School Newsletter—Contact Volume 12 Edition 4 Term 4 December 2012 Year Level News p.2, Reunion of the Class of 1987 p.4 Remembrance Day p.4 Did you know that.. P.5 SIEU and VET p.6 Lunch at Government House p.7 Accountants’ Scholarship p.7 Centre for Excellence Maths p.8 Shanghai Exchange Report p.8 World Challenge p.9 Singapore Basketball Trip p.9 Going Bush – Outdoor Ed p.11 P.A.W.S Fundraiser p.13 Bare Sand Island p.14 Drama Term 4 p.15 Perseverance Passion & Believing p.16 Dance Report 2012 p.17 Sports News p.20
Bare Sand Island
From the Principal We have come to the end of our school year and have had the pleasure of celebrating the wonderful achievements of staff and students. The Year 12 Graduation Ceremony, held at the Darwin Convention Centre on Monday 19 November, was a fabulous occasion with graduates recognised in front of families and friends for completing their school education. The graduates and their teachers then enjoyed fine dining and dancing in the Convention Centre Function Hall. My thanks to Lisa Knight and Kevin Northcote for their excellent organisation of the evening. Our final event for the year, Presentation Night, was held on Monday 10 December at the Darwin Convention Centre. Darwin High School staff did a wonderful job of preparing a celebration of academic, cultural, sport and citizenship achievements by our students. Our thanks are extended to our Presentation Night guest presenters: Chief Minister Terry Mills, Minister for Education and Children’s Services Robyn Lambley MLA, John Elferink MLA, Michael Gunner MLA, Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Darwin Katrina Fong Lim, Deputy Chief Executive Eva Lawler, Honourable Austin Asche AC QC, John Anictomatis AO, Squadron Leader Andrew Gibbs, Sue Philip, Paul Finocchiaro, Declan Gaggin, Janine Watt, Sally Crawford, Robert Csar, Ade Padmo Sarwono, Ray Fauntleroy, Vic Minchin, Eddie Josephs and Sue Carthew. I also wish to thank Samuel Smith, Sophie Philip, Adam Ryan, Miranda Cowley, Tor Burns and Maggie Coggan-Gartlan for being outstanding MCs. Finally, I would like to thank School Council, parents, staff and students for all their hard work and support this year. I wish you Dates for the Diary all a safe and happy Book Room opens on 2 January Christmas and I look forward to working with you Orientation 24 Jan —Year 10 at 9am, Year 11 & 12 at 10:30am in 2013. Teachers resume 25 January
Trevor Read Principal
Students resume Tuesday 29 January 1
congratulate the entire Year 10 cohort on their behaviour, attitude and dedication to their studies. We wish everyone an enjoyable and well deserved break, and look forward to seeing you all on 29 January, 2013. Trish Cryer Assistant Principal Year 10
Year 10 News Our Year 10 cohort has arrived at the end of their first year in the senior school, and what a year it has been for everyone. There have been many highlights and achievements for those students who have represented the school and many students have been involved in the various trips and excursions that have been run throughout the year. The school has received positive feedback from community members regarding student attitude and behaviour when students have participated in extracurricular activities. Work experience employers, host parents, umpires, coaches and other people in the community have passed on messages of congratulations to the school in regards to our Year 10 students. It is refreshing to hear that the excellent behaviour continues outside the classrooms and students uphold the expectations and values of Darwin High School at all times. There have been some amazing changes in the maturity, attitude and dedication of this cohort as the year progressed and a solid foundation has been laid for the next two years. In 2013, Year 11 will bring a new set of challenges. Every subject will count towards the NTCET. The workload will increase and students will need to plan to use their time effectively. Setting goals and prioritising commitments will need to become the norm for all students. Completing Stage 1 next year will require commitment, dedication and perseverance. We are sure this group of Year 10 students are up for the challenge. Driving to School Please be aware that if your child is intending to drive or ride a motor vehicle to school next year they need to fill in the appropriate paper work which is available from the Front Office. If they wish to carry passengers there needs to be a permission note from both the driver’s parent and the passenger’s parent. Farewell A number of Year 10 students will not be returning to Darwin High School next year. We wish them all the best and we know that part of Darwin High School will remain with them always. Please ensure that you notify the school if your child is not returning. Finally, we would like to take the opportunity to thank all parents for their support this year, and
Year 11 News This year has been an eventful and exciting year. We would like to congratulate all Year 11 students for their hard work. It has been a pleasure to see the transformation of this cohort over the past two years and we look forward to their continued maturity next year. For those students who will not be returning to Darwin High School next year, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours and hope you leave Darwin High School with fond memories. For those students who are returning to Darwin High School next year, have a great holiday and we look forward to working with you in Year 12, 2013. Year 12 Timetables Draft timetables for 2013 were distributed to students on Monday 19 November. Many students have already taken the opportunity to modify their timetables. All timetable changes should be completed by the end of Week 1, 2013. Year 12 Jersey Orders can be placed early in Term 1, 2013. Information will be available in Week 1 next year. Laptop Roll Out All Year 11 students should have returned the school laptop to the Front Office, the exception being those students who have paid the $100 insurance fee for next year and are keeping them over the holiday break. All Year 12 students are eligible for a laptop in 2013 once the insurance fee is paid. Orientation for New Students On 24 January at 10:30am we will be having an orientation for new students entering Year 12. Any current Year 11 student who is willing to assist please send an email to: marty.isaksen@ntschools.net. Year 12 Formal Committee Planning will begin early in the school year for the 2013 School Formal. If you are interested in being part of the formal committee and assisting in organising the event, please speak to the Year 12 2
Coordinator at the start of the school year. Farewell Mr Davies Finally I would like to thank Wade Davies for the great job he has done with the Year 11 students over the past 18 months as Year 10 and 11 Coordinator. He has built a wonderful rapport with all the students across the year level and will be sadly missed by both staff and students. Marty Isaksen Assistant Principal Year 11
Turf for their sponsorship. Tim kindly gave $5 towards the Formal for every Year 12 student who ate at his restaurant. Tim also donated additional funds in support of our evening. Thank you so much. Please support those businesses that have supported us.
