Cape York Girl Academy Term 4 Newsletter

TERM 4 2019 NEWSLETTER

Principal

LETTER FROM THE

Principal’s report for Term 4 2019 Newsletter :

Greetings to students, teachers, families and friends of The Cape York Girl Academy. As the year draws to an end, I would like to begin by congratulating those students who have worked hard, engaged with their lessons and participated in our programs during the year. They need to be commended for their ability to stay strong with their learning even when they have faced challenges. This ability will continue to build their resilience and most importantly a strong belief in themselves that they can overcome difficulties and create a life of worth for themselves.

I would also like to express my gratitude to all of the staff at the Girl Academy who each provide, in their different roles, an environment within which our students can persist in their learning, open their eyes to new knowledge and experiences without being afraid, remain strong when they find work difficult and celebrate their achievements. We are committed to creating a community of care for our students, a ‘home away from home’ where they feel safe and comfortable to learn, rest, make new friends and most importantly grow in their self-confidence and belief that they can complete their education and have choices about the future they want for themselves.

A focus for this term has been expanding opportunities for our senior students to engage in work experience, as part of their Duke Of Edinburgh Bronze Award. We have students who go regularly to Hartleys Crocodile Farm, Mossman Goodstart Early Learning Centre, Mossman State School, Salvation Army and Starwin Shop in Port Douglas. Our students are learning about different jobs, the expectations of work places, interacting with customers and staff and the skills that each job requires. More of our students are beginning to speak about their future after school whether it is participating in work or further study. They have also visited TAFE to learn about further study options through certificate courses and apprenticeships. We hope that such opportunities will help them transition from school to post school with more confidence and optimism about what possibilities may open up for them.

In saying this, we are also aware that for our students to progress in their education so that they can be confident in their future, it is so very important for them to attend school every day. This will be the only way they can catch up with their learning and continue to improve in their literacy and numeracy. Arriving on time at the start of each school term and limiting the need for them to travel home during term will help a great deal in making sure that they miss no school and no lessons. We are already seeing literacy improvement in those students whose attendance is 90-100% every term. We want this for all our students so their future can be bright and purposeful.

We hope all of you have a safe, peaceful and happy Christmas and start to 2020. Enjoy your time together with family and friends and I look forward to seeing everyone back in the New Year.

Thank you all again for your support this year.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter and it provides you with a glimpse of our term.

Shoba Kalos Principal, Cape York Girl Academy

EVERY DAY COUNTS!!!!!

It is clear to see how important every day of schooling is for educational progress to occur.

What seems like only a few days missed can actually translate into years of schooling missed. This has a direct impact on literacy and numeracy development. Little education means that life choices can be very limited.

Poor education is also linked to poverty and poor health. If our girls attend 100%, their lives could change in terms of the future choices they may be able to have with regards to work and further study. And if their lives change then perhaps the lives of their own children will also change for the better. They could have a positive impact across generations. I trust that we will continue to support one another to help ensure that our students and your children have the best chance possible to complete their schooling.

Our Timetable

Travel Dates

TERM 4, 2019 (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 Days – Thursday 28th November

Term 1, 2020 (10 Week Term) Wednesday 29th January – Friday 20th September Term Starts/Students Travel Day – Wednesday 29th January Term Ends/Students Travel Day – Wednesday 2nd April

Theatre

as an Important ART Event at CYGA The Creative Drama course forms part of the school’s social and emotional program and aims to develop in each of our students self- regulatory skills in the way we relate and understand others. Throughout the past two years we have regularly funded our students to attend and discuss a range of productions starting with Jute Theatre’s production of Bukal, the story of Henrietta Fourmile, Marie, a proud Gumuy Walaburra Yindinji woman and her journey through adversity to eventually the United Nations in New York. This was followed by an amazing acrobatic and balancing production at the Tanks by CIRCA ; Shakespeare’s comedy, Twelfth Night ; WOVEN, a musical by Austranesia, a local Indigenous Dance and Song ensemnble, celebrating International Women’s Day; and a powerful production, Bennelong, by Bangarra Dance Company at the new Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

The year finished with our students going to a wonderful multiethnic production, Alice in the Antipathies, by Dr. Sasi Victoire, which explored themes of displacement, cross-cultural interaction and the search for identity in a changing world. What follows is a student review.

