Contact - Darwin High School Newsletter

School Newsletter—Contact Volume 12 Edition 1 Term 1 April 2012 From the Principal p.1 Centre for Excellence Reports pp.2, 4, 5 Year Level News p.3 Dance into 2012 p.4 World Challenge p.5 Organ Donation p.6 Student Career Development Faculty p.7 Languages News p.8 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander News p.8 Christian Discussion Group p.8 Bombing of Darwin Activities p.3,9 Leadership Group—Darwin High p.9 Defence Transition Mentor p.10 Did you know that...p.10 Design & Technology p.11 From the Mathematics Faculty p.11 Driving to School p.12 Debating p.12 Changes to Dress Code p.12 World‘s Greatest Shave p.13 Health & Physical Education Faculty News p.14 A Namesake to Be Proud Of p.14

From the Principal

C4E Students in Singapore Dec 11

Lions Youth of the Year Quest p.15 Sports News p.16

Welcome to the first edition of Contact for the 2012 school year. It will provide parents and guardians with an indication of the many exciting things happening at Darwin High School.

2011 NTCET Results Darwin High School‘s 2011 Year 12 results were outstanding:

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97% of all Year 12‘s (297 out of the 306 students) completed their Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET)

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Our top students achieved an ATAR of 99.80

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Nine of the top 20 students for the Northern Territory were from Darwin High School

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17 perfect scores were achieved in a range of subjects

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20 students achieved an ATAR over 95, 42 students achieved an ATAR above 90, and 80 students an ATAR above 80.

The Northern Territory School Based Apprentice of the Year was from Darwin High School.

These results are only possible when we have dedicated, outstanding teachers, high expectations of all students and an orderly, supportive, structured learning environment - which encompasses our five values - Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Co-operation and Achievement.

I congratulate the 2011 Year 12 students and thank the Darwin High School staff for their commitment to the students – ensuring they all achieve their personal best.

Parent Teacher Night Parent teacher night will be on 23 April for all year levels. Interviews will be a maximum of eight minutes duration. We are once again using the internet-based booking system called Parent Teacher On-Line (PTO).

Using this system, you will be able to book the interview times that suit you best from any internet-connected computer. If you do not have a computer with internet access, please phone 89991263.

Please access the system as follows:

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Go to the school‘s home page

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http://www.darwinhigh.nt.edu.au/

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Click the PTO icon as shown here

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Click Obtain PIN/Password and enter your email address.

Dress Code Sincere thanks to the students and parents of Darwin High School who have embraced the Dress Code. Unfortunately we have had to inconvenience a small number of parents whose children have not complied with the Dress Code. This term we have held weekly meetings with interested students through a Dress Code Student Forum on Wednesday 21 and 28 March. As a result of these there have been some changes to the Dress Code. Please refer to page 12 for more details.

Your PIN will be emailed to you. If you encounter any problems using PTO please contact the school office by phone on 89991263, or by email to shannon.foy@ntschools.net .

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Course Reimbursements and Voluntary Parent Contributions If your child has enrolled in a course where there are consumable costs met by the school on your behalf, I urge you to reimburse the school as soon as possible to ensure the ongoing viability of these courses. Thank you to parents who have made Voluntary Parent Contributions.

Your assistance allows the School to offer quality educational programs. Parents can use the credit card facilities by calling on 8999 1283 or by visiting the Finance Office attached to the School Library. Hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Annual General Meeting Congratulations to the following members of the 2012 School Council elected at the AGM held on Tuesday 13 March.

Parent Executive Ms Suzanne Philip (Chair), Mr Andy Bartels (Treasurer), Ms Kathy Hamilton (Deputy Chair), Ms Penny McIntyre (Secretary) Parent Representatives Mr Colin Browne, Ms Stephanie Cvirn, Ms Esther Eggers, Mr Craig Reid, Mr Wayne Neilson, Ms Denise Phelps and Dr Janice Warren Staff Representatives Mr Marty Isaksen, Ms Penny McIntyre, Ms Trish Cryer, Mr Trevor Read (Principal), Ms Penny Beissbarth (Business Manager) The next Darwin High School Council meeting is on 17 April at 7:00 pm in the main staffroom.

Term 1 Progress Reports Term 1 reports are included with this edition of Contact. These interim reports are formative.

That is, they are designed to let parents and students know what needs to be done during Term 2 to either maintain or improve grades. There is still ample time to rectify problems and I urge parents to contact relevant staff to discuss any concerns. To those students who have done well, keep up the good work.

Our students face some very real pressures in their senior secondary years. Courses become more difficult and expectations escalate. Once again, it is far easier to overcome problems at this stage rather than later in the year when it becomes increasingly difficult to salvage a situation.

Aerosols For health and safety reasons aerosol spray cans are not to be used at Darwin High School, during School functions and/or when travelling on School transport. Some staff and students are allergic to the chemical propellants in the aerosols and their heath is endangered if an aerosol is sprayed near them.

Bombing of Darwin Once again our students were outstanding in representing Darwin High School at the Bombing of Darwin Ceremony on February 19. Again and again members of the public and officials complimented the students on their presentation and manner. Thanks must go to Judy Boland who manages this important event in our School Calendar. See full report on page 9.

Email Communication Email provides an efficient and effective way to contact staff about student issues. All staff endeavor to respond quickly to these email enquiries, but this is not always possible due to teaching commitments, classroom preparation demands and other necessary tasks around the School. Email has its limitations, so please consider that it may be more efficient to arrange a face to face meeting to discuss your child‘s performance.

Update Your Contact Details If you have moved, changed work or home telephone numbers, please contact the Darwin High School Front Office on 89991222. It is important that the School has accurate information in case of emergencies.

Trevor Read Acting Principal

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C4E Mathematics Enrichment at CDU On Monday, 19 March, the Year 10 and 11 Centre for Excellence (C4E) Mathematics classes attended a Mathematics Enrichment program at CDU where we met Dr. Ian Roberts, a mathematician and lecturer. The first activity he gave us was a ―warm up‖ for the mind. This involved calculating the 13th natural number containing exactly two 3s and tiling a chessboard where two diagonally opposite pieces were removed. This proved to be more difficult than it looked and many groups struggled to find a solution, especially this early in the morning.

We then had a guest speaker from the Engineering department, who gave us an alternative opinion on mathematics. We found this very interesting because he showed us how mathematics can be applied in the real world. He also showed us some model bridges constructed from balsa wood, made by first year students, which could hold 10kg. He also brought in a really cool robotic arm made by the engineering department which was programed to pick up a ping pong ball and place it on a track. This was the highlight of the day because he explained how it was a collaboration of many different skills.

