Newsletter
2021 SEMESTER 1
C A P E YO R K G I R L A C A D E M Y
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
The Principal’s Dilly Bag
Traditional dilly bags are produced by Aboriginal peoples across Australia. The bags are mainly designed and used by women to gather food but are also sometimes used by men in ceremonies. They are most commonly found in the northern parts of Australian. Dilly bag basketry is also seen as cultural expressions and fine art. As the new Principal at Girl Academy, my Principal’s Dilly Bag message is a symbolic gesture of carrying a message to the readers. I hope that everyone enjoys the messages we have to share. The beginning of 2021 was a time the Girl Academy farewelled outgoing Principal, Shoba Kalos and I was welcomed with open arms. I am a proud Puuch Clan woman from the Wik, Wik Waya and Kugu Country of Aurukun. I am proud to work alongside two very experienced Indigenous women in Karen Wilson, the Head of Wellbeing, and Karen Salam the Head of Boarding – an allIndigenous Leadership Team. One of the things I was interested in upon starting my role at the Girl Academy was the meaning behind our logo. For those who didn’t know, the Cape York Girl Academy logo is the female Golden-Shouldered Parrot – a rare bird only found in the Cape York Peninsula. The rarity of the species makes it unique and worth looking after – like the girls of the Girl Academy. The flying bird represents this sense of freedom and being able to sing loudly and proudly. As an Aboriginal educator, I acknowledge the importance a student’s voice is in enabling them to develop a sense of place, purpose and community within the school. It is critical in guiding and informing all aspects of our school planning and execution. We must ensure we are culturally responsive and meet the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, and communities. Our staff also acknowledge the importance of their role in activating the sense of voice. Here is one staff member’s comment in relation to the values of the school, ‘Strong sense of community and ownership of cultural ways of working.
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Respect for staff and students. Commitment to the girls’ holist health and education’ During Term 2 the Teachers and I designed and implemented a whole school literacy session using a culturally responsive pedagogy that focuses on developing reading, literacy and English language acquisition skills. Three days a week, all members of staff read with a student. This allows the girls to hear reading, be read to and develop a love for reading. One day a week, all students join together for Literacy lessons, which allow students to be provided with individual support and guidance. Through philanthropic support, the school has recently purchased iPads to assist in facilitating individual, targeted learning enrichment, access to digital libraries and develop digital design. Just as the parrots wings on our logo hug around in a circular shape to represent support and togetherness, we have been busy fostering relationships with outreach programs and organisations who are happy to share, support and advocate for our students, mums and babies. This Semester the Girl Academy would like to shout out to the following organisations: - Mama Cocoa - REACH Boarding - Trinity Beach Bulldogs - Brumby’s Trinity Beach As you read through this newsletter, please enjoy the moments we have captured, which share in the privilege we experience of being part of Cape York Girl Academy and the work we do to enrich the lives of our young people and their communities. An Man Kan, Appow (That’s all, Good bye in Wik Mungkan – my traditional language)
Baressa Frazer, Principal
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Contents The Principal’s Dilly Bag............................................. 2 Acknowledgement of country..................................... 3 Health and Wellbeing.................................................. 4 The power of Culture Circle........................................ 6 On Country Excursion................................................. 8 Cooya Beach - Mud Crabbing.................................... 9 Student Stories…...................................................... 10 Dance - Drama ......................................................... 11 Visual Art.................................................................... 12 Early Learning............................................................ 14 English....................................................................... 16 Junior Design and Technology................................. 17 Humanities and Social Science................................ 18 Junior Science & Maths............................................20 Senior Hospitality and Numeracy............................. 21 Sport and Recreation................................................22 Rhythm Class............................................................23 Out and About with Boarding................................... 24 Girl Academy Scores................................................ 25 The new faces of CYGA............................................26 Fun and Games.........................................................28 [Grab your reader’s attention with a great quote from the document or use this space to emphasize a key point. To place this text box anywhere on the page, just drag it.]