"The Production of Alice in the Antipathies was incredibly fascinating. I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to witness this phenomenal production with my peers. The performance explored the divergence between different world views. I thought the idea of this presentation was extremely significant. In point of fact, the cast were absolutely remarkable. I love how ‘Alice in Wonderland’ was depicted in this play and the effects of falling into the rabbit hole; this concept fitted in perfectly in the story because we all feel trapped sometimes, we lose ourselves and fall into cultural rabbit holes. The ending was precisely beautiful. I was truthfully moved by this production. Dr. Sasi Victoire is a true genius. I am excited to see her next play".

- Tamiley Genai Each of these productions offers the students a glimpse into life’s possibilities in ways that we sometimes do not see.

Kon Kalos (Head of Wellbeing)

Life Skills PROGRAM

Each day Miss Annette supervises and mentors two different students as they prepare the evening meal.

This program is designed to assist students with their cooking skills and is a part of their Hospitality Practices & Junior Technology class.

Tafe Queensland Visit Make it happen– Don’t let your education end: make it a lifelong journey to improve yourself.

What are you hungry for? Why Tafe?

During Term 4 our senior students visited the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) centre in Cairns to orientate themselves to possibilities after they finish their formal education in year 12.

Although students are to be congratulated upon graduating, in many ways the real journey in life begins when they finish year 12 because they now have to make choices that can have life-long consequences amidst many distractions. School to Work Transition for our Indigenous students is a National issue So, we are very aware of helping our students educate themselves about the options they have after leaving school so that they can continue their education and growth both culturally and intellectually.

TAFE is a place where our students can further their education in three ways: Firstly, it can offer Job-focused training in chosen fields such as Early Childhood Education, Conservation and Land Management, Creative and Performing Arts (Music), Sport and Recreation, Accounting and Business Management & Primary Health Care.

Secondly, it can offer an integrated approach to Industry work such as a trade apprenticeship or Hospitality work and study happening side by side.

Finally, it can importantly represent a pathway to University entry because by completing a certificate shows that a student can be an independent learner. This is something employers and the University sector value. It also offers the possibility for a Remote Area Teacher Education Program (RATEP).

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SUPPORT UNIT- MS. JOANNESAVAGE TAFE When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by Ms Joanne Savage, the Business Manager for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Unit at the TAFE. She advised the students of the possibilities available and introduced us to several Tutors and the professional courses. These included Hairdressing, Land Management, the Creative Arts and the Makers program that brings together science, technology and art as problem solving tools.

The students were informed that if they were graduating in 2019 that they should, with the help of CYGA, put applications for courses in 2020 into the TAFE by October. Applying for a course does not mean that the student has to accept an offer but it does give the student choice in 2020 about their future directions.

TAFE is an excellent way for a school leaver to further their education as they consider future life directions.

Cairns TAFE offers excellent Learning Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students both on campus and online, as well as print-based distance learning. It also offers very easy payment plans for Certificate courses, none of which are very expensive as well as Student Scholarships. Diploma Courses are eligible for government student financial assistance.

Here are some of the Certificate courses & Diplomas TAFE offers:· Certificate III/IV in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education· Certificate III/IV in Business (&Business Administration)· Certificate IV Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care· Certificate III /Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.· Diploma of Nursing· Certificate III in Sport and Recreation· Certificate III in Tourism The following students are to be congratulated for the way they represented themselves as strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and the Cape York Girl Academy on the day: Tamiley Genai, Reshmae Bani, Aretha Bani, Rahenna Manmurul, Bon’Naia Hinton, Tanya Paddy, Anastasia Newry, & Noeleen Jacks.

They girls were supported by Karen Reys – Kon Kalos – Abby Harris (The Wellbeing Team)

Hospitality SENIOR

During hospitality practices this term, each student held a food stall representing a selection of dishes from a chosen country for others' to visit. They shared taste testers with visitors to their stalls and answered questions to demonstrate their knowledge.

"It was a fun, yet challenging experience because I had to prepare all the food for my stall by myself"- Noeleen Jacks Teacher: Ms Dianne Austrai-Ombiga

Senior numeracy/maths Students were asked about the subject Mathematics.

Teacher: Dianne Austrai Ombiga

Tanya always gives a thumbs up when completing a task.

Here she is focusing on calculating percentages.

Another senior student Anastasia says: "This semester, I learnt a bit of Index Notation, multiplication of big numbers, borrowing and compensating in subtraction problems. I also learnt about wages and salaries. I like Math in many ways.