We then went back to number crunching – working out how many handshakes are made in a group of five people and then creating a formula so that this could be applied to any sized group. For most of us, this was the most fulfilling activity as it taught us to prove a solution using logical reasoning as opposed to using calculators. The most important lesson we learnt from this enrichment course was to “Use your brain,

Year 10 News

Year 11 News

Year 12 News

Term 1 for Year 10 has come and gone.

The Year 10 cohort is to be congratulated on how they have adjusted to being students of Darwin High School. Many of them have readily accepted the responsibilities and challenges of being in a senior school, and it is very pleasing to hear so many positive comments about how students have been applying themselves to their studies.

It is great to see that so many Year 11 students are making a real effort at Darwin High School in 2012. Students should have seen a significant increase in their work load from Year 10. If they are not doing at least two to three hours of homework or revision each night then this should be ringing alarm bells.

If your child tells you he/she has no homework please query them.

It is hard to believe that we are at the end of Term 1. For our Year 12 students, they have basically completed one third of their course. For many students they are on track and are doing well. Unfortunately there are still some Year 12 students who are living in a dream. Year 12 is challenging; it is hard. Doing regular homework and study is part of being in Year 12. If your child is not spending a couple of hours each night on homework, then he or she is not serious. A regular study plan is essential to ensure success.

With this edition of Contact, all students should have received their mid semester report. Parents and students should reflect on their results and identify areas that need special attention during Term 2. Students need to take the opportunity to work on goals for improvement in collaboration with their PLP teacher and/or their Mentor teacher.

Semester 2 Subject Selection Early in Term 2 students will receive information regarding Semester 2 subject selections. English, Maths and Science are compulsory for all Year 10 students as is Personal Learning Plan (PLP) and History.

As part of the subject selection process, students are encouraged to start planning their next two and a half years. What will they be doing in 2015? Will they be seeking employment, an apprenticeship, or will they be going to university? What subjects will they need? Students currently enrolled in PLP have already started this process and those not in PLP this semester can seek career guidance from Amanda Fogarty (Year 10 Careers Practitioner).

School and Parent Partnership Darwin High School is proud of its reputation for providing students with a top class education. Our successes would be limited without the support of parents. Education is a partnership – we need to work together.

Teaching and learning does not just happen in the classroom. Parents are teachers too. Together we need to teach our students good habits. Punctuality and adhering to deadlines are two habits that can make school life a lot easier and reduce unnecessary stress.

Maintaining a 90% or higher attendance is also another method which can assist in creating supportive environments for our students.

Deadlines Students are reminded of the school deadline policy which states that students who do not meet the due date for a summative task, receive a zero for that task. Students who require an extension to a due date must make that request at least 48 hours before the due date and they may be required to provide a medical certificate.

Attendance I am pleased to report that our attendance rates for Year 11 have been good, hovering just above 92%. If your child is absent, please notify the School by emailing dhs.attendance@ntschools.net or phone 8999 1222. Legislation requires the School to follow up on students who have been absent for more than three consecutive days. Severe penalties apply to those students who are chronic truants.

If you can avoid it, please do not plan extended holidays during the semester or during exam week. It puts an enormous amount of pressure on students when they miss lessons.

Stage 1 Semester 1 Exams Stage 1 Exams will begin on Tuesday, 12 June (Week 19) and should conclude on Friday, 15 June. After the exams, students will not be required at school.

Year 12 Graduation The Year 12 Graduation Ceremony will be held at the Convention Centre on 19 November. Parents and friends of Year 12 are invited to attend. The Year 12 Formal will follow the Graduation Ceremony.

The Formal Committee has been visiting Year 12 Mentor Groups to discuss the cost of this event. To hold the formal at the Convention Centre will cost approximately $140 per student before any fundraising. Due to the size of the Year 12 cohort this will be a ‗Year 12 Students Only‘ event. Any parents interested in helping with fundraising please get in touch with Lisa Knight or Kevin Northcote.

Keeping Parents in the Loop We send regular emails to parents on our year level mailing lists advising them of career opportunities, university information and general information about what is happening in the school.

Subject Selection - Online Subject Selection will begin during the middle of Term 2. Year 11 students will again be using Subject Selection Online. Each student will be given a user name and login password. The system is a step-by-step process and can be accessed at home or at School. It also provides students with information about the courses available. Once students have worked through the process they simply print their subject choices form, sign it and deliver it to the Front Office. If students meet the deadlines, we plan to have timetables ready before the start of exam week. More information will be sent to parents via the Year 11 Staying informed Finally, we value parental contact, and if you would like to know more about the Year 10 program or how your child is progressing, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Cryer or Tabitha Robinson.

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If you are not receiving these emails and would like to, please email dhs.emaillist@ntschools.net and request to be added to the relevant year level mailing list. Students may also request to be added.

New DHS Webpage We are pleased to advise that in Term 2 our new webpage will become ‗live‘.

We hope it will become a useful tool in keeping parents and students informed.

Dance into 2012 Here at Darwin High School (DHS) Dance is a valued part of student education. Our mantra for educational dance programs offered is: Inspire, Inquire and Acquire. Driven by the needs of senior dance students, the DHS Dance Department designs programs that: confirm the vibrant presence of dance actively shaping creative options for younger generations of Darwin artists; extend students possibilities beyond the classroom and stage; and provide unparalleled learning and performance opportunities for Darwin based dance students, artists and choreographers.

DHS graduates and current senior dance students kick started the year with the powerful Dance Education project TIME sponsored by TIO, NT Government and DHS. The season at the Darwin Performing Arts Centre Playhouse Theatre attracted over 4000 senior students from High Schools in and around the Darwin/Palmerston area and the public performance was also well attended. Warnings about drinking and driving often go unheeded by young people, probably because they hear them so often – it all becomes so much blah, blah, blah.

However, TIME sent a pivotal message to all novice drivers about the risk of drink driving and showed how people are forced to deal with the loss of a child, partner, friend or relative if their life is taken by a tragic car accident.

The impact of this emotionally charged dance theatre work was very real and it had a strong effect on all audiences. ―There were lots of very distressed students leaving after each show,‖ choreographer Joanna Noonan said. ―It shocked them. I don‘t think they realised they were going to see something so raw.‖ NT Police Commissioner, John McRoberts, described TIME as one of the most powerful and impressive road safety performances he had seen in his 30 year career. ―Anything other than enforcement that provides young drivers with a better appreciation of the consequences of poor or unsafe driving has to be a good thing,‖ he said. ―I think it is a magnificent production and it should tour

the country. At the very least I hope this becomes an annual event for Territory kids.‖ As co-director and producer on TIME I would like to thank the amazingly talented cast, creative personnel and key sponsors for their belief and trust in this significant work and I encourage everyone to consider supporting the next phase of TIME which is to take the product to Alice Springs.