See Clearly
Acknowledgement of country The Cape York Girl Academy acknowledges the Yirrijandji (pronounced irrikandji) people, past and present, as the traditional owners and first custodians of this ancient land upon which we move, live, work and dream at Wangetti. We also understand that with such an acknowledgement comes a responsibility to the spirit place of its ancestors. Thus each of us understands that we are never off Country. No matter where our birth country may be, the way we enter space, use space and the energy we leave behind affects the ongoing wellbeing of the land, the sea and our community. We also acknowledge that we are on First Nations People’ Country and that Country holds the knowledge and strength of the ancestors which guides our teaching at CYGA and still resides within, growing its people strong. We recognise that the Ancestors are still here - in the trees, in the wind, in the earth, in the sea breeze and its waters and in the hearts of the traditional custodians, and they will always be here, as will be the oldest living culture on earth, as the heritage of all Australians.
TERM 3 2021 START DATES Staff Return
Monday, 12 July
Student Travel Day
Tuesday, 13 July
Classes Commence
END DATES - TERM 3, 2021 Last day of class Wednesday, 15 September
Sit
Student Travel Day Thursday, 16 September
Strongly Listen Deeply
Staff Final Day
START DATES Student Travel Day
See Clearly Sit
Classes Commence
Strongly
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Listen Deeply
Friday, 17 September
TERM 4 2021 Staff Return
emphasize a key point. To place this text box anywhere on the page, just drag it.]
Wednesday, 14 July
Tuesday, 5 October Wednesday, 6 October Thursday, 7 October
END DATES Year 12 Formal
Thursday, 18 November
Year 12 Final Day
Friday, 19 November
Last day of class
Wednesday, 1 December
Student Travel Day Staff Final Day
Thursday, 2 December Wednesday, 8 December
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Health and Wellbeing The CYGA Wellbeing Team lead by Karen, Jodi and Chase have welcomed new programs and new staff in 2021. The five SEW (Social and Emotional Wellbeing) Programs offered through the Wellbeing Department are run by strong Indigenous women. They include the Culture Circle, Rhythm, Dance/Drama, Music and Deadly Choices (Healthy Lifestyles). The programs aim to support the girl’s holistic health and recognise the importance of relationships, connection to land, culture, spirituality and ancestry. The Wellbeing Team are partners with external health care providers such as Ngak Min Health Service, Child Youth Mental Health Service, and Cairns Dental Boutique offering dental care, nursing, counselling, and year 12/13 transition support.
The girls have enjoyed their one-on-one sessions with Melissa Bann and Kerry Savory to help identify their own calming coping strategies to manage stress. They have completed their Winter School applications with Leigh Noremberczyk and now eagerly wait for a chance to experience University life during the school holidays. All the best girls! Mama Coco Restaurant, Tanika Parker (CYGA Board Member), DIYDG - Deadly Indigenous Youth Doing Good, Dr Pastor Brian Lampton, Matthew Bowen (Rugby Player) are new connections in the local community. The programs and services through the Wellbeing Department nurture healthy connections to the body, mind and culture in preparation for the girls learning in academic classes.
Jodi Howe (Wellbeing Support Officer)
Chase Walker (Wellbeing Support Officer) – photo centre back. Ena Waianga (Deadly Choices) – front right.
Karen Reys Wilson (Head of Wellbeing)
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Staff and Students at Mama Coco’s Restaurant with special guest Tanika Parker – photo front right.
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
CALMING COPING STRATEGIES
LISTEN TO MUSIC
TALK ABOUT IT
DRAW A PICTURE
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
PRACTICE A HOBBY
PLAY OUTSIDE
SQUEEZE A STRESS BALL
COUNT TO 100
WALK AWAY
JOURNAL/ DIARY
Morning Dadirri (Deep Listening) – Who’s your Mob?
Staff and students farewell Kerry Savoy
Q & A WITH THE SENIOR STUDENTS
Q:
How does the Wellbeing Team help you?
A:
Achieve my goals and helps me finish my work.
When I’m sick or home sick.
Support me throughout my journey.
Maybe get me a job with connections.
Q:
How can you help yourself?
A:
Say ‘no’ when necessary.
Stay positive.
Keep your head up.
Don’t stress too much. Everything happens for a reason.
Focus more on the positive rather than the negative.
Be more interested and don’t over think.
Trusting and believing in myself.
Staying focussed and never giving up on my dreams.
