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For Your Diary—Parent Teacher Night
Year 12 News Make the Holidays Count The June/July holidays gives us all a chance to reflect on how the year is going and to take stock. For some of you, there has been success this semester while others have not achieved as well as they should have. We have already passed the halfway mark and the results seen in Term 2 reports will be an indication of the final grade. You may think, “This isn’t what I’d hoped for,” or “Wow, I’m happy.” Either way the holiday break is time to take a planned break to refresh and revitalise yourself. Plan a study program for all your subjects. For exam assessed subjects, you should revise and consolidate. Write responses and answer questions in the style expected in the final exam. Your teacher will give you directions on this. Pay attention to your least favourite subject. It will pay dividends next term. If you are behind in any subject make sure you use this time to catch up. See your teacher to find out what you need to do to stay on top of your workload. If you feel you need extra help make sure you get practice questions or you have all the materials necessary to help you get up to speed. If you have a large external research task or project do the research in the holidays or write your draft. Organise with friends in the holidays to have a least one study date then reward yourselves afterwards with some rest and recreation. Eat healthy food; get regular sleep and exercise Five times a week to help you feel good! Refocus on your goals. What are you going through all this for anyway? Make sure you know. There are only ten weeks to go.
Parent teacher night will be on 18 August (3pm—7pm) for all year levels. Interviews will be a maximum of eight minutes duration. We are once again using the internet-based booking system called Parent Teacher On-Line (PTO). Make your booking from 8 August.
ATAR Rules The external component in all subjects is worth 30%. For some subjects this is an investigation, for others a performance or an exam. Regardless of the form of the external, it must be attempted for a scaled score that contributes to an ATAR to be generated. If the external component is not attempted then the score that contributes to the ATAR becomes 0.0 for that subject. A subject achievement grade between A+ and E- is still obtained. Consent to Release Form Thank you to those students who have returned their Consent to Release form. If you have not done so already, please do so. The Form is available on the website and is also present in the NTCET folder in student public on the school network.
Signing the form is essential to release information to SATAC and the school. This allows SATAC to calculate ATARs and TAFE entrance scores from the results.
Holiday Tutorials A number of teachers are running tutorials during the four week break. Please make use of these tutorials. See next page. Term 3 Term 3 will be crunch time particularly for those of you whose subjects have external examinations as those subjects complete all summative tasks by the end of the term. You MUST attend every class! Some of you are missing lessons to finish off assessment tasks on the day that they are due. This causes gaps in learning and ultimately makes it more difficult for you to succeed. You also need to make use of your study lines and do not waste them through chatting with the mates or nicking into town for some takeaway. Term 3 is not the term for a sleep-in on Line 1. Make a commitment to yourself to come to school during school hours and follow through with getting to a quiet spot and actually working. You’ll be amazed how much more you will get done. Year 12 Graduation and Formal The Graduation and The Formal will be held at the Convention Centre on Monday 24 November. The Graduation Ceremony will occur in the Auditorium from 5.30pm until 7.00pm. This is a free event especially for parents and families. The Formal will be held in one of the halls at the Convention Centre. This event is only for Year 12 students from Darwin High School. Tickets will be on sale in Term 3 from the Finance Office. Students will be able to pay off their ticket gradually if they wish. Trish Cryer, Assistant Principal Year 12 Ros France, Year 12 Coordinator
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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
W June 23 e e 9am -1pm Comk munity Studies (all classes) 1 9am -12pm English Pathways Ms France 9am -11am Legal Studies Ms Barrow 8:30am –3pm Food & Hospitality Ms Potter