So what’s next for the Darwin High School Dance Department?

Currently Julia Gray, Director Sunameke Pacific Island Dance Company, is teaching the Sasa to all students to be performed at Nesian Pride on 19 May at NT Rugby Grounds.

2012 Dance Fundraiser - 25 May @ Darwin High School Tank @ 6.30pm. $10/ticket or $30 family.

Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful After the successful production TIME at the Darwin Entertainment Centre in February 2012. The Darwin High School Stage 2 Creative Arts Dance students will present Joanna Noonan's

BRAVE @ Darwin High School Ampitheatre 14, 15 and 16 June at 7pm Cost $10 per ticket.

WA Dance Exchange Program 21 June – 30 June Actively shaping creative options for younger generations of Darwin artists, this ten day intensive dance program is for Stage 1 and Stage 2 students.

Cost $1800 For information on the range of innovative dance programs offered at Darwin High School or for bookings for any of the above events please contact Sarah Calver or Julia Quinn on 8999 1254.

Sarah Calver Performing Arts Teacher

New students to the program have settled in quickly. The Centre for Excellence (C4E) Mathematics students have just returned from a combined Year 10 and Year 11 excursion to Charles Darwin University where they met Ian Robinson (Mathematics lecturer) to take part in some problem solving exercises, for further information read the students report on page 2.

A number of excursions have been booked with Charles Darwin University next term for the Stage 1 Biochemistry and Physical Chemistry students. More news later. Stage 1 C4E Students are once again invited to join the C4E trip to Singapore at the end of the year.

A select number of Stage 2 Centre for Excellence students have recently been invited by Xstrata to a attend a fully funded tour of McArthur River Mine. This tour will offer students an opportunity to meet with scientists on the ground and to get a hands on experience of life and work at a mine site. Students need to return their applications as soon as possible.

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World Challenge

East Point Museum

Near the end of November last year 15 students, a teacher and a representative from World Challenge set off to Borneo, Malaysia for a month. World Challenge is a unique organisation responsible for delivering a range of development programs to young people from all over the world. We had about two years of preparation and planning and several fundraising events before heading off.

World Challenge is extremely unique in that the students who go on the trip run the trip.

This includes everything from transport, accommodation, managing a large and complex budget, leadership and risk management. We weren‘t allowed to pre-book anything except our first night‘s accommodation.

Everything after that had to be done in country.

The first phase of the trip was the acclimatisation phase, in which students practise carrying heavy gear on their backs and walking long distances in the unbearable tropical weather. We spent this time in Kuching and at Bako National Park. After that we proceeded to our community phase, a chance to give back to the community. We helped to rebuild a playground for the Sunflower Centre, a volunteer school that provides education and training for disabled youth. Next, it was the main trek. The Head Hunters Trail was a three day trek that included climbing the famous Pinnacles. We carried full packs and camped in the jungle. After that the students got a few days to rest before tackling Mount Kinabulu, the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia standing 4095.2m high.

World Challenge was one the best experiences that I have been involved in. The group saw amazing wildlife such as orangutans, bearded pigs, proboscis monkeys and a whole array of others. The group also got to see the caves at Niah and Mulu — some of the biggest cave formations in the world.

World Challenge is exactly that, a challenge.

It takes students to their absolute limits and then pushes them beyond. As a result we developed greater self confidence, the ability to work under pressure, a sense of self and team, excellent communication skills (not only with each other but with people who don‘t speak the same language), and a highly developed sense of the world around us.

We also have a bunch of great stories to tell.

Adam Ryan Year 12

Sunrise in Borneo

School Library Extended Opening Hours The School Library is open Tuesdays and Thursdays until 6pm. Please encourage students to utilize these extended hours. It is a great opportunity for them to study in a quiet, air-conditioned environment. We close 2.30pm on Mondays, 3.30pm on Wednesdays, and 3.00pm on Fridays.

On 17 February Year 10 History students were given the opportunity to visit the new Defence of Darwin Museum at East Point before it officially opened. After a relaxed but very informative tour led by the curator of the new exhibition, the students were let loose on the state-ofthe-art displays. Some of the highlights were, touch screens, video recording booths and a massive interactive display which allows the events of 19 February 1942 to be followed on an animated map of Darwin and the Top End as far as the Tiwi Islands. Another was the virtual copy of a journal kept by a Lands Department surveyor who recorded the details of the bombing as they became known to locals in an address book. The stories of those who lived through the Bombing of Darwin and those evacuated before it happened, are told in other displays and these, together with the very atmospheric remnants of the military installation in the grounds, made the visit inspirational, particularly since students were in the middle of an assignment about the bombing of Darwin.

Jane Farr

C4E Singapore Trip Boasting internationally acclaimed mathematical and scientific achievements, Singapore, a country of 712 square kilometres and over five million in population, is a place in which mathematical and scientific interests may be nurtured and stimulated. Singapore was the destination of the educational trip of the Centre For Excellence class of Darwin High School in December of 2011. It was here in Singapore in which the class of fifteen young aspiring Mathematics students spent a little over a week exploring the multitude of experiences that Singapore has to offer, as well as a couple of days in the neighboring Malaysian city of Malacca.

One of the highlights of this trip was the Marina Barrage - a monumental feat of environmental engineering. It is a massive dam that not only provides a means of flood control, but also acts as a source of potable water as well as a leisure attraction for the city of Singapore. Through our tour of the structure, the class learnt not only of the engineering involved behind Marina Barrage, but also gained an in-depth insight of the issues that Singapore was facing at the time and how the dam came about. Being a country that relied primarily upon imported water to sustain its growing population, the Marina Bar5

rage was Singapore‘s solution to its rapidly growing water shortage crisis. The class also learnt about how Singapore was in a vulnerable position between both droughts and floods in those times. It was also amazing to think that the city of Singapore had managed to terra-form one of its largest bodies of saltwater into freshwater, through low-tide flushing.

The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology also had many interesting insights in store. The class learn not only about how the research was conducted but also the practicalities and limitations of the research. The most surprising thing was that the institute used fish for their experiments - a tropical freshwater fish called the zebrafish Danio rerio. This was due to their genes being 95% alike to human genetics, their significantly faster life cycles as

Organ Donation Stage 1 Biology In Week 5 our Year 11 Biology class was studying organ donation. Kelly Anstey, an organ donation specialist, came in to talk to our class about the process and effects of organ donation. After she had spoken to us, Josh and I were invited to attend the launch of Organ Donation Week at the Botanical Gardens on 20 February. There, we heard stories about people involved in organ donation. We also had the opportunity to speak to Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. It was a great experience learning about organ donation.