Using my voice and stay strong. 5
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
The power of Culture Circle The Culture Circle allows students to yarn, express their thoughts, ideas, worries and helps to grow young strong voices. The students become involved in decision making, collective and individual action, develop empathy and compassion, learn about relationships and respect for self and others. Outings to the beach often brings about a sense of lightness and playfulness that breaks down perceived barriers. Culture Circle encourages connection amongst students to broaden their friendship base, widen social circles and gain cultural exchange from diverse communities and experiences.
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
On Country Excursion In term 2 the Culture Circle was welcomed to experience a place of cultural significance for women of the Kuku Yulanji people. The Sacred Place rests in the oldest continuous surviving rainforest in the world; Jamblaya - The Daintree. It was a very special experience for all who attended and we felt very privileged to be on this special part of country of the Kuku Yulanji people. (We acknowledged the respect for no photos to be taken at the Sacred Place, but got lots of snaps of our fun and adventures on the way to and from this beautiful place).
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Cooya Beach Mud Crabbing The Culture circle enjoyed the afternoon mud-crabbing along Cooya Beach. Students enthusiastically hopped amongst the mangroves and used their spears to seek out mud crabs and long bums. The result was a successful haul, brought home to cook up.
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Two students from the Senior Australian and Torres Strait Islander Languages class share their language stories… MY LANGUAGE STORY – By Aaliyah Brim I grew up in a small village called Kuranda but lived in a small family community called Mantaka. This place was run by all of the elders in Mantaka, all 8 of my great grandmother’s children. In Mantaka we lived next to the Barron river where we could camp, swim/bath. There were plenty of swimming places there. We called some of them ‘Big Sands’ (because there was a lot of sand) and ‘Snake Island’ which wasn’t really an island, but it had lots of snakes. There was also a place called ‘Mona Mona’. It was a mission in the middle of nowhere. My great grandfather owns that land and that’s where my grannies grew up. I mostly speak English and sometimes put a bit of broken English or Djabugay language in when I’m talking to my mum or grandmothers. I don’t really know how to speak my language fluently because we haven’t been taught completely how to speak it. My mum and grandmother both speak English, but my grandmother speaks Djabugay (not fluently) more often than my mum because she didn’t really learn it. My dad and grandmother both grew up speaking Papua New Guinean, but my dad forgot how to speak it because when they moved to Australia, he hung out with people who only spoke English. My grandmother, on the other hand, has never forgotten and now she speaks both languages. When I was younger my mum would take me to playgroup instead of kindergarten and at playgroup, we learnt how to speak our own Djabugay language and learnt how to say different parts of our body in language. I think that learning languages in school is definitely important because it would be a shame to not know any other languages at all. It would make someone feel left out because it’s like having a culture but not knowing how to express it. Since I can’t speak any of my language fluently, I think that not being able to learn it or not being taught it is a let-down because we’re supposed to carry on our culture and not forget it. 10
Brandy and Bianca sharing stories
MY LANGUAGE STORY – By Savanna Forbes When I was in primary school, I didn’t realise there was a different language. I was in grade 5 when I first learnt that the Kriol language I spoke was different to English. All of my friends spoke Kriol and we had to learn proper English in school. Some of our teachers didn’t understand what we were saying, and some did understand. My mum told me to speak English so the teachers in school could understand me. Knowing 2 languages is a good thing because it opens the doors to high school and jobs. When I speak my Kriol language, I feel like I’m at home. I feel comfortable and feel like I belong to something bigger. It connects me with my family and my culture and my community. It makes me feel really confident speaking my language anywhere I go. Speaking my language in another country it’s like I’m back home speaking to my friends and family. Speaking different languages is a confident thing to do.
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Dance - Drama The deadly Pauline, Shellie and Tanya from Miriki Performing Arts have continued to facilitate dance and drama workshops throughout the semester. Students have explored a mix of hip-hop and Indigenous contemporary dance and a mix of drama based activities. Along with the delivery of dance, Miriki facilitators have also delivered the GOTO (Gathering of Traditional Owners) process. This is a culture-based exploration process that empowers and supports students to identify their individual strengths. The students’ confidence in getting up in front of their peers is continuing to grow and each lesson there is lots of laugher from all involved.