June 24
June 25
June 26
June 27
9am -1pm Community Studies (all classes) 1pm –3pm English Studies & English Communications (Bookshop, Smith St Mall Darwin) Ms Dupe 8:30am –3pm Food & Hospitality Ms Potter
9am -1pm Community Studies (all classes) 9am -1pm Outdoor Education Mr Dalgleish 12pm –3pm Food & Hospitality Ms Potter 2pm –4pm English Studies & English Communications (Bookshop, Smith St Mall Darwin) Ms Dupe
11am –2pm English Studies & English Communications (Bookshop, Smith St Mall Darwin) Ms Dupe 10am –12pm Computer Applications Ms Dhir
11am –4pm Biology Ms Reimers 11am –2pm English Studies & English Communications (Bookshop, Smith St Mall Darwin) Ms Dupe
W 30 June e e k
1 July
2 July
3 July
9:30am -12pm Specialist Maths Ms Tan
9:30am -12pm Maths Studies Ms Tan
9:30am -1pm Nutrition Ms Vale
8 July
9 July
10 July
11 July
9am –1pm Community Studies (all classes) 9:30am -12pm Specialist Maths Ms Tan
9:30am -1pm Community Studies (all classes) 9:30am -12pm Maths Studies Ms Tan) 10:30am –4pm Dance Ms Calver
10:30am –4pm Dance Ms Calver
9am –1pm Community Studies (all classes) 9:30am –1pm Nutrition Ms Vale 10:30am –4pm Dance Ms Calver
15 July
16 July
17 July
18 July
10:30am –4pm Dance Ms Calver 9am –2pm English Studies Ms Rehfisch 9am –12pm Modern History Ms Bury 10am –12pm Biology Ms Reimers
9am –1pm Community Studies (all classes) 10:30am –4pm Dance Ms Calver TBC 10am –3pm Visual Arts- Video Ms Young 9am –3pm Music Ms Bryett
9am –1pm Community Studies (all classes) 9:30am –1pm Nutrition Ms Vale 10am –3pm Visual Arts- Video Ms Young 9am –3:30pm Drama Ms Stephenson 11am –1pm — Indonesian Beginners Mr Northcote
9am –1pm Community Studies (all classes) 9am –12pm English Pathways Ms France 10am –3pm Visual Arts- Video Ms Young 9am –3:30pm Drama Ms Stephenson
9:30am -1pm Nutrition Ms Vale
4 July
2 W 7 July e e 9:00am -12pm k Modern History Ms Bury 3
W 14 July e e 10:30am –4pm k Dance Ms Calver 9am –12pm Mod4 ern History Ms Bury
Sunday 13 July 12 – TBA Biology Mr Ergos
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Compulsory Elements of the NTCET Students tackle compulsory elements of the NTCET in each year level. At Year 10 this is the Personal Learning Plan; Year 11, a full year of English and a semester of Mathematics and at Year 12, any three Stage 2 subjects. In all of the compulsory elements, students must obtain a C grade or better in order to gain their NTCET. As we complete one semester in all year levels, students should take stock of how they are progressing through their NTCET. Most students have tracked well and achieved the required minimum of a C in their compulsories. For Year 12s, they should make sure they are sitting on at least a C or better at this point in time in any three of the Stage 2 subjects they are studying. If a student is in Year 10 or 11 and has not achieved a C or better in the compulsories in Semester 1, they should contact the relevant year level Assistant Principal or NTCET Coordinator (Ms Donnelly) to see what we can be arranged to help them to meet the compulsory requirement. If a student is in Year 12 and is not tracking to obtain a C or better in three of their Stage 2 subjects they should contact the Year 12 Assistant Principal, the Year 12 Coordinator or NTCET Coordinator to discuss the issue.
All Talk at Darwin High School
rent events are usually the most convincing debaters. Note: Debating is excellent for those who enjoy controversy and are concerned about the issues of the day. It is also an important activity for those who wish to develop the performance and presentation skills required so often in the twenty -first century workplace. Our debaters are on the way to becoming the assured speakers and presenters of their generation.
There has been excellent participation, with some wins in Public Speaking and Debating this Semester. Debating Two teams of debaters competed in the ten round Darwin Secondary Debating Season, Darwin 1 made up of Courtney Buckley, Kiara Musco, Andrew Harding, Chetan Ganesh together with Shannon Hunt and Lauren Northcote when their sporting commitments allowed them to debate, and Darwin 2 whose members were Saurav Kundu, Beth Hubble, Yada Katonchaleekul, Sonya Fenton, Ryleigh Allfree, Ciara Collister and Aurora Jan. Darwin 2 reached the semi-finals, but was defeated by Good Shepherd Lutheran College 2 who ultimately won the trophy for Darwin Senior Debating in 2014. Thanks go to Ms Schuman and Mrs Naidoo who put in so much time and effort coaching the teams and, in Ms Schuman’s case, recording and keeping the official scores.