Year 12 News The Graduation and Formal were held on Monday 19 November. They were both terrific events. Emma Farnell (class of 2003) now a practising lawyer provided some words of wisdom to the Class of 2012. Sam Smith (Class of 2012) gave the Valedictory speech reminding us of the journey that the class of 2012 had taken and the future ahead. We finished with the ‘Darwin High Gangnam Crew’ who stole the show with a terrific dance medley. It was indeed a fantastic night. I would like to thank the students from the formal committee who have spent many hours raising funds and preparing for the Formal, in particular Gemma Reynolds, Shekira Coonan and Robyn Matthews.
This year has been a great year. It has been an absolute delight working with the young men and women of the Class of 2012. On behalf of all the staff who have taught and supported them in their time at Darwin High, I wish them the best in the future and hope that their lives are full of interesting challenges and successes. Farewell Lisa Knight I would also like to farewell Lisa Knight who has won a position as NTCET Science Consultant in the Participation, Pathways and Engagement team. She has been an amazing coordinator and is a highly respected teacher. I would like to thank her for all that she has done and wish her all the best. She will be greatly missed. Kevin Northcote Assistant Principal Year 12
I would also like to acknowledge and thank our major sponsors. Enchanted Moments provided all the wonderful decorations for the Formal at a special price. I would also like to thank Tim’s Surf and
Year 12 Final Day 2012
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Accessing Results Online Students can check their final results for their NTCET by logging into Students Online. We anticipate that results will be released on 19 December. It is a good idea to check your log in details for this now to ensure that you can access the site. Students Online can be accessed via the SACE Board website at the address shown below: http://www.sace.sa.edu.au/students-online and click on Access Students Online. To access the site, you will need to use your SACE Registration Number. This is available on all Darwin High School reports. The default pin number is the first four digits of the your date of birth. For instance the pin number for someone born on 4 April is 0404. You will be prompted to choose a new pin number. You should record this pin number for future use as password resets are unlikely on the day the results are released.
The Class of 1987 – 25 Year Reunion On 8 and 9 September, 76 classmates from the Darwin High School Class of 1987 joined together for a celebration of their friendships and time at Darwin High School after 25 years. The Class of ’87 reunion was a wonderful success with more than half of the attendees arriving from overseas and interstate via air and sea. The many others who could not make it followed the official and non-official events via updated feeds on Facebook.
Remembrance Day
The Reunion was organised by seven Class of 87 students; Sybillye Brautigam, Melissa Royle, Georgia Thomas, Sharyn Bury, Mark James, Will Tinapple and Stephanie Henry for the pure reason that, “It was time”.
Sunday, November 11, marked the 94th anniversary of the Armistice which ended World War I, known as “The Great War” - the war that would end all wars.
The Reunion started with a tour of the School with DHS teacher Judy Boland and student Syaz Russell. Thirty-nine classmates and one teacher physically attended, while one past student attended via Skype. Some of the old gang brought along their families too.
Despite the hot, sultry conditions, about 400 people joined students Jade Williamson, Shannon Hunt, Kaejenn Tchia and Becci Smith, to pay their respects at a simple but dignified ceremony at the Cenotaph on the Esplanade. The students were supported by staff members Mr Smith, Mr Read and Mrs Boland and were delighted to have Ms Guppy, former DHS Principal, join the group.