Georgia Halkitis

Assistance If you require clarification or assistance with any matter whatsoever, you may wish to contact some of the following people: Ms Patricia Cryer

Assistant Principal Year 10

89991202

Ms Tabitha Robinson

Year 10 Coordinator

89991230

Mr Marty Isaksen

Assistant Principal Year 11

89991203

Mr Wade Davies

Year 11 Coordinator

89991256

Mr Kevin Northcote

Assistant Principal Year 12

89991204

Ms Lisa Knight

Year 12 Coordinator

89991234

Ms Amanda Fogarty

Careers Practitioner Year 10

89991267

Ms Janine Watt

Careers Practitioner Year 11

89991269

Ms Meg Davis

Careers Practitioner Year 12

89991280

Ms Ros France

NTCET Coordinator

89991245

Ms Anne Hosking

School Counsellor

89991215

Ms Kerry Williams

School Counsellor

89991290

Ms Linda Sanders

Home Liaison Officer

89991205

Mr Paul McConnell

Defence Liaison

89991211

Ms Barbara Tapsell

AIEW

89991257

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well as their ease of mass breeding. It was extremely interesting to observe how the zebra fish developed from an egg to a fish within 24 hours. It starts with one cell that slowly divides in a process called mitosis until it finally becomes a fish.

Singapore Science Centre was also one of the most rewarding destinations to go to. Filled with many interesting exhibits, including an optical illusion exhibit, a hands on mathematics exhibit and a biology exhibit which included a UV room, allowing you to see the bacteria on your clothing. The class all enjoyed being able to interact with the exhibits. However, the most exhilarating part of the Science Centre was having the opportunity to witness a fire tornado demonstration. Within the middle of a circular glass chamber, specially designed to funnel air in at an angle, lay a pool of flammable liquid. Once lit, the swirling flames progressively developed into a roaring column of fire, a spectacular thing to witness.

Afterwards we cooled off by plunging into the Snow City, a nearby facility in which the average temperatures were between -9°C and 5°C . Suited up in winter gear, tobogganing was an activity that many of the class had never experienced before.

This trip was an eye-opening experience, in which the C4E class further developed an understanding in many of the aspects of maths-related science. For example the real life applications and social benefits that science can provide, not only to communities but to whole nations; as well as the sciences ranging from the microscopic level to the physical phenomena that exist in the world. Above all, combined with enthusiastic classmates and peers and equally enthusiastic teachers, this trip was rewarding beyond compare.

Chris Zhao

Students at the Titanic Exhibition, ArtScience Museum, Singapore

Student Career Development Faculty The Student Career Development Faculty was established at Darwin High School this year. It is a combination of the Careers and VET areas and encompasses the provision of information and support for students to empower them to make decisions about their future.

The Year 11 students will be interviewed during term 2 and the Year 10 students will each meet with Amanda Fogarty during their PLP classes.

We welcome parents being involved in the decision making process and are happy to meet during or after school hours.

Janine Watt

The faculty has three staff with extensive experience and expertise. As well as teaching they each have a specific student career development role. The staff and ther roles are: Meg Davis (8999 1280)

Work Experience

Year 12 Career Practitioner Uni/TAFE visits/guest speakers Entry level government applications Uni applications workshops (Term 3) UMAT grant/training NTOEC Coordinator

The Northern Territory Department of Education and Training has recently rewritten the policy and procedures for Work Experience and these were released to schools on Wednesday 20 March.

The revised policy requires all potential work sites to be visited by a staff member to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of students prior to them commencing at the work place. During the placement, the staff member is required to visit again to meet with the student and discuss progress.

Janine Watt (Senior Teacher) (8999 1269) Year 11 Career Practitioner VET Coordinator School Based Apprentice Coordinator Workplace/Industry visits Defence Technical Scholarships

Darwin High School staff have discussed this policy at length and it is not possible for Work Experience to occur in Semester One for PLP students as we do not have the staff available to visit approximately 200 work sites. Instead, we have re-written the assessment plan for Semester One PLP to ensure all outcomes are covered.

Amanda Fogarty (8999 1267) Year 10 Career Practitioner Year 10 PLP Coordinator Work Experience Coordinator Volunteer Experience Coordinator – PLP Career Expo Coordination Year 10 VETASSESS - ADF

Year 11 and 12 students can request a Work Experience placement but will need to provide the details of the Host Employer well in advance for the appropriate inspections to be completed prior to them commencing.

Additionally we all offer: Assistance with resumes, assistance with job applications, Tax File Number applications, full time apprenticeship applications, interview preparation and mock interviews.

VETiS Information Most Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) courses have commenced and students have settled well. Many students will be undertaking their first work placement from 2 – 5 April.

Students are expected to renegotiate extensions for any assessment tasks due in that week with their teachers.

So what do we do?

Fundamentally we assist students to make decisions about their future by helping them find information about courses, employment opportunities, employment prospects for different occupations, and appropriate subjects to choose. We also help students to refine resumes, assist with interview preparation and discuss the costs and benefits of the different options they have.

Some students are struggling with the organisational demands of participating in a VETiS course and their school subjects. To develop the skills and knowledge to gain a VET qualification it is essential students attend every VETiS training day. Frequent unexplained absences may result in withdrawal from the course.

We advertise vacancies for full time and school based apprenticeships, coordinate visits from universities and communicate through our Facebook page, information screen and email.

School Based Apprenticeships (SBA‘s) are able to be commenced at any time of the year. The first step is for the student to find an employer who is looking for an apprentice and is willing to consider a School Based Apprentice. Some SBA‘s are advertised on our Facebook page but mostly students will need to use the usual job hunting techniques to find one eg: check newspapers and on line vacancies and talk to friends and family contacts.

We do not make decisions for students, recommend careers they should do, write resumes or find them employment.

Currently every Year 12 student is being interviewed about their pathway to ensure their NTCET will allow them to pursue that path and determine the assistance they may need.

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Japan Study Tour 2011 Thirteen students from Darwin High School and Casuarina Senior College participated in the 2011 Japan Study Tour. The group visited the main landscapes and attractions in Tokyo. They also visited Hakone National Park, historical temples and shrines in Kyoto, the Peace Park in Hiroshima and the Big Budda in Nara.

Students observed and experienced contemporary and historical culture of Japan and immersed themselves in the language. The highlight of the trip was visiting a local high school in Kyoto. Excitement overcame shyness. The students participated in various activities, made a lot of Japanese friends and made some unforgettable memories.

Japan Study Tour 2012 is now open to all Japanese language students. For any inquires about the trip, please contact Mariko Ruzsicska mariko.ruzsicska@ntschools.net.

INPEX Visit Mr Kildare, the General Manager of INPEX, and Midori, his personal assistant, visited Darwin High School as a part of the Asia Literacy Ambassador program . Mr Kildare gave students an insightful view on many issues at a personal level as well as at a corporate level.