UNYA NT Conference UN Youth Australia is a national youth-led [organisation] that aims to build the people’s movement for the United Nations through the education and empowerment of young Australians. [They] seek to provide young Australians with a global education, one that gives them a deep knowledge of the social and political problems confronting the world and the skills to address them. [They] act to expand the opportunities for young people to make a difference in their communities. The NT Association is run for young people by young people, most of them students who have found stimulation and success in advocating for countries outside Australia at the mock United Nations Assembly and Security Council Conferences run by UNYA each year. Thirty students from Darwin High School took part in the
On a high note, Beth Hubble from Year 11 was selected as reserve for the NT Debating Team this year, and has already shown the positive results of training with the squad for the national championships. Beth and Meika Liveris, also Year 11, have started an in-school debating competition, running on Friday lunchtimes. Everyone is welcome, in particular those who would love to debate but whose outside commitments prevent them from taking part in the Darwin Secondary Debating Competition on Wednesday afternoons. Beth’s and Meika’s focus is on students’ developing debating skills – and having fun. The NT Coach Zac Lurje has injected new energy and expertise into the competition over the past two years as the performance of his teams demonstrates, so the standard can be expected to continue to rise over the next year. The topics Zac provided challenged the students, in particular the Prepared Debate on the proposition that privatisation is the way to go. Debaters are realising that all the fiery rhetorical skills in the world will not win them points if they do not have extensive knowledge and significant understanding of the subject matter under debate. The speakers who are up to date with the news and opinion surrounding cur-
Christopher Teng, Krshna Capaque and Ka Wai Teng are NT Delegates to the National UNYA Conference in 2014 United Nations Youth Association Conference in March, the largest number ever, and Christopher Teng, representing he People’s Republic of China, Krshna Capaque, representing Mexico and and Ka Wai (Micki) Teng, representing Norway won places as Northern Territory delegates to the National UNYA Conference to be held in Canberra in July. Congratulations to all three. This time, the students are advocating for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, South Sudan and the Central African Republic respectively so the Conference should be a most memorable experience for them.
Plain English Speaking Award 4
This award requires speakers to prepare and deliver a six minute speech on a significant issue and present a three minute Impromptu Speech on an unseen topic after four minutes preparation. In addition, there is a five minute interview asking for the speakers’ opinions on current issues in particular those involving their own interests. This year there was an exceptionally high number of speakers from Years 11 and 12 competing for the four positions allocated to Darwin High School in the Darwin Plain English Speaking Semi-Finals held on Saturday, 17th May in the Theatrette. Aurora Jan, Mietta Russell, Saurav Kundu, Shannon Hunt, Courtney Buckley, Beth Hubble, Lauren Northcote, Matilda Lyons, Nam Tang presented interesting and, in many cases compelling prepared speeches which were polished and persuasive. The real challenge lay in the Impromptu Speech, and their performance in this once again determined the selection of Beth, Lauren, Shannon and Tilly to represent Darwin High School in the Semi Finals. Only three speakers could proceed to the NT Finals, from the Darwin Semi-Finals, so in a close contest, three adjudicators chose Shannon, Beth and Lauren to compete for one place as the NT Plain English Speaker for 2014 in Alice Springs on June 7. The adjudicators were very impressed by all speakers, noting that the overall standard of presentation was even higher than in 2013. All credit goes to the students for this achievement, but thanks also go to the staff who adjudicated and coached the speakers so effectively, in particular Ms Schuman, Mrs Dupe and Ms Stylis.
Shannon Hunt, Beth Hubble and Lauren Northcote.
Congratulations to Shannon Hunt who won the NT Finals and is off to the National Finals later this year. Susan Cameron Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator 5
A Unique Gift For a number of years, Darwin High School has had the use of a slouch hat from a member of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment based at Robertson Barracks. The hat is the centrepiece of the Stage set up for the Anzac Assembly. This year the Regimental Sergeant Major, RSM Craig Cook, on behalf of the Regiment presented a slouch hat to the School for use in further Anzac Assemblies. The hat has quite a history. It was one of several (of varying sizes) taken over to Afghanistan last year when the Regiment deployed there. They were used as gifts for the Commanding Officer to give on behalf of the Regiment to the Commanders of allied forces. The slouch hats with plumes are very much prized by other armies. As the Unit (2 CAV) is to become a part of 3 Brigade based in Townsville in 2015, RSM Cook felt that it was fitting that the hat should remain in Darwin, where it will continue to adorn the Anzac Assembly Catafalque. Paul McConnell Defence Transition Mentor
Developing the North Year 11 student Russ Kundu was one of five students chosen from North Australia to participate in a TV documentary designed to promote the Development of the North. The short clip went to air in the middle of May. During filming, students were questioned on their attitude to the proposed white paper on developing Northern Australia which is being produced for the Australian Government. The Developing the North project aims to drive growth across the north by capitalising on the natural, geographic and strategic assets of the North. Broadly defined, it is the area north of the Tropic of Capricorn spanning Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory including Alice Springs. The Northern Territory is leading the push to develop the North and is laying the foundations of what is likely to be the biggest period of growth in the Territory’s history. Judy Boland Languages/Business Faculty North Sydney Girls Orchestra Visits Darwin High School DHS On Wednesday 23 April, SIEU hosted 28 music students from North Sydney Girls High who were travelling around the Northern Territory as part of their centenary celebrations. The orchestra consisted of ten violins, two violas, one cello, one flute, two oboes, two clarinets, three bassoons, one trumpet, one trombone, one tuba, two alto saxes playing the horn parts, drum kit and percussion. The group performed music by Mozart, Bach, Grieg, Beethoven, music from Pink Panther, Addams Family and Frozen as well as Bohemian Rhapsody. After the performance and sharing of a morning tea, SIEU students performed drama acts for these students and the whole group then participated in games to get to know the students better. The wonderful “Mr Peter” organised the activities and fun was had by all. Many friendships were created and we look forward to both schools working together again in the future. Below is an email sent by David Tomlin, the Principal of North Sydney Girls High School. “ We are all home safely and greatly enriched. Darwin High School was the highlight in many ways and we are indebted to you and your staff for your enthusiasm and efforts in making it such a great morning” Trevor Read Principal Language Perfect World Championships Many language students participated in the Language Perfect World Championships this term. This is a competition where students complete activities relating to the language they are studying to earn points. Schools from around the world compete in this every year. Darwin High students won a total of 28 awards. A special congratulations to the following students who received a Gold Award for scoring over 3,000 points: Yiting Liang, Lana Laureles, Jessica Harpur, Nalin Jeenmuang, Kylie Lo and Monique Samson. Congratulations to Monique Samson who was our highest scoring student with over 5,000 points.
