TERM 2 2019Â NEWSLETTER
Principal
LETTER FROM THE
Dear Students and Families, It is difficult to believe that we are at the end of Semester 1 of our school year. It has been a very full term as the staff continue to work hard at providing the best education possible for our students and the students work hard to learn strongly and participate in all the opportunities that are provided. During term 2 we have focussed on the questions or theme of “What is the Life I want to Live ; What do I have to let go of to live this life?” We have encouraged the students to think carefully about the kind of future they want for themselves once school has finished. To help them think about these questions, the school has begun to put into place a ‘Pathways Program’, and the options that might be available for students once they graduate from year 12. Currently, we have a number of opportunities in place to help our students consider pathways after school and in so doing, build their confidence in working with others and in their own skills, gain more understanding of the work place and further study, help them to weigh up what they may be interested in doing after school and realise that they have options. The opportunities that are currently available include : 1. Six of our students applied and have been accepted into the James Cook University Winter School for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Students. This will be occurring during the first week of the school holidays – 30th June – 5th July- at the Townsville Campus. This will provide them with an opportunity to mix with other Indigenous students, explore what university life is like and to think about other options for work and study after school. 2. JCU’s Indigenous Education and Research Centre are interested in supporting The Girl Academy so our students have opportunities to explore University/TAFE Study. We will be visiting the campus during the year and senior students will have the opportunity to speak to their staff and understand what support exist if they decide to go to university. 3. One of our year 11 students is currently undertaking study towards a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education. This is a two year course and will be accredited as part of her QCE. She is motivated to complete this qualification so she can work at the childcare centre back in her community once she graduates from year 12.
4. One of our students is currently doing work experience with Cape York Land Council, within its Native Title Department. 5. We are in contact with the Special Recruiting Team- Indigenous, Defence Force, who offer varied pathways options for our students once they leave school. In term 4 the recruitment process will begin for senior students who are interested in this option after finishing school. As a school community we have also been exploring the 2019 NAIDOC theme, “Voice, Treaty, Truth : Let’s work together for a Shared Future”, as we prepare for our NAIDOC day on the 25th of June. As part of exploring this theme, we have been discussing and exploring why an Acknowledgement of Country is important, that MABO Day recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have always had legal claims to the land in this country and that terra nullius is no longer law. We have also been learning about how NAIDOC Day began with the 1938 Mourning Day as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples fought for legal recognition. We feel strongly in this school that the history and story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is told so that our students’ identity and sense of belonging is strong and the staff also grow in their knowledge and understanding of the complete history and story of this country which began more than 60000 years ago. As such, this term will culminate in the school displaying Acknowledgement of Country signs as a recognition of The First Australians and a reminder for everyone who works, learns in and visits the school, that we are always on Country. We thank you as parents and families of our students for your continued support for your children and the work we do here at The Girl Academy. I would also like to thank all the staff for the care they show our students and the work they do with them to help them become confident learners. And finally, I would like to thank our students who attempt every day to participate in their learning, take up opportunities they are offered and to stay strong with who they are becoming. SHOBA KALOS Principal, Cape York Girl Academy
Our Timetable
Travel Dates TERM 2 (9 WEEK TERM)
FRIDAY 26TH APRIL – FRIDAY 28TH JUNE
Term Starts/Students Travel Day – Friday 26th April Term Ends/Students Travel Day – Thursday 27th June TERM 3 (10 WEEK TERM) MONDAY 15TH JULY – FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER
Term Starts/Students Travel Day – Monday 15th July Term Ends/Students Travel Day – Thursday 19th September TERM 4 (8 WEEK TERM) WEDNESDAY 9TH OCTOBER – FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER
Term Starts/Students Travel Day – Wednesday 9th October Term Ends for Graduating Year 12 Students – Friday 15th November Term Ends for Years 7 - 11/Students Travel Day – Thursday 28th November
PRE-VOCATIONAL
MATHS