It helps me to learn.” “You can use Maths everywhere, in cooking too.”

Junior maths

Junior students in years eight and nine learnt how to collect and record data. They enjoyed spending time sitting safely beside the busy Captain Cook Highway counting vehicles and recording the different colour of these vehicles to northwards and southwards. They collated all the data collected and illustrated them on pie charts.

Teacher: Dianne Austrai Ombiga

Technology JUNIOR

Students in Junior Technology studied Textiles this term. They learnt about the different types of fabric and whether the fibres used to create the fabrics are natural or synthetic. Students also learnt about different parts of a sewing machine and how operate an electric sewing machine. Each of the students successfully sewed a simple bag.

Teacher: Ms Dianne Austrai-Ombiga

Work Experience Esther & Aretha with Lisae completing work experience at STARWIN, Indigenous Art Centre, Port Douglas. Part of their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

Tackling Indigenous Smoking This semester Apunipima visited the Girl Academy to conduct three x 90 minute workshops to educate the students about the many harmful risks associated with first-hand smoking, second-hand smoking (passive), and third-hand smoking, (for example, on clothes).

We hope the girls found this information helpful and are able to take their knowledge back to their communities to further inform and spread the word to help create healthier, smoke-free environments for everyone.

Below are some facts that we all learnt about: There are over four thousand harmful chemicals in a single cigarette. This makes it one of the main causes of chronic disease.

When we eat healthy or exercise, our brain produces a chemical called dopamine which makes us feel good. Cigarettes can also produce this chemical.

When someone smokes around you, they expose you to second-hand smoking, commonly known as passive-smoking.

If you smoke, the people most at risk to your passive smoking are your friends and family.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy, are products you can purchase to help you quit smoking.

If you want to quit smoking you can see your local Tackling Indigenous Smoking worker, or your local Doctor.

Senior English STUDENT WRITING EXAMPLE: During English this term, we examined the book called, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Although we watched and discussed the film together as a class, we had to hdbfcasidbcaisdcbaisdubiaudf complete comprehension activities about the book independently.

I enjoyed completing the comprehension activities as; I was able to work at my own pace, it was interesting to establish how the book and the film were different and the questions challenged me to think more deeply. I enjoyed listening to the songs written by Tupac and identifying a favourite. I decided that my favourite is 'Changes'- you should listen to it!

I found it sad to choose a song for my own funeral after considering the statement given in the book that 'funerals are given for living people because the people attending are living and trying to accept and grieve'. However I was able to select a song...... Nothing's Real But Love by Rebecca Ferguson. My reason for choosing this song is because the world isn't fair and without love - what is there to be happy about? You should listen to this song too!

Student: Bon’Naia Hinton Teacher: Karen Charlton

Independent reading is something the girls do every day. This is a classic photo of one of our senior girls enjoying her reading enjoying her time exploring the local news paper! I'm hoping that she will have the energy to pick up the rest of the paper she has spread every which way!!!!

Guess who this is?

STUDENT WRITING EXAMPLE: Good evening everybody.

On behalf of all of the staff and students from the Girl Academy, I’m here this evening to present a short speech to bid you a good farewell, Tamiley.

I remember everyone, when I first met Tamiley, I immediately thought she was strong and beautiful!

Luckily, I can still say this today. You’ve been a good friend to most of us girls and you took care of us like baby sisters.

We know that when you have a hard, stressful day…… you always seem to find a way to pull through. If you keep doing this, your life should continue to be a success, so keep doing what you’re doing sister!

I remember one Wednesday afternoon, when you were sitting in the Rec room with the other girls doing Karaoke. I was way over on the basketball courts and heard this voice booming out like no-ones’ ever did before. It gave me a shock.

Goosebumps ran down my body. It was you Tamiley! Your voice is amazing and I hope you can give us a little demo here before you leave tonight. And who knows, one day we might even see you on Australia’s Got Talent. When you get there, don’t forget to call us to cheer you on, ‘cause I’d love to be there making the biggest of noises. We’d all be there for you Tamiley!

Do you remember Tamiley when we were sitting on the basketball courts and decided to compete with each other, rapping out our favourite tunes?

Well I do! It was so funny and I felt incredibly mad that you just left me speechless!!!! Thank you Tamiley. I’m going to miss you being a best friend big sister.