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It was a right royal occasion
Career Development Faculty
Year 12 student Shannon Hunt was one of eight Territory students chosen to meet royal visitors Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge during their whirlwind visit to Australia in April. Their Royal Highnesses spent a day at Uluru, and the Territory students joined them at afternoon tea. The students who came from all parts of the Territory had the opportunity to engage the Royal Couple in conversation. Topics ranged from the Rugby World Cup which will be held in London in 2015, through to their meeting the All Blacks whilst in New Zealand and their experiences of university life. Following this, students presented the Royal Couple with gifts, the majority of which were for their son and heir, Prince George. Shannon offered a copy of the 2014 Darwin High School Yearbook, which the Duchess accepted and then immediately began to look through it, promising that she would read it thoroughly on the plane during the flight back to Canberra. The day finished in true Territory style with the Royal Couple watching the sunset while they sipped champagne on the back of a ute.
Work Experience Over 120 students Year 10 students participated in work experience as part of their PLP. Not only were there offers of part time work, a number of students have been offered apprenticeships as well. Thank you to all the business, organisations and NT and local government departments who supported them. VET News Darwin High School congratulates School Based Apprentice Liam May. Liam has been shortlisted for the School Based Apprentice of the Year Award. We wish him every success in September. Go Liam. University Visits April: West Australian University Roadshow held a Parent information Evening. Murdoch, Edith Cowan, Notre Dame, University of Western Australia and Curtin University came to Darwin High and gave a presentation on their course offerings, accommodation and scholarship opportunities. Bond University visited later that month. Matt Stubbert, who is our NT representative, reminded everyone about their applications and the scholarship opportunities through the Collegiate Agreement.
Judy Boland Languages/Business Faculty
May: University of Melbourne made its annual trip. Nearly 80 students turned up. The Theatrette was so full we had to ask students not to come in. There is a copy of the presentation on student Pub for all to see. June: Charles Darwin University gave current Year 10 students an overview of local higher education and VET/TAFE options and presented to all Year 10 PLP classes. Next semester they will return for the next PLP group.
Year 11 Math Methods Exam in the Tank
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Former Student Visits A big thank you to Rebecca Smith, currently studying at Bond University, who volunteered her own time to speak at a Year 12 workshop on writing scholarship applications.