Students in Senior Mathematics class are those completing years 10, 11, and 12. This semester, were challenged to use their knowledge, understanding and skills in whole numbers, basic calculations, fractions, decimals and percentages, and rates, and the application of these concepts in financial mathematics to plan an alternative holiday trip to the common ‘schoolies week’ on the Gold Coast. This challenge was to help the students develop their numeracy and learning skills in the contexts of expressing personal identity, achieving personal goals and understanding and interacting with the wider community. Teacher: Ms Dianne Austrai-Ombiga
MATH This Semester we researched to find the total costs involved in going on a trip to a chosen place. I chose Honolulu in Hawaii to plan for, because it looks so nice and I’d really like to go! I found a hotel to stay in. It was pretty expensive, but I worked out that I could save the money to cover its cost by working several jobs in Cairns, including McDonalds. I created a PowerPoint presentation that demonstrated how I had calculated all the costs for my holiday. Believe it or not, the flights are fairly expensive; one thousand, one hundred and fifty-six dollars ($1256) return and then two hundred and eighteen dollars ($218) for travel insurance. I allowed two thousand and eighty dollars ($2080) for food and drinks because I love food! I cant wait to go! Student: Reshmae Bani
JUNIOR
MATHS
Students in Junior Mathematics class are those completing years eight and nine. It is a small class of usually five to six students so each student is given enough assistance to help them develop and improve in areas of difficulty. The students studied the concepts of place value, ordering numbers, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of larger numbers. They also also studied fractions, decimals and percentages and how they apply these concepts to real life and everyday situations. Teacher: Ms Dianne Austrai-Ombiga
HASS
SCIENCE This semester, the students studied water and its importance as a natural resource in our world. They also studied the interrelationship of the sun, moon and the Earth and other planets. Students then studied the structure and composition of the Earth and the relationship of tectonic plates to the formation of mountains, valleys, earthquakes and volcanoes. The focus of these units was on interrelationship between solar system and natural occurrences. Teacher: Ms Dianne Austrai-Ombiga
We learnt lots of new information and researched facts about life in Ancient Greece and Egypt. We really enjoyed playing games to try to help us to remember what we learnt. We would ask each other questions to see if someone else could answer it correctly. For example: QUESTION: What did ancient Egyptians write on and where did it come from? ANSWER: Papyrus paper. This is a reed that grows in marshy areas around the Nile River where they lived. Student- Brandy Dhamarrandji
Cultural Studies DREAM & DO In Term 2, the senior and junior girls set powerful intentions in the Culture Circle to help focus their energy and minds on the life they wanted for themselves. The daily intentions such as believe in yourself; never give up; make the most out of it; smile, laugh and have fun were considered important for their learning, health and cultural wellbeing. Karen Wilson
JUNIOR
English
Junior students have had an extremely proactive semester with all students demonstrating significant improvement in the areas of reading, vocabulary and comprehension. They enjoyed examining the many novels including Storm Boy and a number of shorter texts and most recently the award winning book called Caleb. The girls have been playing word games and completing various other activities to stimulate the retention of new vocabulary and spelling. I look forward to continue working with the girls on their return! Teacher: Karen Charlton
English JUNIOR
In English this term we have been reading the book “The Perks of a Wild Flower.” It’s interesting and very engaging and we have been learning alot. It’s different compared to other books we’ve read in class because it is so personal, truthful and relatable. I like the idea of how the story is portrayed in a series of letters, as opposed to chapters. We enjoy reading this book and can’t wait ‘till we get to the last letter! Students: Esther Brim & Tamiley Genai
Music
Notation in music provides many opportunities for learning which cross over into other areas of the curriculum particularly literacy and numeracy. Notation involves: • identifying what a note looks like, • identifying the duration of each note, • reading and clapping rhythm and • listening and writing rhythm. All students are immersed in developing these skills from week to week. Teacher: Ms Rubina Kimiia
Drama Term 2 saw the Academy work with the Miriki/ Biddigal First Nation Dancers on a 10 week program under the guidance of Pauline Lampton, the Head Artistic Director of the company. Pauline set the scene for the technical and creative work that would follow by contextualising the historical trauma First Nations people have endured in Australia before moving onto a more personal story around the Stolen Generation in pictures and video testimony coming out of Durag Country, Western Sydney. These narratives then became the backdrop to the creative work the girls produced under the direction of Shelly and Tanya , two of the Miriki dance teachers. The final piece, including the accompanying story, was presented at the Girl Academy as part of our NAIDOC day celebrations which commemorated the enduring untapped wisdom of First Nations in Australia through TRUTH -VOICE -TREATY.