Students were particularly interested in how language and cultural understanding helps a person like the General Manager of a multinational company. Some students discovered what they may want to do in their future, while others were generally inspired by his rich experiences.

Chinese Resources The Darwin High Chinese Program is to benefit from a generous donation from the Cultural Office of the Embassy of the People‘s Republic of China. A selection of DVD‘s and books (some in Chinese, some in English) are being donated to our school library and will be an excellent resource for students of Chinese and other students conducting China-related research. We are very fortunate to receive these resources, produced and published in China and thank the Cultural Office.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander News Congratulations and best wishes to Karrawa McLennanQuall, Karlene Cardona, Jayde Hopkins, Aiden Hernandez-Edgar and Michelle Kerrin who have joined the Young Indigenous Leadership Program (IMPACT).

Speaking Competition The Language Teachers Association of the NT (LTANT) Senior Languages Speaking Competition is on again this year. It will be held on Saturday, May 26 at Darwin High School. We had a great number of entries (and winners) in 2011 and hope to exceed that this year. Students will need to present an Individual Speech on a topic of their choice. More information will be given during classes in Term 2. We hope to see all students studying languages at Darwin High participating in this competition.

Christian Discussion Group This group gives students the opportunity to talk about what they believe and to hear what is actually written in the Bible. Meetings are held in room B17 every Friday lunchtime throughout the year.

The Anglican Youth Minister, Rev. Bruce Chapman comes to the meetings and assists with the programme. The group and financially sponsors a young girl in India. The monthly support is $44.

Donations towards her sponsorship are welcome from anyone at any time.

Our school community has students from many different backgrounds and faiths. This group provides a forum for discussion and opportunities for integration with others in the school community. Any questions can be directed via email or in person to rosie.reimers@ntschools.net .

Convener Rosie Reimers

This is a three year long leadership program initiated by the Department of Education and Training in partnership with The Foundation for Young Australians. These five Year 10 students now join the program alongside Year 11 students, Daniel Hamilton, Stacey Bridges, Nelson Rossingh and Chloe Howard-Graetz.

Thank you to those parents and students who have chosen to participate in the Pneumococcal Vaccination program. I will contact you and your child when a date and time has been organised for the vaccination with Mrs Eileen Hall, the nurse at Darwin Middle School for the vaccination.

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The National Indigenous Youth Parliament is now inviting applicants to participate in the forthcoming residential program in Canberra from 23 – 29 May 2012.

This program is coordinated by the Australian Electoral Commission in partnership with the YMCA. It provides opportunities for youth 16 -25 years old to ―Stand Up, Talk Hard and Be Heard‖. If your child is interested you can check out the website at www.aec.gov.au/niyp for further information.

A reminder that the Homework Centre has been in full operation since the beginning of term one with very few students using it at the moment. The Homework Centre operates on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 – 4:00pm with tutors present. It is also open on Monday and Wednesday from 2:30 – 3:30pm without tutors, but with supervision so that students can access the computers in the Homework Centre. It is a wonderful opportunity for students, particularly if they feel they are behind in their work and could do with some help. It is a good resource for improving student marks and potentially their employment prospects.

Barbara Tapsell

Bombing of Darwin - Commemorative Activities This year marked the 70th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. The commemorative events drew high profile public figures such as the Governor General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, the Prime Minister, The Hon Julia Gillard and a number of national radio and television personalities. Darwin High School students were involved in eight separate activities during events which marked the commemoration of the Bombing of Darwin in 1942.

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Two students (Shelley Bryant Year 12 and Kae Jenn Tchia Year 11) ‗road-tested‘ the ABC‘s pod Walking Tour of Bombing of Darwin sites. They were later questioned as to their responses and the interview went to air on Monday morning.

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Twenty-five Year 10 History students were guests of Michael Gunner MLA and enjoyed a preview of the new Darwin Military Museum.

(See p5.)

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Students helped to serve afternoon tea to the Veterans at the National Trust function at Burnett House on Saturday.

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On Sunday, 55 Darwin High students accompanied by 10 teachers attended the commemorative service on The Esplanade. Students assisted Darwin City Council staff by helping with meeting and greeting guests as they arrived, assisting with the arrival of coaches and disembarking of passengers, assisting with VIP Reception, undertaking VIP Ushering, assisting the general public to find seats, handing out programs, water, fans and ear plugs, manning the water stations and rotating water in the cool rooms so as to ensure water was chilled when handed out.

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Shelley Bryant (Year 12) recited the Ode in front of a crowd of more than 5000 that included the Governor General Ms Quintin Bryce and the Prime Minister Ms Julia Gillard.

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Kae Jenn (Year 11) was custodian of the relic at the Chief Minister‘s Reception after the service. The relic is a 7lb fragment of the bomb which scored a direct hit on the post office, killing 10 people.

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Students attended the book launch in NT Library immediately after the CM‘s Reception. The book written by Janet Dickenson is about the evacuees, and was launched by Mrs Wendy James OAM, herself an evacuee and a former Darwin Public School student.

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On Monday 20 February, Sarah Driscoll, Syazwani Russell, Shekira Coonan, Chelsea Buhagiar, Chloe Wallent, Kae Jenn Tchia, Isabella Holzberger, Timika King, Hamish Harty and Daniel Murdoch escorted six bus loads of Veterans and their carers to Adelaide River War Cemetery for a commemorative service. The students chatted to the Veterans and listened to their stories. (What a wonderful way to learn history!)

All-in-all, the Bombing of Darwin commemorative events provided the students with a wonderful opportunity to learn of the events that have shaped our history.

Judy Boland

Leadership Group Darwin High School

Darwin High School Leadership Group has undergone a restructure in 2012. The three different year levels groups have combined . The leaders within the group have been given specific roles and responsibilities. Members of the group include: Chairperson - Syazwani Russell, Vice-Chairperson – Daniel Hamilton, Secretary – Sara Finnmone, Treasurer – Indria Lestari, Media Liaison – Danae Reid, Kalvin Bartlett, Pierre Koulakis, Kiran Lohar, Eponine Richardson, and Stacey McGregor.

If any students are interested in joining the Leadership Group, speak to the Year Level Coordinators or the School Counsellors.

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Defence Transition Mentor Defence 2020 Youth Challenge. Darwin High School has been invited to participate in the Youth Challenge Program for 2012. The topic is: Has the ADF helped shape Australia‟s national identity? The Youth Challenge Program brings together students from different schools, ADF personnel and community representatives to explore many of the issues surrounding defence and Australia‘s responsibility as a global citizen in the present and the future. For more information contact the DTM. Helpline. The Defence Family Helpline is the first point of contact for ADF members, their partners, children and relatives who seek assistance with managing during deployment, posting and relocation, support for partners‘ employment and education, transitioning to civilian life and a range of other issues that may affect ADF families. The number to call is: 1800 624 608.