Workshops Rural Medicine and Allied Health Workshops: This continues to be a popular event. It was a hands-on interactive event involving a series of timed activities with second year doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, occupational therapist, speech pathologists, paramedics and health workers. 2015 Higher Education and Training Application Dates for Year 12 NT: 5 August –30 September –Online applications open via SATAC Each year SATAC, which administers NT and SA student admission to university and TAFE SA, publishes a free guide. Every student at DHS is entitled to one. There will also be course guides for the University of SA and Flinders University available. Queensland: 5 August –30 September –Online applications open via QTAC. QTAC guides will be available from mid- June in newsagents. New South Wales & Victoria: 6 August –30 September –Online applications open via UAC. West Australia: 11 August –30 September –Online applications open via TISC. Tasmania: 1 August -30 September Direct online application to University of Tasmania. Careers Expo in August This year there is a new venue. It will be held in the Darwin Convention Centre. All Year 10 students will be attending the Expo. Term Three Year 12 Workshops University and TAFE application workshops will be held every Friday until the end of Term 3. Happy holidays and don’t forget to relax and revise. Christian Discussion Group The Christian Discussion Group gives students the opportunity to talk about what they believe and to hear what is actually written in the Bible. The group now mostly meets in room B15 every Tuesday lunchtime. Students bring their lunch with them. The Anglican Youth Minister, Rev. Bruce Chapman also comes to the meetings and assists with the program. The group had a successful sausage sizzle fundraiser to help raise the funds to sponsor a child in India. The group is growing and the students who attend are, enthusiastic, from all year levels and from varied ethnic backgrounds. Any questions can be directed via email or in person to rosie.reimers@ntschools.net. Convener Rosie Reimers 8
Filming for the History Channel Four students had the opportunity of a lifetime recently when they participated in the Sir Tony Robinson Tour of Duty at the Darwin Military Museum on Sunday 18 May. Sir Tony Robinson (Time Team, Blackadder, Worst Jobs in History etc) was in Darwin filming a documentary for the History Channel commemorating a centenary of military service from 1914 to the present. The filming was an ”Antiques Road Show” type format, and the Darwin High school was invited to bring along two World War II relics, of which the School has custody. During the filming Nat Kelly and Brodie Fraser spoke on camera about the rifle which was found by students some years ago and is now on loan to the Darwin Military Museum whilst Taylah Peters and Amy Chittick told the story of the Bomb Fragment. When completed, the film will air on the History Channel early in 2015. Judy Boland Languages/Business Faculty
SIEU at the 2014 Refugee Day Celebration With the start of the Football World Cup scheduled for Saturday 14 June, it was decided that this year World Refugee Day would be celebrated at the Darwin Football/ Soccer Stadium at Marrara on the same day. And so it was, with food and information stalls, stage performances and ceremonies, a youth and kids special areas and a continual football round robin competition. The day was successfully coordinated by the workers and volunteers from Melaleuca and many people attended and enjoyed the day.
2014 The Australian Business Studies Competition On 15 May 2014, Year 11 and 12 students sat for the Australian Business Studies Competition organised by the Australian School of Business, UNSW
It was a great opportunity for students to test their business studies skills and knowledge against other students from all across Australia. All participating students will receive a certificate signed by a representative from the University of New South Wales. In addition, top students will receive monetary prizes. Prizes are $50, $75, $100 & $250 for each of the State Winners. State and National Winners will also receive engraved trophies. Jayant Prakash Business, Enterprise and Technology/LOTE Faculty
SIEU contributed by having a coordinated program of planned projects that were designed to make a worthwhile contribution to the whole day event. The Intermediate Community Arts class, along with Ms Sandy, one of our SIEU Bilingual Officers, and their friends organised a display and information booth on the activities held at SIEU and Minh Tran, Salma Manreal and Manop Thammawongsa were particularly busy and helped set it up. Tharirat Chatram, Pijitra Sartwet and Jiraporn Minthaisong also helped out with the information display and in addition presented a terrific modern dance over on the stage that was very well received. George Ballah, Minh Tran and George Kambourakis organised football teams and competed in what was a very well-constructed program and a huge finale of the day was seeing George’s team win and receive a huge Refugee World Cup. The place went crazy and there were a lot of happy faces! The SIEU has received a delightful letter from Sophie Edwards, the WRD Coordinator, thanking SIEU for their significant contribution and each student involved should feel proud of their efforts. Peter Stretton SIEU Community Arts Teacher 9
Business is Booming Year 11 Business and Enterprise students had the opportunity to run their own businesses once a week for 4 consecutive weeks during Term 2. They developed a Business Plan and took out a loan from their Year 11 Business Account established by the Finance Office. The businesses repaid the principal amount of the loan with 10% interest. The profit made from individual businesses was shared amongst the partners. The nature of businesses ranged from iphone covers to hot foods, freshly made iced chocolates, muffins, snack foods, milk shakes, smoothies, frappes, car wash, Greek cakes etc.. A total of 17 businesses operated. In a short time, students were able to gain knowledge, skills and some experience in the general operation of a small business. The main aim was to expose the students to some important elements of running a business such as setting goals, marketing, communication, management, financial record keeping and evaluation. The students operated during lunch time and did well considering the limited time constraint. The students conducted the businesses with great professionalism and should be very proud of their efforts. Jayant Prakash and Matthew Atfield Business and Enterprise Teachers
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Anzac Activities 2014 Students again had a busy time with their involvement in a variety of Anzac activities and associated media events. The Anzac Assembly featured a special tribute to Prisoners of War, and the stories of three Darwin POWs were told. As the stories unfolded, students from the Year 10 Dance class provided a visual representation to accompany the monologue. The NT News reported the Assembly as follows: “The annual Anzac Assembly was a touching service attended by VIPs and Veterans. The [Darwin High School] Assembly is one of the largest and best attended in the Top End. It included a Catafalque Party made of Army cadets — of which some members were students at the School.” Principal Trevor Read said, “The Assembly was a highlight on the School’s calendar.” “It’s an opportunity for students to learn more about the sacrifices made by those diggers 99 years ago, and to pay their respects,” he added. He said that the chance to be a part of the Catafalque Party at their own school event was an honour for the students. As part of the Assembly, students laid wreaths before lighting candles for slain diggers from Darwin. Year 11 student Aurora Jan said that it was important for her to be involved in the assembly directly. “I had relatives fight at Gallipoli, so it’s very special to me,” she explained. She said that she enjoyed the assemblies not just for the service and the commemorations, but for the opportunity to speak to Veterans of war about their experiences.