Being in the school corridors and feeling like a teen again was a treat as classmates shouted out different jokes and slang from the 80s. Smiles were broad and laughter was loud. Classmates saw their old hangouts and tried the benches where they sat with their crew all those years ago. Everyone reminisced, shared stories and memories. It was a wonderful experience. After the tour the group saluted DHS with a glass of champagne on the cliff edge and then the dispersed to do their own Darwin tours and catch ups before the Reunion Dinner and Party. By 7pm on the Saturday, the Waratahs Club was decked out with balloons, streamers, banners, music posters and pumping with 80s tunes to give a feeling of 1987. The Reunion organisers waited excitedly for the first people to arrive. Seventy-three old classmates came through the doors that night. Many came in a little nervous. However, this was not like any Hollywood movie about 4
Our students were conspicuous in their dress, manners and the dignity with which they assisted the RSL with the distribution of poppies and were the focus of much media attention. Judy Boland
Did you know that … Next year Darwin High School will celebrate 50 years at Bullocky Point. In this edition of Contact I have included an article from the 1973 Year Book about the opening of the new library, ‘Media Centre’. If you have any photos of the School in the early years that you would like share, please send them to kevin.northcote@ntschools.net.
The Class of 1987 – 25 year Reunion continued
having to prove yourself. It was just about past friendships and celebration. Within minutes there was a sense of time-travel where the crew just fell back into their old friendships and made new ones. It was as if time had not passed and there was no need for explanations; it was easy, relaxed and felt like home. As teenage friends they had seen each other developing and had seen the best and the worst as they formed their identities, so they had nothing to prove to each other. They enjoyed each other’s company, partied and danced the night away. On the Sunday, a Recovery BBQ was held at East Point. This was where the Class of ‘87 used to party and “hoon” oh so long ago. A fitting end to the weekend. As I write this a few days have passed. I have received numerous emails and Facebook comments that people were thrilled they attended; they are in a “haze of happiness”, “floating” and “re-evaluating their lives.” It was really an amazing weekend for everyone and it is interesting how strongly we all felt about each other even after so many years. 5
SIEU Students Keen to Gain Skills and Training for the Workplace This semester, 20 students have been attending Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) programs. These courses are held at Kormilda College, Marrara Christian School and both CDU campuses (Casuarina and Palmerston). Most courses require students to attend one full day per week. The courses offer credit towards the NTCET and at the same time provide an alternative and, in some cases, a more practical learning pathway to work. Pictured left and below are students participating in Certificate I Construction and Automotive courses at Kormilda where their attendance and participation has been excellent and some have decided to continue into Certificate II in 2013. Right are students who have completed their Certificate II in Community Services.
The Class of 1987 – 25 year Reunion continued
We had stuck by each other through thick and thin. There have been enthusiastic calls for another reunion — sooner rather than later. The organisers have scheduled the next Class of ‘87 Reunion to be on Saturday, 9 September 2017. See you all there Class of ‘87! Stephanie Henry Class of ’87 Reunion Organiser
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Luncheon at Government House On 26 and 27 September, two groups of students accompanied by Mr Read and Mrs Boland, enjoyed luncheon at Government House as guests of Her Honour the Honourable Sally Thomas AM, Administrator of the Northern Territory.
Chartered Accountants’ Scholarship NT 2012
Thanks to the initiative of Nathanial Smith, Accounting and Economics teacher, for the first time ever, the InOn arrival students walked a red carpet to sign the Visitor’s Book. stitute of Chartered Accountants ofFrom here they were ushered into the Drawing Room, which was fered a scholarship in the NT for Year constructed in 1871. The students were served drinks whilst chat- 12 students. The scholarship provides ting with Her Honour who was very interested in what the students the opportunity to undertake a paid did with their lives outside of school. work experience placement with a top accounting firm and A tour of the House followed before all adjourned to the Dining Room. The table was perfection, with sparkling crystal and silver- gives money towards ware gleaming on the highly polished Queensland Red Cedar ta- study expenses. ble. Each guest had individual menu cards. We are delighted to anDuring the course of the luncheon, Her Honour told the students nounce that there are about the paintings and period furniture that graces the Dining two scholarship winners, Room. She expanded too, on her role as Administrator of the both DHS students, and Northern Territory and what that involves. Her Honour also said would like to congratuthat she was very moved with Darwin High School’s Anzac Aslate Angie (Xuelian) Ng sembly, in which tribute was paid to the Nurses and Servicewomand Cherry (Qiwen) en of both World Wars. Her Honour also said that she had been Ding on winning the impressed by the presence of such a large contingent of DHS stuChartered Accountants’ dents at the Anzac Dawn Service and at the 70th Anniversary of Scholarship NT for 2012. the Bombing of Darwin which occurred on a Sunday. All too soon, our bus arrived. We were farewelled by Her Honour and felt very proud to be part of a special group of people who can say they have dined at Government House.