Next year Darwin High School will celebrate 50 years on the Bullocky Point site.

Secondary education, known as ‗Continuation Classes‘ were first offered to Darwin students in 1911, when the Commonwealth took over control and administration of the Northern Territory.

School hours were set from 8.00am to 12.30pm to take into account the tropical conditions of the north.

In the first two years, no student passed the external public examination. Mr J L Rossiter was sent up to investigate and found that the students had been taught the Queensland curriculum, but had sat the South Australian Public Examination. He found that whilst students had been taught about cane growing, they had been examined in topics such as sheep husbandry and viticulture. Mr Rossiter recommended that the South Australian curriculum be taught at Tennant Creek and all towns south, whilst the towns north of Tennant Creek would follow the Queensland curriculum. This fragmented curriculum arrangement remained in place for the next 30 odd years, despite calls for a national curriculum.

Source: Material held in the National Archives of Australia

Judy Boland

Education Assistance Scheme. If your child requires tuition assistance with their studies while at Darwin High School, The Department of Defence can help. An application form is available from the DTM. Connor Reid. Former student Connor Reid participated in a School Based Apprenticeship in Heavy Diesel while at the same time studying for his NTCET at Darwin High School. During this time, Connor won the GTNT School Based Apprentice of the Year Award, as well as winning the NT Training Awards Best School Based Apprentice award. After successfully completing his NTCET, Connor moved into a full time apprenticeship with Hastings Deering. We wish Connor all the best with his future.

Darwin High School 1911

2012 Defence Community Organisation Expo. This event was very well supported by government, defence and community and highlighted the number and range of support services that exist in Darwin. If you would like more information on the services available to Defence Families in Darwin please contact me.

Working Days. A reminder that the role of Defence Transition Mentor is a part time position and I can be contacted at the school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. My role as the DTM at Darwin High School is to support students and families to become integrated members of the school community.

Paul McConnell Defence Transition Mentor

Darwin High School late 1960s. Notice the „Tank‟ was actually a tank full of water.

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Design and Technology Stage 1 AutoCad As part of their course requirements students from the Stage 1 AutoCad class sketched and measured up the gazebo, overlooking Mindil beach, on the edge of Darwin High School grounds.

The exercise is useful in connecting the real world of translating measurements of buildings using tape measures to the digital world of CAD (Computer Aided Design), from which building plans, elevations and sections can be developed for building modifications, presentation drawings and documentation that can be provided to builders and engineers for purposes of construction.

From the Mathematics Faculty The „Look Out‟ Gazebo at Darwin High School

Stage 2 CAD Studies Year 12 CAD Studies students are currently undergoing their material investigations for their main CAD projects.

There is a considerable diversity in the types of designs the students undertake which include designs of bridges, planes, automobiles, spacecraft, space stations, tall buildings, bicycles, toy guns, a sailing club and other architectural projects.

Identifying suitable testing procedures has been a task in itself as the criteria for this SACE based subject is “students are to investigate and analyse the functional characteristics and properties of two or more materials or components.” This translates to many different types of tests and testing but the most used form of testing procedure, is to use a shake table for earthquake resistant structures (bridges and high rise buildings ) and for aerodynamics, a mini wind tunnel is used (to test automobiles, houses, planes, spacecraft, buildings, and bicycles).

Piers Coulter contemplates the testing of his aeroplane for aerodynamics, in front of a fog machine wind tunnel.

The faculty welcomes a new teacher Elizabeth McArthur who has taught most recently in Queensland. She is very experienced at all courses and levels of Mathematics. Elizabeth also has experience in Science but at this stage is only teaching Mathematics classes.

There are three mathematics competitions available for students to enter this year. They are: Australian Informatics Competition on Thursday, 10 May with entry fee of $5.50 due

by Tuesday, 3 April; Australian Mathematics competition on Thursday, 2 August with entry fee of $5.50 due by Tuesday, 8 May; ICAS Mathematics Competition on Tuesday, 4 August with entry fee of $7.70 due by Friday, 15 June.

Esther Tan and Tonia Griffiths are again the teachers of the Centre for Excellence classes in Year 10 and 11. Esther is again organising the Singapore Excursion after a highly successful and enjoyable trip last year. Information on this overseas excursion can be found in the Centre for Excellence (C4E) section.

James Panton prepares a spaghetti and hot glue box girder for a bridge design, in readiness for earthquake testing using a shake table .

Louise de Dassel has been on Maternity Leave since August last year. She had a girl (Ruby Louise) born on Tuesday March 20.

Eileen Bell

Peter Coulter

2012 Australian Business Studies Competition The Australian Business Studies Competition will take place on 17 May, 2012 which is organised by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and sponsored by The Australian School of Business (ASB) at UNSW. Students from Year 11 (junior division) and 12 (senior division) Business classes have registered for the competition. The cost of the competition is $5.50.

Students will answer 40 multiple-choice questions in 50 minutes time period. The aim of the competition is to provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills by participating in a national competition and also recognise and reward excellence in Business Studies.

All participating students will receive a certificate signed by a representative from the University of New South Wales. In addition, top students will receive monetary prizes. Prizes are $50, $75, $100 & $250 for each of the State Winners. State and National Winners will also receive engraved trophies.

Jayant Prakash

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Driving to School Thank you to those parents and students who have had their vehicles registered with us. The response has been excellent.

There are still some students who are leaving the school grounds with other students in their vehicles who do not have parental permission.

Year 11 students are not permitted to leave the school grounds at all during the day. Year 12 students who leave the school grounds for whatever reason are asked to sign in and out at the Front Office.

A reminder that the speed limit in the school grounds is 25kph and on Atkins Drive it is 40kph.

When leaving the school, students should not use the bus lane.

Debating 2012 The Secondary Debating Competition started on Wednesday, 28 March, with wins for both Darwin High School teams. The students were given the topic some time prior to the debate and teams took, respectively, the Affirmative and Negative sides of the argument: that giving money to aid agencies is a waste. In Week 3, teams will compete in an Impromptu Debate where students have a short preparation time prior to the presenting their case.

The teams are working particularly well together, and developing strategic approaches to the debating contests. This year the teams are: Team 1 — Ismam Chowdhury, Kaejenn Tchia, Asim Razi, Daniel Hamilton and Andrew Harding Team 2— Daniel Jean, Adam Ryan, Kenny Lee, Maggie Coggan-Gartlan, Furdosa Ab Abor Debating is labour intensive so the teams are being supported by three coach/coordinators, including Ms Schuman and Mrs Naidoo from the English Faculty. The scene is set for a very successful Debating Season this year.