SENIOR ART WORK
JUNIOR & SENIOR
Art
Wow! What a semester! Students from both senior and junior classes have thoroughly engaged in the learning and enjoyment during art classes and produced some outstanding work. I am very proud of the students and feel blessed that I have been able to watch them develop the skills they have and grow so much confidence. After completing masks and photographic work relating to personal identity, the senior students have most recently been working on a folio of designs demonstrating experimentation using different mediums to document familiar environments. Whereas; our junior students have worked more generally on art activities integrated with their study of HASS: the civilisations of ancient Egypt and Greece. As in both these civilisations the art work had significant features and combined the use of symbols as does the work of our Indigenous people, the junior girls have created works that incorporate their own symbols. Over the Semester all girls have worked on designs for Naidoc Day and/or The AFL Football jersey for the Indigenous round. As previously communicated our junior student, Kameek Brim was awarded with the winning entry. Our congratulations go especially to Kameek, but also to all of the girls who also put in outstanding designs. Unfortunately, due to cost of production for the NAIDOC t-shirts our winning design completed by Brandy, Aretha and Aaliyah could not be produced this year. Teacher: Karen Charlton
JUNIOR ART WORK
Massive congratulations to Kameek for creating such an incredible design! We are so proud of your hard work!
Hospitality PRACTICES
Year 10, 11 and 12 students in Hospitality Practices studied about the Hospitality Industry, what hospitality is about and the sectors of the hospitality industry. Students were taught about personal attributes and presentation that are essential to working in the hospitality industry. In their practical lessons they learnt to work in teams and develop skills to prepare, produce and serve hot and healthy cold beverages, using local produce. Another focus of this subject this semester was to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in kitchen production and service for casual dining. They were able to make decisions on planning, implementing and critiquing two actual events: Mobile Beverage Bar and a 3-Course Budget Meal. Teacher: Ms Dianne Austrai-Ombiga
Technology JUNIOR
Students in Junior Technology class are those completing years eight and nine. This subject has a theory and a practical component. Students studied Food and Nutrition, and Human Development and Relationships in the theory lessons. The focus of these units is to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to influence their decisions in food choice and becoming healthy adolescents. In their practical lessons, they focused on baking healthy snacks and produced quality, edible products. Teacher: Ms Dianne Austrai-Ombiga
Life Skills PROGRAM
Girls take turns in pairns each day to prepare the evening meals. During this time they are mentored by Miss Annette, to develop their cooking skills & healthy eating habits. This program is also a part of their Hospitality Practices & Junior Technology class. Teacher: Ms Annette Aasman
HPE
Over the Semester our senior students' have participated in research, discussions and physical activities designed to assist them to develop a good understanding of the physical skills, nutrition and nutritional requirements for performance in sport, particularly AFL football. All girls were successful in their creation of suitable meal plans and can give good reasons for their selections. Teacher: Karen Charlton Every other morning after ‘Dadirri,’ we all go for a walk down to the beach to get us pumped up and ready for learning. These morning walks really get us started for the day. Sometimes we enjoy a race down the road to the beach and we always laugh like crazy. When we arrive, we do individual stretches and/or go for a stroll on the beach if we have time. Sometimes we may be lucky enough to enjoy making sand sculptures, do a few hand stands or play ‘tiggy’. When we get back to school we feel ready and alive for the day and feel keen to learn. Students: Aretha Bani & Bon’Naia Hinton
DUKE OF EDINBURGH We are so pleased to announce our involvement in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (The Duke of Ed). The Duke of Ed is an exciting development program that provides young people the opportunity to accept challenges and explore their interests in a program tailored to suit personal circumstances and choices. The Award is both fun and challenging and helps participants’ aged 14 - 25 build confidence and resilience. Successful completion of The Duke of Ed during years 10 to 12 will contribute credit towards a student’s Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and is increasingly being recognised by potential employers. There are three levels of The Duke of Ed – Bronze, Silver and Gold. To achieve these awards, participants will complete an Adventurous Journey and regularly commit to three ongoing sections: learning a Skill, participating in a community Service and taking part in Physical Recreation. Senior students have now signed up to complete their bronze and we are looking forward to seeing them grow! Further information on the Duke of Ed awards is available at www.dukesaward.qld.gov.au Teacher: Karen Charlton
Drumbeat
DTo start the week with drumming is such a pleasure! This term the students have been enthusiastic and caught onto new rhythms quickly. They have had fun with tempos and testing themselves to see how quickly they could play without falling out of rhythm. Recently they have begun 'sitting steady' in the rhythm. This encourages students to; breath and relax, listen more deeply to each other, control the temptation to speed up and rush to the end, keep an even tempo for longer durations and to enjoy the feeling of creating music together.. The students enjoy the freedom and 'silliness' during some of our activities such as 'Pass The Rumble'. This activity involves watching and listening, experimentation and co-operation, but also allows everyone the choice to be stubborn (in a playful way.) It has been nice to witness students to be bold and feel safe enough to change directions or make the passer take it back. A great bond or relationship with each other, is built during drumming sessions. Teacher:: Miss Lucida.