Applicants had to submit a written application and were then interviewed for their placement. Both these young Judy Boland women are highly motivated, have big career aspirations and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. Angie will undertake her work experience at Deloitte and Cherry will undertake her work experience at BDO. The Institute had great support from the firms and high schools in Darwin and they would like to especially thank the Regional Chair member, Matthew Kennon from Merit Partners in Darwin who was an advocate for this exciting new program.
A reminder that the Defence Family Helpline is available 24-7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals. The helpline is the first point of contact for ADF members, and the DCO provides a range of support services, practical assistance and products to support Defence families during times of deployment and family member absence. Helpline Contact details are: DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au or 1800 624 608. 7
Guest Speaker Visit to Centre for Excellence Mathematics Class
Education Exchange to China Ni Hao! Three Year 10 students, Brayden Chin, Cindy Mu and Atlanta Simutanyi, studying Stage 1 Mandarin Continuers, and I were privileged to spend half of Term 4 in China. After a 10-day tour around China, we were based at the High School attached to Shanghai Normal University, which is situated in the south-west part of Shanghai.
An enthusiastic scientist and a class brimming with curious and aspiring young minds is all it takes to spark an intellectual forest fire. In the case of the Stage 1 C4E Maths class, the burnt forest was of cycads — metaphorically and literally. Dr. Dave Liddle visited the class as a guest speaker on 20 September, and sure enough, his job, as he said, was to burn cycads, though obviously, for noble motives. Dr. Liddle worked for the NT Government’s Biodiversity Conservation Area. As an adviser to the government and the community, Dr. Liddle advocates for the considerate use of resources for managing wildlife and land sustainably. To justify his stances, he uses mathematical modelling, “a mechanism” as he puts it “and a tool which underpins decision making.” It was fascinating how this biologist used mathematics to turn himself into an ecologist. In Term 3, four students from China were hosted by His area of interest is the “Population reBrayden, Cindy and Atlanta. All were keen to meet again sponse of Cycads to Fire Regimes” and he and thoroughly enjoyed their time together. Living with uses his study to debunk, or confirm, popular local families and communicating in Mandarin, both at myths about cycads and also to suggest ways home and school, has helped to improve the students’ to prevent the extinction of these common yet language skills and experiencing Chinese culture has ancient plants. been priceless for them. Using an incredibly powerful, and commensurately oddly named, application called Our time in China went by very quickly. We explored ‘RAMAS Metapop’. Dr. Liddle has been able many parts of Shanghai, including spending four enjoyato use the negative binomial model to model ble days with the entire Year 11 cohort on an excursion the frequency with which cycads produce to Hangzhou. With eight tour buses, consisting of apseeds when exposed to various types of fires proximately 400 students, 17 teachers and eight tour at varied frequencies. This has enabled him to guides, the sea of people congregating towards a tourist predict that if cycads were exposed to intense destination was certainly a sight to see. annual fires, their population would not be Tina Sketchley sustained and hence they could become ex2012 Shanghai Exchange Teacher tinct. This is a possibility in the Northern Territory due to expansive growth of invasive exotic Gamba grass. To prevent this from happening, Dr. Liddle has used these models to develop the ‘Management Program for Cycads’ which has been adopted as legislation by the NT Government Nevertheless, he added, the predictive nature of extrapolation using models is not always valid. But it is definitely better than mere guesswork or consulting one’s crystal ball. Ending this deeply interesting discussion of mathematics in the real world, Dr. Liddle left us with a statement to ponder on, “Playing with numbers allows us to make more rational decisions.” True indeed, for that is the very purpose of mathematics. Asim Razi 8
World Challenge: Personal Development Through Adventure Travel At the end of 2011, 15 students went to Borneo as part of the World Challenge personal development program. The month long expedition is the culmination of a two year program in which the students plan, fundraise and then undertake an expedition in a developing country. In country they take control of the expedition by organising day to day activities and booking accommodation and transport. A community project is part of the expedition. Our students repaired a playground for the Sunflower Centre in Miri; a centre that offers care and training for young people with disabilities. The students did a fantastic job. Challenging treks are also part of the expedition. Over five days the students tackled the Headhunters Trail in Mulu National Park and also pushed themselves to their physical limits climbing Mt Kinabalu, the highest Mountain in south East Asia (4100m). Along the way we met a bunch of Borneo’s wildlife including Orangutans, Proboscis Monkeys, snakes, bats and birds, not to mention a Bearded Pig that had a taste for my hiking boots. The students faced physical and emotional challenges as they worked together to make the expedition a success. I think all would agree they had an experience of a lifetime and learnt a lot about themselves and the world they live in. This year current Year 9 and 10 students have the opportunity to sign up to the World Challenge Program at Darwin High School. The team will