Susan Cameron Debating Coordinator

Changes to the Dress Code The aim of the DHS dress code is to enable students to look respectable while at school and for them to be able to participate fully in all school activities.

The following is an extract from the Darwin High School Student Dress Code.

Clothing—Students will wear sleeved shirts to school, for example T-shirts, button-through shirts or polo shirts. Singlets of any type are not acceptable. Skirts, dresses and shorts must be of such a design and construction that they are not brief or revealing. They must be of moderate length.

Leggings are not permitted to be worn as outer wear.

Students who wear clothing that is brief, revealing or with offensive motifs will not be permitted to attend normal programs.

Parents will be informed and the student will be either sent home to change or detained in the Front Office by the relevant Assistant Principal or Year Coordinator. Parents will be informed that their son/daughter is not permitted to return the following day unless appropriate clothing is worn.

Definitions Moderate (adjective): avoiding extremes of behaviour or expression: observing reasonable limits.

Revealing (adjective): tending to expose more typically hidden parts of the body.

Respectable (adjective): fit to be seen, presentable and decent.

Reference http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

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The day was set for Friday, the 16 March but Mother Nature deemed it otherwise by sending us Cyclone Lua who put a damper on the event.

Then it was scheduled for the following Friday.

Everything was ready to go when workmen on the school premises created the perfect trigger in one of the classrooms to set off the fire alarm. But when the dust had literally settled and students were given the ‗all clear‘, Darwin High School‘s eager participants were able to have either their ‗crowning glories‘ tactfully removed, or a beard or two as well as some moustaches leaving them bald and clean shaven.

Although the Darwin High School Round Table is no longer functioning as an organisation, a group of passionate students banded together to make this event successful. Their concerted efforts paid off with them raising a magnificent amount of $1450 which will definitely help the Leukaemia Foundation get closer in finding a cure for this dreaded disease. Two staff members showed their versatility and artistic talents by doubling up as hairdressers. We also had our own homegrown paparazzi with three of our students capturing every moment of the event.

Overall it has a very successful day which, without the full support of staff members, parents, friends and the general community, it would not have eventuated. A big thank you to everyone who has been involved, every effort is highly appreciated.

Premilla Naidoo

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Health & Physical Education Faculty News The HPE Faculty encompasses Health, PE, Physical Pursuits, Sport and Recreation, Outdoor Education, Integrated Learning PE, Integrated Learning Coffee Shop, Food and Hospitality, Child Studies, and Year 10 Home Economics subjects, Food 4 Life and Stylish Food. All of these subjects have a significant practical component in the learning and assessment plan and program. As a consequence, most of the HPE subjects attract a subject cost reimbursement. This is to cover the cost of the activities within the course such as sports activities, excursions, food, materials, transport etc. Please ensure that you are aware of the amount of this prior to choosing the course. Here is a glimpse of what a few of the classes have been doing in the past term.

Stage 1 Coffee Shop students have finished their initial training in the art of coffee making and have successfully opened Cafe Ah Toy. This highly enthusiastic and motivated group of students provide eat in and take away cafe service for students and staff each Friday.

An investigation by Stage 1 Food and Hospitality students into the eating habits of Darwin High School students has provided an insight into the health status of this community. Energy drink intake, calcium consumption and fruit and Courtney Davis vegetable intake have been assessed by the students and the news was not always good. While energy drink consumption does not appear to be an issue, the inadequate intake of fruit, vegetables and calcium rich foods is. It is recommended that students look for ways to increase their intake of these foods.

A Namesake to Be Proud Of (Year 12 English Narrative)

A hardworking man he was and physically built like he could take on the world, young, inspired and successful in his own way. He was not a rich man in monetary terms, not by a long shot, but rich in personality and morals. Against many odds he had made a home for himself in Adelaide, South Australia. His home was his castle, he had filled it with all the necessary comforts and all this by the age of 25. Hell, most people are still finding their way in the world at that age. Not this man, he had dreams and he set out to achieve them all one by one. I admire this man; I aspire to his ways and his beliefs. It wasn't always this way and wouldn't always be this way. Life deals you a hand, good or bad you take it and make the most of it....come what may.

As the ship set sail, bound for Darwin, Australia in 1975 he waved goodbye to his father. He never took his eyes off him, not for a second until the figure on the dock was a tiny speck. As a young boy of 10 his fear overcame him, what was happening and why? War does this, man's greed for power and the other man's fight for survival. He was not alone, yet he felt like he was. Life as he knew it would probably never be the same. He was the fourth born of five. His mother, two sisters and two brothers were with him on this unknown journey. As he looked at his mother's once beautiful face, now drawn and frightened, he made a vow that he would not let this beat him. He would take care of everybody until his father came for them.

Stage 2 Child Studies students have been given the opportunity for a ―hands on‖ practical experience with our new Real Care Baby Infant simulator. The students take ‗the baby‘ home for the weekend, and have to care for it and attend to its needs. The baby is programmed to need feeding, changing, burping and cuddling. The neck is sensitive and if it is mishandled it will cry continuously for 3 minutes. The purpose is to give the students a realistic experience of the difficulties of caring for an infant. The students are really excited by the experience, but all have said that they never thought it would be so hard!

Stage 1 Child Studies classes are undertaking group practical tasks, attending Mitchell Street Child Care Centre to work with the children and plan play activities suitable for the various age groups —. babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. The students need to consider the types of play and the development of the children then plan together and implement their plans. They are using Google docs to collaborate on their plans in real time in and out of class.

Year 11 and 12 students have the opportunity to have a laptop from DHS for $100. There is a heavy emphasis on using technology in HPE classes, and students are at a disadvantage if they do not bring their computers to class or they have chosen not to get one. We urge you to encourage and support your child to obtain a school laptop and bring it to school every day, with their charger.

Penny McIntyre 14

'The scene on deck as 272 East Timor refugees (mainly Portuguese) arrive in Darwin aboard the ship MACDILI, NT 1975'.

Darwin was nothing like home, everything was different, the people, the lifestyle, the language. What were they doing here? Why couldn't they just go home? These thoughts rang through his mind, like the explosions and chaos he clearly remembered as he boarded the ship. His mother had sat them all down one night and explained that their home was at war, it had become unsafe and that their father had remained to fight for East Timor in the hope that we could re-

turn one day soon. Dino held on to that hope. His father was a hero and he would get them home. Three years passed and that hope was shattered. His father had been killed, ambushed while he slept. ―Cowards!‖ he cried. They couldn't fight him like men.