Polynesian workshop
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Visual Art During Art this Semester both junior and senior students have produced some outstanding art work and should be very proud of themselves. Junior students have worked hard throughout the semester on a number of projects including painting pot designs, NAIDOC designs, and artwork to compliment their poems in English, and their studies of female leaders and First Nations peoples in Humanities and Social Science. They used a range of Art techniques to create some creative artwork.
they saw a variety of impressive portrait paintings, including a portrait of Adam Goodes which was painted by Vicent Namatjira, the first Indigenous Artist to win in the Archibald’s 99-year history. Over the semester both junior and senior students also created some amazing designs for the AFL football Jerseys for Indigenous Round.
Naidoc Designs Poetic artwork
Alexis Mau produced a poem expressing the feeling of freedom and used a combination of textas and paint to produce this creative piece of art to display her poem. Senior students have been busy this Semester. In term 1, the girls produced a series of 2D designs where they expanded their drawing techniques. Students explored the concept of identity, place and belonging through self-reflection and creation, and through critically analysing a range of art works which convey these themes. Students enjoyed an excursion to Janbal Gallery in Kuku Yalanji Country in Mossman, where Artist Brian “Binna” Swindley shared about his experience in setting up his 100% Aboriginal owned and operated Art Gallery. Brian shared meaning behind his artwork, dreaming stories, and also about his experience growing up being deaf. Staff and students left the gallery feeling very inspired. In Term 2, the students have been expanding their photography and editing skills in the unit ‘Magical moments’. They have enjoyed having a couple guest artists and photographers come in to teach new skills. Throughout the unit the girls have captured and edited some amazing photos. Students also enjoyed their excursion to the Archibald exhibition. There 12
Gallery excursion
Madeleine (Teacher) with Aaliyah, Verona and Bon’Naia on the Esplanade where they had lunch together on the Gallery excursion.
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Original Image
Editing photos using editing program ‘Photopea’
Edited Image
Doormats
Pot Art
Bon’Naia turtle artwork
The turtle in the picture is a representation of one of my totems and my mother. The five eggs beside it represent my siblings and I. The mountains in the background resemble the mountains surrounding my homeland, Mossman, and the central mountain is Manjal Dimbi, the mountain behind the dreaming of Mossman Gorge. This combination of my totem, my family and my peoples dreaming is a summary of a few of the important things in my life that shape my identity. Bianca artwork
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Early Learning THE EARLY LEARNING KALEIDOSCOPE We have so much to tell and so much to say
The next theme was art and we’re so pleased to report
About our Semester at CYGA
That we’re just so creative, Miss Rachael was taught.
And we love to dance and we love to sing
Since then we’ve done Dreaming, told stories, paint stones
So we thought we’d try rhyming everything.
And then we recycled, old forks to pine cones.
Miss Rachael felt sad when we were away
We had a carnival of animals, and some of them could roar
So when we came back ‘twas her happiest day
Transport and Nursery rhymes, you all know the score
From the time we arrived and every which day
And all the while we learnt to swim in the pool,
We’ve learnt, and we’ve grown and all through our play.
Went to muddies, gardens, Hartley’s – just everything was cool!
In Term 1 we were busy, it was ‘all about me’
We attended Mossman playgroup, enjoyed company of friends
Then splash, Aquarium visit, and then from week three,
When it comes to Early learning, well the fun just never ends.
We looked at our senses and studied each one,
Our Mum’s are busy learning and we’re proud of them it’s true.
Sight, smell, sound, touch, taste - and each one such fun.
With so much more to discover and learn – roll on Semester II.
We like to be...under the sea
Feeding our furry friends
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Water play at Muddy’s
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Art time and creativity
Choosing books at the library
Warming up the instruments for the girls
Round we go at Muddy’s
Elicyah swinging
Boat rides at Pirate Park on The Esplanade
What do we see, hear, smell and feel
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
English In Term 1, both senior and junior students explored a unit of ‘Songs and Poetry for change’. Students examined a range of poems and songs that explored issues such as Black Lives Matter and topics around Aboriginal Identity. Students read and analysed a range of poetry written by Artists such as Alice Eather, Beyonce and Tupac. They experimented with poetic devices such as similes, metaphors and personification. Junior students chose to write a song or a poem, and created some beautiful art to accompany their writing. The senior students explored their own identity through poetry and the factors and experiences that have shaped their identity. One student created a powerful poem based off her experiences at her previous school, where she struggled to find her identity and her mental health was affected by bullying. Fortunately she has since worked through this difficult time in her life and has stated she feels much happier at Girl Academy. In Term 2, junior students have been doing a unit of Scary Stories. Students have read and listened to a variety of scary stories, including ‘The Curse’, a particularly scary story that is told in Dalabon language in Central Arnhem Land. They have continued experimenting with figurative language to describe characters, setting and develop imagery. The girls are demonstrating significant improvement in areas of vocabulary and sentence structures and have some creepy ideas in their stories!