be heading to Costa Rica and Nicaragua at the end of 2013. Students already signed up are currently planning their itinerary and fundraising activities. There are still a few places available. If you are interested in finding out about the program, you should contact Aaron Dalgleish at aaron.dalgleish@ntschools.net and check out the World Challenge Website at www.worldchallenge.com.au. Schools Singapore Basketball Tour Following the footsteps of this year’s School Sport NT Cricket side, sixteen students from the three Top End Clusters (six schools) have undertaken a Stage 1, 10 unit Integrated Learning program in basketball which culminated in a recent tour to Singapore. The students’ assessment involved their skill development, contribution to the tour both on and off the court and a folio presentation. The folio presentation included materials and reflections on individual and team skills training, fitness training and recovery, game evaluations and goals, media conference, cultural 9
experiences, living with host families, visits to iconic Singapore landmarks including the Kranji War Cemetery, foods, facilities, climate and international travel. The teams played opponents of ranging abilities from International Schools and local clubs in Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This enabled the experiences in skill development, winning and losing, international officiating, changing defences including full court pressure, the more physical international game and different court surfaces and conditions. All up the two teams played 15 games in six days with a record of ten wins and five losses In the touring group were: Jake Geer (captain) , Zac Robinson, Hugh Williams, Lachlan Godber, Rainer Shean (Captain), Lydia Pearce (Casuarina Secondary College); Dakota McDowell, Cheyenne Crowley, Thomas Liebelt, Karl Spedding, Lochlan Linkson (Darwin High School); Alex Habets, Madeline Bryan (St Johns College); Anne Rose (Palmerston Senior College); Grace Fuller (Kormilda College); and Joshua Fosdick (Good Shephard Lutheran College), Steve McGugan boys coach (Darwin HS), Marcia Habits girls coach (Palmerston PBC), Kerry Williams Manager (Darwin HS) and Bill Linkson (Ansett BC). The group would like to thank the following for the support they received, Silkair, Australian International School Singapore, Mr Trevor Read, Principal Darwin High School, Aussie Basketball Tours, 2on1 Basketball Uniforms and Territory Uniforms.
Study Tour Opportunities in 2013 Destination USA NASA Trip
Target Students Closed to new students.
Esther Tan, Anne Disney, Tonia Griffiths
All Spanish & Italian language students
Ilaria Tomassi
All Indonesian language students
Diyah Christie, Kevin Northcote
All Chinese and Japanese language students
Mariko Ruzsicska, Marnie Foster
Centre for Excellence Maths and Science students, Year 11 & 12
Esther Tan
All students with a sense of adventure.
Aaron Dalgleish
(Departing—March 2013)
Italy & Spain (Proposed—June 2013)
Indonesia
Contact
(Proposed—June 2013)
China/ Korea/ Japan (Proposed—November 2013)
Singapore Trip (Proposed—December 2013)
Costa Rica and Nicaragua (Proposed—December 2013)
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Going Bush with Outdoor Ed In Term 2, Stage 2 students went bushwalking in Barramundi Gorge. It was a chance for them to develop their navigation and leadership skills before their selfreliant journey in Term 3. The escarpment country around Barramundi Gorge offers some of the most challenging walking and navigation in the NT. There are no tracks or signs to guide the way and the terrain is steep and unforgiving. The students pushed themselves to their limits on the second day. A twisted ankle in the afternoon and a long lunch put the team behind schedule. We found ourselves on top of the Escarpment, kilometers from water with the sun going down. The team pushed on into the night before eventually making a dry camp. Water was rationed amongst the team with the hope that we would find the river we were heading towards the next morning.
Bernadette Strawhorn and Shyam Divikaran at sunset on the Barramundi Gorge walk
Rising early, we reached the river within an hour, but we soon discovered we had veered off route during the night and our route would need to be revised as we were faced with a gorge with sheer cliffs; our campsite on the other side. To cut a long story short we carefully worked our way around the gorge until we found a gully we could scramble down. At the end of the gully we were faced with a new challenge a deep waterhole, sheer cliffs on either side. The far bank was where we needed to be. After a team discussion it was decided we would build a raft from our sleeping mats and swim, floating our bags across on the raft. What an adventure! Despite the challenges and the hardship, we all had a great time and the team learnt a lot about leadership, teamwork and problem solving. The Self-reliant Journey in Term 3 is the culmination of the Outdoor Education program. It’s an opportunity for the students to demonstrate all the skills they have learnt in Stage 1 and Stage 2 as they take control of all aspects of the walk - leadership, navi-
Britney and Stella (German exchange student)
Georgia Hardy contemplating the sunrise over Lake Argyle
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gation, risk and environmental management. We walked for five days, 60km from Twin Falls to Koolpin Gorge - through some of the most spectacular parts of the escarpment country. The students did a fantastic job, but the most rewarding thing for me was to see them start to really feel comfortable in the wilderness and to enjoy the simple things: a good view, a great conversation around the fire, the feeling of jumping into a cool waterhole after a long walk. A fractured wrist and twisted knee made the trip tough for some but it was great to see the students work together to support everyone to finish.