For most boys, thirteen was a time of discovery and fun-filled days with friends. This was not the case for Dino. Instead it was weeks and months of melancholy and yearning for a father he loved dearly and a home he would never again see. Yet his sense of dutiful responsibility to help his mother, who had just lost a husband and was now left to take care of five children on her own, was his motivation. His mother was a deeply religious woman and through her participation in the Catholic Church, Dino and his brothers and sisters were fortunate enough to be educated in private schools. Many thought of them as quite lucky as private schools were expensive. In Dino's eyes however luck played no part in it.

He had lost a father, how could that be lucky? He would give up an education if it would bring his father back. He knew though that would never happen, so he became appreciative of a good education and resolved to make his mother proud and know that his father's untimely death was not in vain.

Dino attended St. Johns College diligently and took on any work he could to help take the load off expenses. His mother who worked three jobs to take care of her children would often come home late at night after a hard day‘s work and fall asleep on the lounge, not even mustering up the energy to crawl into her bed.

Late one night he awoke to hear his mother weeping and asking ―Why?‖ ―Why did you leave me?‖ As he approached his mother, he realised that she had been attempting to reach his father from beyond the grave for answers. He held his mother so tightly as she became more inconsolable and gently whispered in her ear in Portuguese, ―Mai, eu taki‖ which in English is ―Mum, I am here.‖ True to his word Dino, helped his mother and made her proud.

Seven years passed and he decided to move to Adelaide where he met his wife and set up home. Even though he had moved away from his family he maintained regular contact and never forgot his beginnings.

Lions Youth of the Year Quest The Quest is designed to encourage student interest in leadership and the qualities required to take an active and constructive role in the community. It seeks a high level of academic, leadership, sporting, public speaking and citizenship achievement in its potential winners. By emphasising these qualities it hopes to provide outstanding role models for the youth of Australia and an overall increase in the confidence of young men and women.

The judging process allocates 80% of the marks to an hour-long interview with three to five judges, and 25% to Public Speaking skills. Candidates, therefore, need to have developed a strong record of achievement in a range of fields, and demonstrated an interest in leadership.

Judging is carried out at a number of levels, starting with the individual club. Samuel Smith and Daniel Hamilton were the two Darwin High School entrants, and both have very strong credentials for this competition and acquitted themselves well.

Daniel was the ultimate winner, and he subsequently competed and won at the Zone level where he was awarded a trip to compete in South Australia at the Regional level. This is the highest level any NT competitor has reached up to now, but as Daniel intends to enter again next year, there is a chance he can go further.

Lions is particularly keen that the Quest itself should offer new challenges and opportunities to contestants, and Daniel benefited from both.

His Prepared Speech entitled What Makes an Aboriginal Leader? touched and impressed all three of his audiences, and his Impromptu Speaking, a major challenge at first, is now impressive.

Any student who is interested in taking part in the Quest in 2013 should check the website http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/yoty/about%20the%20quest.htm first, and then contact Mrs. Cameron in A12 for further information, as Lions plans to start the judging process in Semester 2 this year.

Susan Cameron

At twenty five years of age he was diagnosed with Leukemia and forever the fighter, he battled the disease with all the positiveness and bravery he could conjure. He had come too far to lose now and was not willing to give up. In August 1992 at the tender age of twenty six, Bernardino Dos Santos passed away and was buried in Darwin, his home. I never met my uncle, although I feel as though I knew him well.

Stories that have been passed onto me by my grandmother and my dad have always portrayed him as an admirable man, true to his word and with great inner strength.

My name is Brandon Bernardino Santos, I carry his name, I carry it with pride.

Year 12 students Shekira Coonan, Stacey McGregor, and Robyn Matthews at Meet the Teacher Night in February—raising funds for Year 12 Formal.

Written by Brandon Santos

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Sports News Darwin High School retained the Top End Cluster Shield for 2011 having won the inaugural championship in 2010. This award is based on both participation and results and DHS in 2011 was outstanding in both.

Through their school email address, all students have been sent an overview of both City Cluster sports activities and SSNT Development Camps that will give students the opportunity to represent the NT. Any parent wanting a copy can email steve.mcgugan@ntschools.net All students have been asked to email their interest to steve.mcgugan@ntschools.net, one email per sport, and they will then be sent updates through email. Additionally, notices are posted in weekly bulletins and through lunchtime announcements.

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Term 1 Sports for City Cluster were offered in netball, softball and rock climbing. DHS participated in netball and rock climbing.

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SSNT Development Camps applications for AFL boys and girls U16 teams closed 9 March and netball closed 30 March. Under 15 Touch closes 4 May and U16 Cricket closes 10 August. The Triathlon is an individual entry so it will need to be pursued through the Tri Club. To get application forms students are to see Mr McGuggan.

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Term 2 City Cluster and Top End Sports are cross country, tennis, touch, basketball and soccer. Students wishing to participate in the cross country should email by Monday, 15 April.

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Rugby League – an after school competition for U18 year olds will be held in Term 2. Interested boys are to contact Mr Jessie McLean.

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Basketball – Darwin High School has been invited to participate in a schools tournament in Singapore in late Term 4 for both boys and girls. The host school is offering billeting for the tournament and some further games are being sought in Johore, Malaysia. Full details and costing will be posted around Week 2 of Term 2. Contact Mr McGuggan if you are interested. You do not have to be a top line player – participation is the purpose and training will take place prior.

Netball On Wednesday 22 February 2012 Darwin High School participated Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to in the City and Northern Suburbs Cluster Netball Competition. This represent the NT 17s National Netball Championships in Launceswas held at Sitzler Netball Centre, Marrara from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm. ton from 27 March to 5 April . Rebecca Winch, Michelle Kerrin, Natasha Hertel, Megan Craufurd and Eponine Richardson.

Darwin High School entered one team with 10 girls participating.

The students were Ella Tilling, Ashu Mohamed, Frisca Tshuma, Rachel Thomas, Jordan King, Joselyn Adjudra, Delaney Mitchel, Marion Lejeune Chloe Thompson, Gemma Henderson and Karlene Cardona.

Coach/Manager The girls played games against St John‘s College, The Essington School, O‘Loughlin Catholic College and Casuarina Senior College in the Senior Division. They also played against Nightcliff Middle School as one of the senior teams was unable to participate. The winner was Casuarina Senior College with Darwin High School coming fifth.

The girls enjoyed the day, a few showers but mostly fine. We had no injuries, which was even better. They played extremely well considering they had not played together before the competition. Thank you to the girls who scored goals and also to Ella, Gemma and Rachel for assisting with the umpiring of games. It was great to have Ashu and Frisca participate even though they were very tired by the end of the day. These two girls have recently arrived in Australia from Africa and this was the first time they had played netball.

Congratulations to Year 12 student Rhys Dowling Winner of the 2012 NT Junior Sports Person of the Year

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