THE HUMILIATION The sense of alienation flushed over me. The taste of loneliness and judgment was as sour as a lemon. 2017 became the year everyone knew my name, but not for the right things. Some people stared, some decided on loud remarks, others seemed as though my presence was non-existent. The stench of rumours lingered everywhere I went, following me like an invisible shadow. It was in those times I became the thorns in everyone rose bush. Playing with my emotions became everyone’s favourite game. My depression was a sad song on repeat. School became an ocean of challenge and defeat. My friends became my enemies, The people I once trusted only added more fuel to the fire, Everyone’s true colours beamed through the world of grey. My light soon faded to a shadow, Everyday became more and more painful, My mind, body and soul was nothing, Worthless. Meaningless. Gone. My once happy face became a temperamental bomb waiting to explode. My body was nothing but skin and bone. My saturated brown skin was pale and lifeless. My happiness swept away like dust. Rumours become everyone’s reality. Anonymous
Murder in the hairdressing salon
Students developed their character in their story using Play dough.
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After playing a game of Cluedo, students discover a “Murder” in the hairdressing Salon, and used their imaginations try to discover the motive of the killer.
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Junior Design and Technology Design and Technology this semester involved the Junior class learning about design and production in two areas, textiles and gardens. TEXTILE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: Students were tasked with a design brief to design and produce items to decorate their rooms in Boarding. Most of the girls had not sewn before but they were very quick to pick up both hand and machine sewing skills. They started by creating a softie ‘love monster’ from felt which involved using a pattern to cut out the pieces of fabric, developing design ideas and sewing the softie together with two different hand-stitching techniques. The second project involved designing and creating 2 cushion covers. Students had to consider size, shape and fabric choice and had to include at least one embellishment on their cushion such as buttons, ribbon, or an applique designed by them. The project involved measuring and cutting fabric, preparing
seams and using the sewing machine to stitch the cushions. As the photos show, there were some wonderful results. SUSTAINABLE GARDEN DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: Students learnt about sustainable garden design and care. The Unit started with an introduction to Bruce Pascoe’s ‘Dark Emu’ book and his evidence about Indigenous sustainable land management techniques. Students then visited the Green Space community garden in Cairns and the Cairns Botanical Gardens to see sustainable garden design and practice in action. Students were given the design brief to create a school garden using sustainable techniques. This included starting a compost system with teacher Catalina and making wicking beds (small, self-watering gardens). Students prepared garden beds by clearing out unwanted weeds, testing soil for pH balance, mixing in nutrients and checking for worms. Vegetables and herbs have been planted and a watering/weeding roster is in place. Now we are waiting to reap the benefits of fresh food from our school community garden. Laurie Barrett – Teacher Sophia Goisisi – Teacher Aid
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Humanities and Social Science In Term 1, junior students learnt about a range of inspirational women in the unit ‘Contemporary and Historical Female Leaders for Change’. Students focused on Rosa Parks, Malala Yousafzai and Cathy Freedom and learnt about their lives, and what rights they were fighting for. Students then chose one of these female leaders to role play and answered a series of questions in a mock interview.