I’m going to miss seeing your beautiful face, around school and boarding.

I’ll miss having our funny moments together Tamiley, and you laughing at me when I’m stressed out and yelling a few French words. Everyone else will miss you too.

I’m so glad for you, that you’ve graduated from school because I know that this has been a mission for you. And please know that your mission will now become ours.

We all want to finish school and graduate just like you.

We all wish you the very best. Keep safe, follow a path to a better future sis AND KEEP IN CONTACT! Student: Noeleen Jacks Teacher: Karen Charlton

Extension English In 2019 the Cape York Girl Academy for the first time offered an Extension English course to students with advanced literacy skills

as

part

of

an

optional

senior

program. The course was offered after school and its completion required not only academic ability but also socialemotional resilience and motivation, as it ran over three terms x 90 minutes a week.

During the course, students showed proficiency in the following areas of Advanced Literacy: Effective Writing as a fundamental core skill for success in a TAFE (Certificate /Diploma courses that give students practical skills as well as knowledge)/University course (Degrees- offer professional skills at a higher level that allow students to move into a field of work at the top end of a career option) and Professional Career.

Identification of Parts of a Sentence.

Construction of Simple and Complex Sentence structures. (What makes a strong sentence?)

Ability to identify the Subject (What is the sentence talking about – first part?), Verb (Processor- doing word that makes meaning happen – holds the centre together.) and Object (What do you want to say about the subject?) of a sentence.

Ability to identify different voices such as First, Second & Third Person in a text and explain why the Third Person is often preferred in formal discursive writing.

Differentiation between Spoken/Colloquial language and Formal Language.

Ability to identify a range of texts for Purpose and Audience and how it regulates the Form/ Structure of a text.

Academic/ Discursive Body Paragraph construction with clearly defined Topic Sentence and Controlling Idea.

Ability to discuss the choices a text makes to both include and exclude information. (What we see and what we don’t see in any given text?)

Ability to identify different literary techniques such as simile, metaphor & personification. (creating pictures in the reader’s mind, in a way that brings the world to life) Ability to read a range of texts for meaning including the short story The Metamorphosis(Franz Kafka)

Student Comments: I have really found the Extension English worthwhile! I really enjoy the classes and learning more about the topics … and learning more skills and tips in English. Even taking the time after school to attend the class had always felt good.

I love the Extension English course and hope to continue doing it. I’d like to suggest having the class more often at a different time. It’d be nice to include the course in the timetable next term.

I like the things we do in this class and I don’t mind staying after school for class. I’m learning about things I didn’t know before and learning about important people in Australian Indigenous and western history. I like this class.

I like the idea of learning about people who thought a lot about what they want for other people. I hope nothing changes in this class… except maybe the (brain) games, they can go.

Well done to the following four girls for successfully completing the course: Tamiley Genai (graduating student) , Bon’Naia Hinton (year 10), Esther Brim (year 11) & Aaliyah Brim (year 10)

Teacher: Kon Kalos

Wellbeing Programs: MUSIC, YOGA, DRUMMING, DRAMA & CULTURAL CIRCLE

Showcase CYGA

At the end of the term we invited family and friends of CYGA to experience a taste of what the students have been involved in across some of their ‘Creative Arts’ programs during the year. We glimpsed their musical and singing talents, their energising drumming and the fun they had working together to play and tell stories in drama. Each of these courses help our students to learn better across all of their subjects, work more cooperatively with others and put shame “in the bin” so they can shine, have their voice heard and most importantly laugh and enjoy themselves. We then enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea together – thank you to all the staff, students and families involved in helping us celebrate another full and rich year at The Cape York Girl Academy.

Junior English STUDENT WRITING EXAMPLE:

Mango Season

We are lucky to be surrounded by big, juicy mangoes that hang from the healthy green, leafy mango tree at the Girl Academy. Every day we have heaps of fun trying to get the riper mangoes

down.

Estherlita,

Savanna,

Josie,

Bianca and other girls, all throw sticks or green mangoes up into the tree to knock them down.

Sometimes we eat the mangoes while we are waiting for class to begin. Other times we take them to the fridge at the kitchen to cool down.I like mangoes and so I enjoy this time of the year. I can’t wait to get home to Bamaga so I can have fun with my friends and family, and eat more mangoes!