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Fellow Year 11 student Brodie Fraser said his Dad had been in the Army for more than two decades. “I love listening to his stories, and I try and go and speak to the Vets. It’s amazing hearing their stories,” he said. “It’s also important for us as students to remember what happened nearly 100 years ago.” World War II Veteran and former German POW Charlie Parrott said he had attended every service at Darwin High since returning to Darwin about 20 years ago.“I wouldn’t miss them for the world,” he said. “It’s great to see the students interested in what happens during war.” Mr Parrott was taken POW by the Germans on the Greek island of Crete in 1941. He spent four years down in the coal mines in Poland, before the Russians — who he thought were friends — took him POW a second time in January 1945. He was eventually picked up by the British and taken back to London, before getting married and returning home.
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Later that afternoon Shannon Hunt, Amy Chittick and Luke Jettner spoke at the Kapyong Commemoration, and on Anzac Day more than 40 students represented the School at the Dawn Service where they assisted with seating the Veterans and VIPs, distributed poppies and laid a wreath on behalf of the School. Later they distributed flags to children gathered in Knuckey Street, prior to the march. Judy Boland Anzac Events Coordinator
The Spirit of Anzac Competition
Students, Shannon Hunt, Luke Jettner and Amy Chittick with Bob Parker— Kapyong Veteran
As part of the Anzac Centenary Commemorations, the Northern Territory Government will support the 2015 ANZAC Spirit Study Tour which will take students to Gallipoli to join commemorations at ANZAC Cove. The Study Tour will be open to students in Years, 9, 10 and 11. Nominations are open until 15 August and students are invited to submit an entry in any medium that addresses the question: The ANZAC spirit arose from the actions of soldiers 100 years ago. Given their passing, what is it that keeps the ANZAC spirit alive?’ Four lucky students will attend the Centenary Dawn Service. Further information about the program is available on the Northern Territory ANZAC Centenary website: http://www.dob.nt.gov.au/EventsAwards/anzac-spirit-award. Assisting the Chief Minister to announce the event at the Darwin Military Museum were Shannon Hunt and Lauren Northcote who were the 2013 Chief Minister’s Anzac Study Tour Recipients. Both girls visited the battlefields in France. Judy Boland Languages/Business Faculty
Smart Phone Media Stage 1 Media produced advertisements using stop motion production techniques with smart phones as part of their course work this semester.
Stage 2 Indonesian Beginner students enjoying an Indonesian lunch at Sumatra Cafe 14
Three trips have gone out so far this semester. We started things off with the Stage 2 Climbing trip at the end of Term 1. Four exchange students joined 15 Stage 2 students from DHS and four from O’Loughlin College to tackle the Hayes Creek cliffs. Falling at the end of the wet season the trip is always a hot one. Despite rock that was so hot it burnt your hands, the students pushed themselves, most climbing more than ten climbs with an aggregate vertical height of about 150m. I, on the other hand, suffered from the dreaded Hayes Creek Rash and a 24 hour bug that I can attribute to my one year old daughter. Somewhat out of action, the students stepped up showing great maturity particularly with respect to risk management. At the end of May 2 Stage 1 trips headed out to Kakadu to walk the Yurmikmik escarpment behind Motorcar Falls. Late wet season rains threatened the first trip but, despite giving the gardens of Darwin a welcome drink, it managed to steer clear of Kakadu. The students were meant to walk the Tabletop Track at Litchfield but burning was still taking place in the Park so the students had to tack the more challenging off track walking of Kakadu. They proved they were up for the challenge. With the students learning to navigate, no track to guide the way and some tough terrain, the average walking speed was about one km per hour. The waterholes were a welcome relief from the ten hour days. On the third day we stumbled on an old art site as we searched for a way down a cliff. The style and colours of the art indicate it could have been thousands of years old. It was a timely reminder to us all that people have lived in this rugged country for thousands of years without the technology that we needed to survive for just four days. On the last day the pace picked up as all new only half a day of walking and a four hours hour drive separated us from a warm shower, comfy bed and air conditioning. There is still one trip to head out this semester. The Stage 2 students will be doing their practice hike at Barramundi Gorge (Muguk) Kakadu. They have 5 days to learn to learn how to run a bushwalk and to navigate before doing their self-reliant trip in Term 3. Aaron Dalgleish Outdoor Education Teacher 15
A resilient young man aiming to achieve
Learning to step up and be heard
It was smiles all around when Ibsa Margasa walked in to the SIEU a few weeks ago. Without hesitation, teachers immediately stopped their classes and proudly introduced Ibsa to their students. There he stood, a confident young man, dressed in long sleeves and long trousers, speaking in a relaxed and engaging way in front of a large group – English being, at the very least, his third language. The students were inspired by his story and the teachers could hardly hold back their tears of admiration and joy.