Malala inspired work by Josie
After learning about Malala’s challenges and life, Josie chose a quote by Malala that resonated with her and created an art work inspired by her. In Term 2, students have been studying a unit on ‘First Nations around the world’. Students have learnt about Maya people from Central America, Cook Island people from Polynesia, and Kuku Yalanji people in Far North Queensland, whose country is not far from the campus of Girl Academy. Students examined the cultural practices and way of life, as well as the impacts of colonisation. Throughout the unit students considered the similarities and differences across the nations and learnt the importance of questioning sources and fact checking. We were lucky enough to have an amazing guest Maurice Kaitamaki Chappell deliver a couple workshops on Polynesian and Cook Island culture. The students were very engaged and loved creating plates from palm leaves, peeling the coconuts, making coconut milk and using the coconut oil to put on their skin and hair. 18
Rosa Parks inspired work by Josie
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
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Junior Science & Maths
Students also visited the Mosman water treatment plant,
During semester 1, 2021 junior science students explored the
the wastewater treatment plant, where they observed how
different types of energy that are used to generate electricity around the world (Coal, wind, hydro, nuclear, solar). Students compared the advantages and disadvantages of renewable
including the Water Intake and Wastewater Treatment plant. Students observed the collection and treatment process that ensures the water that the residents are receiving is safe to drink and pleasant to taste. The day finished with a visit to the wastewater from our day to day activities is purified using physical (collection of solids), chemical (Chlorine disinfection), and biological (microorganism) processes. To consolidate their
and non-renewable energy, and worked on a project to design
understanding, students designed and created four different
and construct a model hydropower generator. The students
filtration systems and found the best design by observing the
used their craft skills and, with the help of Uncle Norm,
clarity of the water at the end of the process
carefully assembled their own hydropower generator. The students’ knowledge of science allowed them to find minor and major issues during the process, as our generators did not have enough capacity to produce light. However, this gave us the opportunity to discuss that failure is a crucial part of the scientific process, as it helps us to actively think about the process and to find solutions that are outside the box of established processes.
Maths is closely related with science and during the design process of both experiments students used mathematical skills such algebra and geometry without even thinking about it. I am looking forward to continuing work with the junior students, as they show great promise and interest in the subjects. As a new teacher at the Girl Academy, I feel grateful that I have had the opportunity to enrich each students learnings journey and also to have been invited to learn about their lives outside of the school.
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Senior Hospitality and Numeracy The end of term event was organised by the senior hospitality students as part of their assessment for the subject. All students and staff were invited for an event that included music, a three course lunch and two healthy drinks. Senior students worked cooperatively as a team deciding
begging for a second helping! All in all, the event was a great success. Senior students will keep practicing their cooking skills, and during term two they will have the opportunity to cook lunch for everybody each Monday. GA staff are looking forward to tasting the delightful meals the girls have to offer! Hospitality also provides the opportunity for students to learn skills other than cooking delicious meals for the academy staff, as numeracy is an integral part of budgeting costs for the ingredients and for calculating the correct amounts of ingredients during preparation. Furthermore,
the menu, music, decorations, and invitations between them.
communication, leadership, and time management skills
The event was a magnificent success, and the girls worked
are integral to the subject, and fundamental to the world in
diligently to accomplish their individual jobs. The food
which we live, so the girls should be very proud of what they
was absolutely delicious and left us licking our fingers and
have accomplished!
PLEASE JOIN US FOR CAPE YORK GIRL ACADEMY'S
End of Term Party March 18th 2021 CYGA DIning Area
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Sport and Recreation
been sharing different survival skills and knowledge they have learnt from their families and being on country which has been wonderful to learn about.
Every morning after Dadirri, all students and staff have continued to do some physical activity together to get us pumped and ready for the day. Together we usually play volleyball together, throw a football, or walk down to the beach. This is a great way for everyone to wake up and release endorphins through exercise and laughter. During Term 1 the senior students developed their skills in refereeing. All students took turns in refereeing basketball games using clear hand signals and delivering instructions. The students should be proud of themselves and the skills and confidence they developed! In Term 2, the students have been getting excited for their camp out where they will be able to demonstrate team work skills and survival skills. They have also
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Uncle Norm taking us on a walk to share some of his bush knowledge and survival skills
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Rhythm Class We have started back with RHYTHM Classes this Term and are having a lot fun! Continuing on from Ms Lucida’s African Djembe Drum Beat Sessions, we are now exploring new instruments such as Conga Drums (from Latin America) and assorted Hand Percussion, such as Clap Sticks, Kulaps (TSI) Shakers, Tambourines & Triangles. We are doing Hand Clapping Rhythm Games and have learnt the game, “SEVENS”. If you hear a lot of noise, rumbling and banging on the table, that will be us practicing our Hand Clapping Game. It takes memory, timing, co-ordination & tuning into each other. The girls are just too deadly and will soon be ready to add on extra challenges to the sequence. Carrying over from the Junior HASS Polynesian Studies, we had a hula lesson and shook our hips to the beat of the log drums. We enjoyed the challenge of making or own head dress out of cordyline leaves and had fun dressing up & tying our sarongs & will continue to incorporate some Hula Dance & rhythm fitness as our warm-up exercises. Coinciding with Reconciliation Week, we are also learning to sing a well-loved land mark song, called “YIL LUL” written by Joe Geia. “YIL LUL” means ‘SING’ in the language of the Guugu Yimithirr People of Far North Queensland. The song sings about the colours of the BAMA flag, Hope and a Dawning of a New Day. We are starting to free our voices with some vocal warm-ups and we will sing “YIL LUL”, a cappella, using our voices, hand claps, clap sticks & strong movements to make our statement. 23
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Out and About with Boarding Life is busy in boarding with sports, activities, excursions and relaxation to support our girls (and their beautiful children) when they aren’t in class, but still learning and growing in different ways. As part of our weekend boarding activities this semester, the GA team headed to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. We are very grateful to Hartley’s for their continued support of the Girl Academy and the wonderful experiences they provide to our girls and our babies, who love to visit there often.