Stage 1 crew on Lake Argyle
The Lake Argyle Paddle was the final trip for the year. Stage 1 students jumped on a bus and drove 12 hours to Lake Argyle on the border of NT and WA. After a night in the caravan park we loaded up our canoes and paddled off into the wilderness for four days. Lake Argyle teaches you the value of sun protection. There is no shade and the sun reflects off the water. Despite the slip, slop, slap reminders some students learnt the hard way and, after the first day, became prodigious about wearing hats, and long sleeved shirts. Lake Argyle has the largest population of freshwater crocodiles in Australia with over 30000. At the beginning of the trip, the students were a little nervous about swimming but by the end of the trip they were heading out in their canoes at night to try to spot some of these shy reptiles. They even managed to catch a few of the babies so they could get a closer look. Four International students were part of the trip and they were amazed at how smooth the crocodile skin was. Some of the students woke up before the sun on the second morning and scrambled their way to the top of one of the impressive mountains that surround the lake. As the sun rose over the escarpment the students were blown away by the vastness of the lake which stretched out as far as the eye could see. Standing on top of this mountain, the view of the lake more than 500m below us was one of the highlights of the trip.
Helping each other lift packs up a steep section the walk at Barramundi Gorge
Masa Harad (Japanese exchange student) holding a freshwater crocodile
Outdoor Education is not without its risks though. An unfortunate accident meant that one the students had to be evacuated to hospital. She received three stiches in her head and three in her leg. Despite her fall Gemma proved herself to be tough as nails and joined the team for the trip home. It has been a big year for Outdoor Education. Apart from a few injuries, most have had a great time and hopefully learnt something about themselves and the amazing environments of the Top End. I look forward to seeing some new faces and some old ones next year to do it all again. Aaron Dalgleish 12
Meal Deal Madness for P.A.W.S. Fundraiser This term, as part of the Year 10 Stylish Food course, students had the opportunity to put their learning into practice by organising an event. They researched a range of organisations to which they could lend some support. It was decided that the money should go to support the work done by P.A.W.S. Darwin in saving abandoned animals.
and teamwork of every member of the class, and of course the customers who bought the meal deals. Well done and thank you. Esperanca Barreto
The concept of offering a meal deal to students was explored with groups designing and trialling their menus and, from this, the final meal deal was determined. For an amazing $5.00 the meal deal consisted of two sausage rolls, a choc chip cookie and a chocolate milkshake.
Oscar Stott and Connor Lawrie seeking donations
A lot of thought and organisation went into promotion, ticket sales and dispatch of meal deals. This Graphics Calculator Buy Back Scheme certainly paid off as 74 meal deals were dispatched in a short space of time - one lunch hour. The School is always in need of graphics calculators to assist students in the classroom, especially to help It was with pride and a sense of community that families where the cost of a graphics calculator is ofthe class handed over a cheque for $326.45 to ten a burden on their finances. P.A.W.S. Darwin. Our class would not have been able to achieve this if it was not for the persistence It would assist greatly if students who have left the school sell or donate their graphics calculator to the School.
Wanted
The class presenting the cheque to P.A.W.S. representatives
Past students who are no longer using their graphics calculator TI 84 or TI 84+ may sell (for $50) or better still, donate their calculator back to the school. Graphics calculators must be in working order. New graphics calculators with a two year warranty are available for purchase from the finance office for $160.
Choc chip cookie production
For further information please contact Eileen Bell (Mathematics Faculty Senior) or Kylie Offer on (08) 8999 1222. 13
Bare Sand Island While most students were enjoying the freedom of the first week of the mid year holidays, a group of students from Darwin High School volunteered their services to assist Austurtle Inc. in monitoring nesting turtles on Bare Sand Island, approximately 50km west of Darwin. This opportunity allowed students to work alongside researchers, gathering data on flatback turtles. For seven nights they were at the mercy of the tides, turtles and often the wind! The team quickly became adept at sighting turtle tracks by moonlight, locating the nesting turtle and patiently waiting for her to finish creating the egg chamber, lay her eggs and begin to fill in the nest. At this stage the turtles were measured, tags checked and GPS coordinates recorded. The evening watch took about three hours and happened either side of the evening high tide. If lucky, we were able to catch a few hours sleep before rising with the sun to check the beach for hatchling tracks. Hatched nests were checked to determine hatching success and for any live hatchlings that had not made it out of the nest. Live hatchlings were taken back to camp and nursed for the day. These babies were sooo cute!! Many were named and proud surrogate parents encouraged the hatchlings to swim, sometimes swimming with them in the pools left by high tide. In the evenings they would be warmed inside jackets and then returned to the beach to begin the long journey of a juvenile turtle. While the nights brought work and interrupted sleep, the days provided time to relax and explore Bare Sand and surrounding islands, and to eat. Oh, how fresh air promotes healthy appetites! Card games, especially 500, were a hit, books were read, fish were fed (they were too elusive to get caught) and sunsets were watched. Who could forget Josh strumming his guitar on the highest dune each sunset! Some comments from the participants: Did you know that flat back turtles lay approximately 55 eggs in each clutch? They lay 3-5 clutches in a season and only 1 in 1000 turtles survive to maturity. Turtles do not return to the island to breed until they are about 30 years old.