YOGA Hatha Yoga Classes- Developing Inner Strength through Balance and Team- work. This term we’ve been focusing on using the power of the breath and feeling the added strength and ease of holding balances by harnessing and increasing the length of our outward breath. ‘Coming up off the mat’ is a key component in developing the practice of yoga and this term we’ve been off the mat more often than not, developing team work. Techniques of eye contact, breath synchronisation and balance all build into deeper use of the core muscle groups and in turn the calmative axis of brain function. These aspects in turn help all of us in our yoga class to start to connect with our own inner awareness of strength – of the body and of the mind. It’s also a great way to connect with new students and to be able to laugh at ourselves when our balance isn’t balanced. Teacher: Shell Clancy
EXTENSION
SENIOR ENGLISH Extension English is a new course for senior students. It is offered for one hour a week and attempts to extend the academic writing and critical thinking of students. The course also offers an introduction to the demands of university study and the kind of written work required from students. The students will be reading and discussing the short novella, ‘Metamorphosis’ by Franz Kafka in Term 3. It is a privilege to have the following students involved in this.- Tamiley Genai, Bon’Naia Hinton & Aaliyah Brim Teacher: Kon Kalos
CHILDCARE Term 2 began with activities designed to encourage our little students, Alycia and Deledio, to continue to explore their environment and discover the things that live within it. Through sessions, they learnt that animals have different foot prints by dipping the feet of toy animals into paint and printing them over paper. They identified and followed different patterns made by the footprints, at times attempting to mimic each animal as they printed it. Alycia and Deledio enjoy music and singing. They continued to use songs and games to practise their learning. For example they sang and acted out using hand gestures, ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,’ and “If you’re happy and you know it.” It is enjoyable to watch Alycia and her new play mate, Deledio, grow and learn. ‘Deledio’ has brought an exciting touch to our Learning Centre that we enjoy immensely. Many more enjoyable things will come next term as our little people make an imagination tree! Watch this space….. Childcare Coordinator: Lana Aasman
Boarding Report Term 2 has been another busy term filled with loads of activities and experiences. Boarding life at the Girl Academy prioritises Cultural Safety and peaceful learning and living environments. Boarding staff work closely with the Wellbeing team and Teaching staff to provide a seamless transition for students each day, between the boarding house and the academic program. This continuity of care results in productive relationships between students, teachers, the wellbeing team and the boarding house staff. A range of events gave the girls many opportunities to be engaged this term across academic and cocurricular activities – the girl’s achievements are remarkable. This term the girls have participated in Barefoot Beach Hockey, the Sand Sculpture Competition at the Carnivale in Port Douglas, Go-Carting and Laser tag, Movies (Top End Wedding), Cairns night markets, swimming at the Cairns Esplanade and of course one of the girl’s favourites” SHOPPING”. The girls also attended the performance of Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre. This term we have seen the Junior and Senior AFL competitions start. We have 10 girls playing AFL this year. One of our students Aretha Bani is playing up in
the Women’s Competition. Congratulations Aretha for this achievement. This term we have been fortunate to have Michelle Lawrie generously volunteer her time to run boxing clinics every Tuesday night at the Girl Academy. Michelle has been able to educate and pass on her knowledge to the girls on how to develop a healthy body and healthy mind. Michelle has Certificate III & IV in Fitness, Physiotherapy Level III and a Certificate of Nutrition. We really appreciate Michelle’s contribution to our boarding program. This term we welcomed a new student and her baby to Boarding. They are settling in nicely. During National Boarding Week which was held from the 13th – 17th of May we entered the ‘Boarding Culture’ social media competition run by Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA). We took out 3rd place for our photo entry which was amazing. A special thank-you to boarding staff for all your hard work this term and I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and look forward to seeing everyone next term. Kathy Hamilton Head of Boarding
A terrific second term has been enjoyed by all at the Girl Academy! We hope to see everyone back in Term 3 feeling fit, healthy, rested and keen to experience the next eventful term! Have a great break!
We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians, past, present and still to come, of this country upon which the Girl Academy stands.