Student: Elizabeth (Lizzy) Gowa Teacher: Karen Charlton

STUDENT WRITING EXAMPLE: Speech for Reshmae Good evening fellow students, teachers, parents and guests, My name is Aaliyah Brim and I am going to say a little speech for Reshmae…

Reshmae has been one of our highlights over the year at the GIRL ACADEMY. This is not because she is just your “usual type of girls”…. you know the ones who takes photos of themselves like Bon’Naia, Esther, Tamiley and especially Rahenna…... She definitely isn’t like that! In fact, she resists every photo taken of her and when she knows one is been taken she usually runs away. That’s why she is missing from all of the major group photos!

Reshmae is one of our highlights because she is a total character! A mad, funny character!

She laughs hysterically just about every day. And usually over pretty funny stuff. But then again; as quick as a switch of a light, she may start ranting and raving madly over something that has upset her. This is when we all freeze and take a step back. …..OMG we will always love our Reshmae!

Do you know that Reshmae loves and wants to work with crocodiles? Well we all know why this is so. Crocodiles are probably the only species who will be game enough to face her, when she takes one of her big girl fits!!!

One last little fact in regards to Reshmae is that, believe it or not, she actually wanted a shark to come and barge us through the glass of the submarine we were all in. How could anyone ask for this to happen? Trust our beautiful Reshmae!!!!

I would now, on behalf of all the students and staff at the Girl Academy, like to extend a thanks to Reshmae for being so much fun. WE all wish her good luck in her future. We will never, ever forget you RESHMAE.

And by the way Reshmae, I didn’t really want to do this speech because I thought you might get a bit cross with me. But I want to tell you that it’s all Miss Karen’s fault. And just so you do trust that I’m being truthful, I’ll let you onto a secret. You see it is really true that Miss Karen is going to follow you into the clubs you’re planning to visit tonight after the formal. You see, Miss wants to make sure you don’t get led astray looking so young, beautiful and gorgeous in that dashing red dress!! Please forgive me Reshmae.

WE all Love you Reshmae. Good bye and never stop remembering us!

Student: Aaliyah Brim Teacher: Karen Charlton

STUDENT WRITING EXAMPLE: Graduation Getting ready for the graduation was lots of fun. Esther was a wonderful hairdresser and makeup artist. She made Jaydah, Bon'Naia, Aaliyah and I all look so amazing.

Aretha braided Lizzy's hair.

Everyone went to the graduation feeling pretty happy.

Everything at the Palm Cove Surf club was well prepared. Helium balloons were everywhere, the cake was nice, the food was perfect and the tables looked spectacular- thanks to Miss Di and the seniors.

Everyone had a great time singing and dancing, listening to the speeches and watching the presentation video put together by Miss Abby. But; we were very sad to say goodbye to our friends and sisters-Tamiley and Reshmae.

Student: Kameek Brim

DUKE OF EDINBURGH Palm Cove

Snorkelling: Fitzroy Island Seniors thoroughly enjoyed snorkelling at the reef. Although we were forced to wear a life jacket for safety reasons, and unable to duck dive, the visibility was good and we were still able to see the fish, sea clams , coral and sea slugs. Some of the corals and the bright colours of the parrot and anemone fish, made the reef look particularly spectacular.

Unfortunately we did not see any sharks or turtles!

Student: Esther Brim Teacher: Karen Charlton

DUKE OF EDINBURGH Fitzroy Island

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Snorkelling the Moore Reef for the day was a great thrill for all.

Aritha, BonNaia, Noeleen, Reshmae and Esther all had a great time observing the underwater life on the reef but also loved the photographic session with Miss Karen.

When on camp at Fitzroy Island we visited the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. The talk we were given was very interesting and we learnt a lot. Student: Tanya Paddy Teacher: Karen Charlton

Work Experience This year I have been fortunate to be able to start voluntary work at Early Learning Goodstart. I have enjoyed many activities with the children including; playing play do, doing painting, outdoor sand play, packing and cleaning up. I am also studying to complete my certificate 3 in childcare.

This will give me more knowledge about how to are for children including my own, beautiful princess: Elicyah Mary Manmurulu Coolwell. Student: Raheena Manmurulu

Art During art this term I have enjoyed experimenting with water colour. I have completed a series of designs that represent my community.

Student: Tanya Paddy

During art this term I have enjoyed experimenting with water colour. I have completed a series of designs that represent my community.