“It’s been a great experience – I have not only learnt a lot about turtles but I have also made friends with people I didn’t think I would ever get along with.” “The feeling of motherhood as you watch the baby turtle you were caring for swim into the deep blue.” “I will remember the dunes, a broken boat, no fish in the sea, the guitar and didgeridoo, swimming with baby turtles, the stars, phosphorescence, the red setting moon…” Aaron Dalgleish 14
Drama Term 4 Year 10 and 11 Drama students produced major productions this term. Year 10 students studied the theatrical style of Realism and its major innovator Constantin Stanislavski. They discovered various techniques involved in creating a realistic performance and utilised these in two short plays. These were devised entirely by the students based on two short stories and they focused on creating realistic emotions and interactions onstage. Their commitment and focus in developing and performing these pieces was highly impressive and their consideration of ensemble throughout the process is to be commended.
The Year 11 Drama students spent this semester looking at Physical and Political theatre. Their three performance pieces were completely devised by each group and each demonstrated competent use of theorists’ ideas such as German Expressionist – Bertolt Brecht, French physical practitioner – Jacques Le Coq and Japanese actor trainer – Tadashi Suzuki. They incorporated satire also to convey their ideas in a clever, sometimes confronting way, which truly left the audience thinking.
Christian Discussion Group This year there was an enthusiastic group of students mostly from Year 12 who participated weekly in the Christian Discussion Group. The group conducted a successful sausage sizzle and raised sufficient funds to provide a significant part of the $44 monthly sponsorship of a young girl in India. It is always inspiring to see a group of students planning and successfully putting on an event for another’s benefit. There were also many lively discussions throughout the year and I took much pleasure in seeing the maturity of relationships within the group. I look forward to collaborating again next year with Rev. Bruce Chapman and working with a new group of students from all year levels within the school. Coordinator Mrs Rosie Reimers
Mr Matthew Attfield (teacher) Sam Yick, Jethro Dickens, Fayth Christie, Jun Je, Matheus Liberato, Joel Logan, Sharon Niam, Michael Cao, Mrs Rosie Reimers (teacher)
Defence Transition Mentor It has been an eventful year for ADF students and their families during 2012, with highlights including the 70th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin ceremony, the DHS ANZAC Day Assembly and the 2020 Defence Youth Challenge 2012. Congratulations to Ashley Luxton who gained a Defence Technical Scholarship. This is a great step towards gaining a Technical Trade Career in the ADF. Congratulations also to Madelee Visser and Teresa Look out for more fantastic performances in Pham for being part of the winning team in the De2013 as Darwin High School’s Drama students fence 2020 Youth Challenge 2012 held during the hone their skills even further! year. Katie Cawthorne I would like to wish ADF families all the best for the remainder of the year and congratulate those Year 12 students who have successfully completed their senior secondary studies. For families who will be relocating and leaving Darwin in the near future I wish you all the best for the future and thank you for your support. Paul McConnell Defence Transition Mentor 15
Perseverance, Passion and Believing The year 2012 has been a year of surprises. I have never in my life dreamt about what I have been able to achieve this year. One of my biggest achievements this year has been completing my traineeship in Dental Assisting. There are so many people I would thank who have helped me along the way from the start of my traineeship. I would like to thank all the teachers who helped me when I first came to Darwin High School. My few months in the SIEU and the support I received from so many teachers whom I will never forget because they gave me confidence and encouragement with my spoken and written English which I now use in my everyday life with the very many networks I have made. Thanks to the VET co-ordinator Janine Watt and the Career Advisor, Meg Davis for the support they have given me. Winning this year’s NT School Based Trainee of the year has been the biggest achievement of my life and being able to represent the Northern Territory at the Australian Training Awards in Melbourne was a wonderful experience. My journey has not been easy. There were challenges along the way, but because of perseverance, passion and believing in myself I have done it. Having first won in the NT and then being able to represent the Northern Territory at the Australian Training Awards was the most amazing journey ever. Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime and, I have to say, I am one lucky person to have been on the journey. It feels great to be a Territorian and I am proud of the fact that I represented Darwin High School at the national level. I have to say that, not winning the Nationals was a little bit disappointing but, just like the other finalists, I am a winner because it has been a great journey. I did not give up but believed that I could do anything I wanted with my life. There are so many advantages from doing a School -Based Apprenticeship. I have learnt about my chosen field and I was able to put my knowledge into practice while I was at work. This made learning easier because I was doing the work. I have learnt so many things about myself; gained confidence, improved communication skills, and built networks with so many new people during my traineeship. I have learnt so many dental skills and I had the opportunity to finish my traineeship whilst at school which is amazing because you finish school with your NTCET and a VETiS qualification. I would like to encourage any young person who has got a dream to undertake any VETiS/ traineeship of their choice because we have so many opportunities here. It does not matter what cultural or ethnic background you come from. Do not let anyone put you down because you are your own individual, just believe in yourself and take in any advice your elders and teachers give you. At the end you will greatly appreciate it. Looking back, if I were to just sit back and let people laugh at me because I am from a different background, it would not have got me to where I am today, so to anyone out there do not let anyone stop you from achieving your dreams. Aim high. Jane Alia 16
Dance Report 2012
“The highest function of the dance is to ennoble man’s concept of himself”
Ruth St Denis
Once again 2012 has been a busy year in the Dance Department at Darwin High School (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.
