeve insertion) and Finishing (hemming and/or casing)
• Week 6: Garment Construction (side seams, sleeve insertion) and Finishing (hemming and/or casing)

More information and bookings can be found through Eventbrite at this link https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/642608147267