Student: Anastasia Newry

Sketchbook designs/ ideas Student: Esther Brim

History Student: Rahenna Manmurulu

This term in art, I drew a background for our story using a combination of pastel and paint. I used natural warm colours like red, brown and orange or ochre to create a feeling of heat that you can experience at the desert environment. I like using pastel because I like the effect of shading it can create. The yellow sun in the background of my picture shows that it's daylight. Student: Estherlita Forbes

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages

In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages

students learnt about how Indigenous Australians connect to their Country, land, sea and sky. Kinship and Storytelling were two important aspects of expressing connectedness to culture and tradition and ultimately their connection to Country, land, sea and sky. Students produced work that show or express their connectedness to their Country, land, sea and sky and People.

Teacher: Dianne Austrai Ombiga

STUDENT WRITING EXAMPLE:

CHILDCARE Elicyah and Deledio have both had an enjoyable  final term in Childcare for the year.

This term focused mainly on exploring the five senses; sight, smell, sound, taste & touch.

Through various activities, Elicyah and Deledio improved their fine motor skills.

They have also continued to attend playgroup in Mossmon once a week, where they gain social skills by interacting with other children.

Childcare Coordinator: Lana Aasman

Boarding Report Term 4 has been another busy term filled with lots of activities. This term we welcomed back 19 girls and 2 babies to our Boarding Community.

This term the girls have participated in a range of activities which have included karaoke, boxing, night markets, swimming activities and the movies to name a few.

We were also fortunate to attend the ‘World Festival of Magic’ performance at the Pullman Cairns International Grand Ballroom. The ‘World Festival of Magic’ is the longest running international magic show of its kind. It is a magnificent 90 - minute family orientated show and has been touring for over 16 years in over 70 cities in Australia and in New Zealand. The tickets for this show are very generously donated to us by the Lions Club of Cairns. The girls had a great night.

Over the last few weeks the girls have been busily making final preparations for the Girl Academy Formal/Graduation. Shopping has been a big part of our weekend activities. The girls deciding what to wear, their hair, makeup and nails. So many choices to make…………

This year we have two girls graduating from Year 12, Reshmae Bani and Tamiley Genai. We wish the girls all the best for their futures. The girls are very excited to be going home for the holidays to spend time with their families. We wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to seeing everyone next year.

I would like to thank all of the Boarding staff who have been supportive and caring of the girls throughout the year and wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas.

I am looking forward to continuing working with you all on our boarding journey in 2020.

KATHY HAMILTON- HEAD OF BOARDING

Always & Forever Friends

Boarding....

Formal Prep In Boarding

CYGA GRADUATION 2019

TAMILEY'S GRADUATION SPEECH Hi everyone! How are you all on this fine evening? I just want to say that I truly feel a fantabulous thrill, to share this moment having achieved to this point in my life, with my sister Reshmay!

I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been waiting sooo long for this moment and it has been real bumpy getting here. I have always dreamt about what I would say in my speech; of course I imagined it to be sooo long, stuffed with truckloads of gratitude! But I think I’ll keep it short and simple for you tonight because I don’t want you falling asleep! J Best memory ?????? Best memo…….?

WHEN KON GAVE US SALTY PLUMS IN EXTENTION ENGLISH !!!!!! Nah jks! I can’t really think of one.

I mean, there are tooo many great memories!!!!!! Especially because I have been at the academy for three years! I have enjoyed everything the GA has offered – honestly it is a place where you do and learn things that no other school would offer. It is different and I highly cherish the opportunities I have had and been able to share with all of you.

Firstly, I would like to give infinite thanks to all of the teachers and boarding staff of the GA, for never giving up on me, even when at times I made it hard for you. Special thanks to Miss Di and Miss Karen: they are two of the most beautiful teachers I have ever met and also who had taught me from the beginning of my time at the GA. You’re both outstanding role models! I can’t emphasise that anymore. Enormous thanks to beautiful Miss Annette! For her thoughts, her creativity, hard work and skills when she is preparing meals for the GA every day; I am truly going to miss your cooking! Extremely huge thanks to loving Miss Belinda, for all that she has done for me and the GA! I really do mean my infinite thanks towards all of you because standing here tonight was one of the biggest dreams I have strived for and felt like I shouldn’t give up on. Something to tick off from my bucket list! And now I can tick it off!