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Excursions are an important part of boarding life and strengthen our bonds with each other and our local community. The girls (and staff) had a fantastic day and particularly enjoyed the boat cruise. The snake show was a little challenging for some, but it definitely made for some interesting conversation over dinner! Another great day out, (but gratefully with far less crocodiles!) was when the girls took Elicyah to the Cairns Children’s Festival. The weather was great and the Botanic Garden were stunningly beautiful. Fun was had with the mirrored ceilings which made for great, creative and crazy photos! The Esplanade was a nice spot to cool our feet in the lagoon and check out the birds at low tide. Of course, no day out with boarding would be complete without a well-earned ice-cream!
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Girl Academy Scores It was a winning kick-off to the sports season with the
organised sport and general fitness for their overall health and
incredibly generous donation from Boots for All of sporting
wellbeing. And the equipment is certainly being put to good
gear, sports boots and sports equipment for the girls and
use with our own Estherlita recently being announced player
athletes of the Girl Academy.
of the game after she scored the winning point for her Central
Since 2006, sporting goods recycling charity, Boots For All
Bulldogs team during a recent nail-biting under 18 women’s
has been on a mission to dissolve barriers to sport and social
match!
inclusion across Australia.
So thank you to Boots for All and all those individuals and
This is a great opportunity for our amazing girls to have access
organisations who donate to make social change! You are
to quality sporting equipment to allow them to participate in
champions.
“Sport has the power to change the world…it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.” Nelson Mandela
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
The new faces of CYGA Catalina Bejarano Sanchez - Teacher My name is Catalina Bejarano Sanchez, and I am one of three teachers at the Girl Academy in Wangetti. I am originally from Bogota, Colombia, but have been living in Australia for almost 15 years. Before becoming a teacher, I worked extensively in science and biology, and I still have a strong passion for both these fields. During my studies I worked at schools in the Whitsunday’s, the Western Central Desert, and the Kimberley, and I feel very fortunate that I have found a home here in Cairns with the Cape York Partnership. I love teaching as it gives me the opportunity to support young people on their learning journey and because I get to learn interesting things about my students. In my free time I like to travel, explore nature, and spend time with my husband Zack and my cat Taco.
Madeleine Boyd - Teacher Hi everyone, my name is Madeleine, and I had the privilege of joining the Girl Academy as a teacher. I grew up in Gubbi Gubbi country in the Sunshine Coast and I spent the past 3 years as a teacher in Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, before moving to beautiful Cairns. Prior to becoming a teacher I did a double degree in Human Services and in Creative Industries (Drama), where I had the opportunity to complete a range of placements including at a centre for refugees in Brisbane, an organisation supporting young people in the Aboriginal community of Cherbourg, an NGO for people with disabilities in Cambodia, and a project supporting people experiencing DV in Papua New Guinea. I am passionate about empowering young girls to find their voice, and I feel so proud to work at a school that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. I feel especially privileged to be able to work with these amazing resilient girls here at the Girl Academy, and with our incredible team of staff.