The Stage 1 Legal Studies classes attended an excursion as part of one of their assessments this term. With the help of Karen Parker, students participated in the Step Up Be Heard Program which allowed students to view the inner workings of Parliament. From their tour of the Hansard rooms, to the chambers, students were provided with an opportunity to see how the NT Government functions. After attending sittings at Parliament House, students had an opportunity to discuss and debate topics that affect Australians today.
Ibsa arrived in Australia in August, 2008 and started at Sanderson Middle School. (Back in Ethiopia, he had completed Year 6 in his first language, Oromo.) He came to SIEU in 2009 with little English, no computer skills and gaps in his learning and set out determinedly to complete Year 12 and gain his NTCET. And that he did, graduating in 2011.
Late last term, both classes participated in elections held by the Northern Territory Electoral Commission in conjunction with Parliament House. Campaign speeches were presented and staff and students participated in the voting to elect a new government. Once the Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition were chosen, the classes picked topics that they felt were relevant and current. Ms. Wilton’s class looked at the Euthanasia issue, while Ms. Barrow’s class focused on the Education Reform Act. The Honourable Michael Gunner, Member for Fannie Bay, met with the classes to provide tips for the students to use during their presentation of their speeches.
When he finished school, he eventually was successful in getting a job as a technician with Telstra. He tells us that, at the interview, he was asked why he wanted the job as he had little formal qualifications to support his application. “I told them that I just want to give it a try. I think I can learn and do the job, but if I can’t I’ll just stop! They must have been impressed with him for they took him on, trained him and he found himself working in places all over the NT.
Despite the nervous tension that thrummed through them, the students did a fantastic job presenting their Bills before Madame Speaker. The presence of some parents helped to bolster their confidence. This program provided students with an opportunity to experience first-hand the functions of government. It also emphasised the importance of our democracy and was a reminder to appreciate the legal system within Australia. The Legal Studies teachers would like to thank everyone who contributed their time and effort to this program.
Now, he is newly married to a lovely young woman studying bio-medicine, and he is moving to Perth to be with her. He is taking up an Electro Technology course at Edith Cowan University in Perth. Ibsa carries with him very fond memories of being in the SIEU. “It's a beautiful environment and very supportive. That's what made me feel that SIEU was my second home.” He added humbly, “My happiest moment was Graduation Day. Because of my English, I wasn't expecting that I would ever reach that level.” “The advice I have for SIEU students is that you should never say no to anything that you would like to do and always tell yourself that if you work hard and keep trying, you can achieve.” We look forward to hearing more from this resilient young man. Robyn Northcote
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SIEU: After School Swimming Classes 2014 This year, the Secondary Intensive English Unit (SIEU) are running after school swimming classes for students who either want to learn to swim or wish to improve their swimming skills. This semester, approximately 25 students have learned to swim by attending this program. In Term 3, DHS invites swimmers to participate in the City Cluster Schools Swimming Carnival. If you wish to participate and have never thought you had the skills, then these lessons are a way to prepare for the event in October. Mrs Trish Cryer has done an awesome job coming to the pool each week to be our ‘spotter’. Ms Vida Goodvach Teacher and Swimming Instructor .
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Defence Transition Mentor News
An inspirational speaker visits C4E Maths
Education Assistance If your child requires tuition assistance with their studies while at Darwin High School, the Department of Defence may be able to help. For more information and an application form, contact the DTM.
In Term 2, the Year 11 Centre for Excellence Mathematics class welcomed Mark Thiele, an engineer with more than 20 years of experience. In this brief presentation, Mark not only talked about engineering but also showed the class the opportunities that engineering gave him and will potentially give us.