Secondly, I would also – most importantly, like to give immeasurable thanks to my sensational parents!!!! Who had never stopped being my biggest support system for the past 18 years of my life!!!!!!! I am extremely grateful to have such remarkable parents! I wouldn’t be here standing here tonight feeling so fulfilled, without them. Thank you for teaching me important lessons to get by in life and allowing me to fall when I did so that I was able to learn. I obviously have stacks of things I am tremendously indebted to my parents for. I also am thankful for my siblings for being here tonight to support me and witness this amazing, once in a life time event.

One of the perks of being at the GA for a few years is that I got the privilege to meet a lot of beautiful, strong and intelligent young indigenous woman! I love the fact that I was able to form a never ending bond with each and every one of them. Having you girls to talk to as a friend and sister throughout the terms has been very rewarding to my soul: You always seemed to brighten up my world. I will cherish forever all of the memories we shared. Words cannot explain how much I will miss all of you and how much love I have for all of you beautiful girls! My baby sisters. Make sure that you stay in contact with me please!

Lastly, a message to the girls: I know some of you find it very difficult to sit in class and follow the teachers’ instructions. I don’t make promises, but I promise you that once you find what you want out of education, and like Ms Shoba says, when you actually feel the hunger for it, I guarantee you that you will love waking up every day to follow the teachers’ instructions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe that my hunger for education started in Primary school, ever since I began to understand and have the ability to question what I was being taught in school. I know that having a good education is critical: so whenever it comes to learning I am always passionate. Being ever so inquisitive has allowed doors to swing open for me, a mile a minute, and to enable big goals that I will continue to strive for in my future. I hope you all realize the importance of getting a good education sooner rather than later. Don’t give up – especially on what your heart desires as it is sure to work for you as it has for me!

I’ve got there, so so can you!

Thank you.

RESHMAE'S GRADUATION SPEECH Good evening everyone & thankyou for coming to celebrate my graduation … also Tamiley’s. Tonight I look forward to making new memories with you all,but first I will share some old ones.

When I first came to girl academy this place looked scary. I think it was because it was so quiet and the location seemed so far away from everything. It was also my first time to be schooling at a boarding school. But anyways…. my first day at school it was alright.

But I really didn’t know why we had to be in a room first thing in the morning, sitting in a circle. I also didn’t know why we had to close our eyes for 1 minute. Eventually I asked someone and they explained to me. They told me that it was something we had to do every morning and afternoon, and that it was called Dadirri.

But anyways…… I got used to it.

Some days I did feel homesick and it took me a while before I had some girls who made me feel comfortable and cheered me up. I’m so glad I finally settled in.

I remember a time when we were doing karaoke. It was alright.

Us girls were singing and having so much fun. I think I was singing too loudly or something ‘cause I had to ask one of the boarding staff if I could have Panadol because I had a headache from singing. I don’t know, but yeah……..I must have been too loud!

I remember everything that’s happened here, but I’m just to slack to write it down for this speech and then read it all. But I can say this…….I had a great time with everyone. And I thank you all.

TO ALL MY FRIENDS HERE, I wish you all the best in your future.

Make sure you stay in school to finish your schooling, and more importantly, make sure you keep in touch with me.

I would like to say a big thank you to my loving, caring mother for encouraging me to go back to school to finish my year 12. I would also like to thank Shoba and Kon for encouraging me and letting me come back to girl academy to finish my schooling. A big THANK YOU to Kathy, her husband UNCLE Gary and ALL the boarding staff for helping me with everything and thank you for taking me to the shops to get my MUFFINS- because I love muffins!

AND a VERY, VERY, VERYYY big thank you to all the teaching staff especially Annette who cooked for us every single day. I’d be boneless if it wasn’t for her….. Also, thanks to Miss Di for teaching me how to cook because now I’ll never have to go boneless!!!!!

Thanks again everyone. I will miss you all and again I appreciate all of you for everything you have helped me with, and most importantly your friendship.

Love you guys and stay safe, especially you, MISS KAREN!

What a fabulous term it has been for both students & staff at the CYGA! We wish everyone a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!

The Cape York Girl Academy acknowledges the Yirrijandji  people, past, present and still to come, as the traditional owners and first custodians of this ancient land upon which we move, live and work 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 and our community.

48 CAPTAIN COOK HIGHWAY, WANGETTI, Q4099 PH: 40380212