Nikki Sebastianelli (aka Nikki Doll) Growing up on the Atherton Tablelands, my family originally came from Rabaul, East New Britain in Papua New Guinea. I am also of Italian & Chinese descent and our family relations include Bama and TSI, so we eat every kind of food at my house! With a background in music, I am a professional entertainer and voice artist and perform in various genres and venues, from Solo act, bands, choirs, studio recording, children & family entertainment, cabaret, musical theatre, civic festivals,weddings, parties, & collaborate with other artists on commissioned projects, civic festivals, commissioned projects & community events. I am a mother of a teenage daughter, named Aminata and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share and learn, working in my new role as Teacher Aide, alongside such an amazing team & student cohort of the strong & inspiring women at CYGA.
Mel Dunstan – Nurse Hi I’m Mel Dunstan - part of the Ngak Min Health team who visits the Girl Academy to yarn about Health. I am a Nurse Practitioner, Midwife, Child Health Nurse, Diabetes Educator, and Women’s Health Nurse. I love speaking with anyone about how we can keep ourselves healthy including preventing illness. I enjoy getting to know people and hearing their stories before working with you about your health. I look forward to my visits to the Girl Academy and getting to know you all
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
Leigh Noremberczyk - Trainer and Assessor Originally from Victoria, after completing high school, I applied for a Hairdressing apprenticeship. Joining the hairdressing industry I continued my studies and obtained a Certificate IV in Hairdressing. With these gained skills I became a Salon Manager and later owner-operator. After 15 years in the industry, I became interested in teaching my trade. I have now been a Trainer and Assessor for the past 7 years and I am currently studying for my Dual Diploma TAE50116 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training & TAE50216 Diploma of Training Design & Development. I have been training the Certificate II Salon Assistant at Djarragun College since 2019 and became VET Coordinator in June 2020. This year commencing in Term 2, I now have the pleasure to work alongside students at Cape York Girls Academy, supporting the girls with their chosen vocational education and student pathways for work experience including post year 12 employment. I am very excited to be part of Cape York Girl Academy and look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience.
Melissa Bann – Counsellor Melissa is a Qualified Counsellor and Sandplay Therapist. Her main specialities are person-centred counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, trauma counselling, psychodynamic approach and mindfulness. Melissa has been married to Torres Strait Islander Jeffrey Bann for over 17 years. They have one daughter together – Katie aged 7. Melissa also has six stepchildren and seventeen step grandchildren. Melissa worked previously for Indigenous organisations both in Cairns and Victoria as a Case Manager and Therapeutic Practitioner providing counselling and therapeutic support for children in out of home care and youth ‘at risk’ of having adverse contact with the criminal justice system. Melissa works two days a week at Djarragun College and one day a week on a Thursday at Cape York Girls Academy as a Counsellor. She engages the girls in individual counselling and also runs an anger management class. Melissa also runs her own practice two days a week at Nintiringanyi Cultural Training Centre, Mooroobool providing individual counselling and anger management and anxiety classes. Melissa has worked with Indigenous children, youth and adults for around 27 years. Melissa finds her most rewarding work is the work she does with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female teenagers helping them heal and restore from past trauma and go on to be strong, resilient, positive leaders within their community.
Kerry Savory – Student Counsellor I’m completing my studies in a Bachelor of Counselling and was fortunate to be able to do my final placement with Ngak Min Health Centre. As part of this placement I’ve had the privilege of working with the staff and students at the Cape York Girl Academy for the past few months. The Girl Academy is a very special place. During my short time here, I have witnessed how the staff truly care about the girls, not only in providing an education but focusing on their social and emotional wellbeing. Combined this will enable and empower the girls to become proud First Nation Women who are resilient and equipped to go forward and live a full life. The highlight of my time at the Academy has been getting to know the girls. I have loved working with them and have been inspired by them in so many ways. They truly are an amazing group of young women.
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
‘Time To Listen’ podcast
Sophia and Madeleine at the end of term one Mexican fiesta celebration
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Fun and Games
2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
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2021 SEMESTER 1 NEWSLETTER
“
Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi, Indian activist.
Thank you all for your fantastic efforts this Semester. What an amazing First Semester of Learning, Living and Growing together. We hope you enjoy your mid year break and we can’t wait to see you all in Semester II. Your Cape York Girl Academy Family
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