Year 10 ADF Students’ Lunch A lunch was held for Year 10 Darwin High School Defence students and their classmates. We discussed the role of the Defence Transition Mentor, Term I reports and possible activities that students may be involved in during the year. ADF Cadet Information Session Students Aiden Hernandez -Edgar, (Airforce Cadets), Laura and Lailani Triffitt , (Navy cadets) pictured helped present an information session to SIEU students at Darwin High School. The students spoke about the activities that they participate in and how belonging to the cadets can help develop leadership skills, improve teamwork, make new friends and learn a range of skills that can benefit their future careers. Defence Family Hotline The Helpline operates 24-7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists. The Helpline can assist with managing during deployment, posting and relocation, support for partners’ employment and education, support services in the community and assistance with children’s education, childcare options and support for children with special needs. The Defence Family Helpline is: 1800 624 608 or email: Helpline@defence.gov.au
The class also got a chance to look at a motor that used electromagnetic technology. Mark even brought along an electromagnetic motor, rare earth magnets and a model made from a 3D printer for the class to examine. Mark explained that instead of having to use a program that requires two days to calculate if the motor was slanted, we could use simple mathematics like trigonometry and Pythagoras’ Theorem to solve the problem. By allowing us to realise that the simple calculations were just as important as the complex ones, he couldn’t have made engineering a more appealing prospect to a Mathematics class. We were amazed at seeing the different fields of engineering such as civil, chemical, mechanical, software engineering, etc. But apart from all the glory of engineering, the class learnt that it was not only about profit and job opportunities but was also a chance to explore cleaner living. One option to consider is to use tidal energy by constructing water turbines in the sea in the Northern Territory. Mark taught the class that as an engineer of great things, we will feel not only job satisfaction but also the responsibility. “There are no little mistakes in engineering”.
The Top Ender The June/July edition of the Top Ender is now available and contains excellent articles relevant to Defence Families. If you are not receiving the Top Ender magazine, you can organise delivery by emailing: thetopender@aapt.net.au.
It was a pleasure having Mark talk to us about engineering and I think that the whole class agreeded that Mark did not just give us a presentation, he gave us inspiration. Micki Teng
DTM working hours A reminder to ADF parents that my working days at DHS are Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, however I am generally available most days of the week to discuss any issues regarding your child’s wellbeing. Paul McConnell Defence Transition Mentor
Mark explained to the class that engineering was a way to use maths, physics and logic as tools to solve problems and to predict the future. The class was fully engaged in Mark’s interactive presentation because we were completely awed by the complexity, excitement and challenges that engineering could offer.
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Sports News Basketball DHS had seven teams participate in the Top End Cluster Tournament held at the Darwin Basketball Association’s stadium on Wednesday 30 April. Five boys teams played and finished 3rd,4th,5th,8th and 9th. All the lads had a great time with good skill levels, team play and team spirit displayed. Our two girls teams were sensational in placing 1st and 6th. Members of our winning team were Sabrina Stroud, Laura Triffitt, Leilani Triffitt, Katerina Thompson, Rachel Park and Annelies Kersemakers. Soccer The Top End Seven-a-Side Football (soccer) Tournament was played on Tuesday May 13 at Bagot Fields. Darwin had two boys teams and one girls team. Our lads were placed 3rd and 7th while our girls again outshone the rest to place 1st. Our team members were Emily Stephenson, Themelina Roditis, Katrina Thompson, Dabassavin Smith and Georgia Halkitis. Touch Football DHS had two teams in the Cluster Touch Tournament held Wednesday June 4 at the Fanny Bay Race Course Fields. Our first team won the Senior Schools Mixed Competition through patience and an excellent display of touch football skills. This side was undefeated against five other teams, winning each game easily. Standout players on the day were Tipene Shepherd (Year 11), Junior Mungawai (Year 11) and first time touch player – soccer convert- Matti Crookes (Year 10).The full team was: Charlie Marrington, Maleli Motonicocka, Viliami Panuve, Kieran Roth, Josh Morters, Benjamin Morters, Riccardo Smith, Mattie Crooks, Alyssa Eres, Jenzen Lazaro, Tipene Shepherd, Junior Mangawai, Jack Brannelly and Rafaet Farhan. Cross Country The Top End Secondary Schools Cross Country Championship was run over eight Wednesday afternoons over three kilometre courses around Dripstone Beach. The School had eight students compete over the time and our team placed second overall out of eight schools. Our team comprised Lauren Northcote, Matilda Lyons, Tilly Lucas, Shannon McSkimming, Amy Messenger, Riley Julicher, Edward Moore and Christopher Milikins. Representative Sport Rugby League - Congratulations to Rein Moyle and Angus Warhurst for their selection to, and participation in NT 17 Years team who competed at the Combined Affiliates State Championship in Adelaide, 4-9 June where NT was equal first. SSNT Netball - Isabella McDonald was been selected for the School Sport NT team for the Australian Schools Championship to be held in Term 3. Earlier this year, Isabella was selected for an Australian squad following the U17 Nationals and she participated in a training camp at the AIS. AFL – Marcus Valastro, Matthew Blake and Thomas Brown have been selected for the School Sports NT team to contest the Australian Schools Combined Australia Football Championship from July 16-26. Steve McGugan School Sports Coordinator 20