Next was the creation of the heart-felt youth dance theatre work BRAVE – Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful here at Darwin High School Amphitheatre in June. Findings on youth suicide in the National Ministerial that was released in 2012, indicated that the top three reasons for youth suicide were bullying, binge drinking and disputes/break-ups with friends/partners. BRAVE examined the scars of bullying and the cruelty and extreme lengths it pushes people to and sends the message “Everyone has the right to live, work, study and play in an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence.” The 2012 production was sponsored by SRA Information Technology, DHS, EPRINT, Youth Worx NT and other training organisations, and attracted capacity audiences. BRAVE has since been sponsored by NT Health and SRA Information Technology to be remounted in 2013 at Darwin Entertainment Centre Playhouse Theatre, March 20-22. Similar to TIME 2012 it is hoped the impact of BRAVE will inspire our youth to become stronger, braver young adults. The Stage 2 Dance Moderation Performance UNSPOKEN was presented at Browns Mart theatre in September and illustrated the achievements of the graduating students. Other productions included two showcases celebrating the diversity of dance here at Darwin High School, plus links into the broader community through performances for Harmony Day, Nesian Pride, The BEAT and The Billabong – Darwin School of Ballet show. 17
Darwin High School also hosted the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) Tertiary auditions in October. The opportunity for students to audition in their own home town is fantastic and this will continue in 2013 and beyond. Throughout the year dance teachers Julia Quinn, Sarah Calver, and tutor, Kathryn Lawrence, have continued to establish and develop educational links into our vibrant dance community via guest choreographers and teachers here at DHS, by attending local dance performance events, hosting other schools namely Taminmin High School, Darwin Middle School and Shepherdson College and also through the annual Dance trip to WA. This interstate excursion celebrates a diverse program of dance activities that are designed to provide an opportunity for DHS dance students to attend performances, rehearsals, participate in intensive workshops , choreographic sessions and forums, meet artists working in the field and attend a leading Performing Arts Tertiary Institution. In 2013, we will once again travel to WA and attend WAAPA from 20 June – 29 June. For each of the DHS dance students, their senior high school years and their dance within the broader community has definitely created stepping stones towards their future goals. We have currently completed Contemporary Dance Technique Exams for Year 10 students and Stage 1 students with guest moderators comprised of graduate students, local dance practitioners and fellow dance educators. The determined effort of all students was acknowledged by our guest moderators and the comments made to us about the high standard of the students here at DHS are a credit to their commitment and clearly demonstrates their application of the skills and techniques covered this semester. In Week 10 Term 4 we are hosting a dance intensive for 2013 Stage 2 DHS students. The aim of this dance intensive is to provide further platforms for learning and networking via working with Darwin students returning from their first year at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts Tertiary university and Deakin University. The excitement of this intensive is already contagious and we anticipate that new skills will be learned and choreographic works for 2013 initiated. Our theme for 2013 is CONNECTIONS in celebration of Darwin High School’s 50th anniversary and it will be presented at Browns Mart Theatre in September. To finish we would like to congratulate Kathryn Lawrence, our wonderful tutor for the past few years, on being accepted into the BA Dance course at WAAPA. Her passion, talent, and work ethic with our DHS Dance students has been inspiring and valuable. We wish her well on her exciting dance journey. “ I cannot remember a time when I did not love watching people dance.” Noel Streatfield
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Julia Quinn and Sarah Calver
The Darwin High School Council would like to acknowledge the following sponsors of the 2012 Presentation and Prize Giving Night
Major Contributor
A2Z Business Machines Community Sponsors
Contributors Area 9 Pty Ltd
Australia Day Council
Caltex
Australian Defence Force
Cool Glass NT
Country Women’s Association of the NT
Darwin Data Cablers Pty Ltd
Darwin High School Council
J & I Electrical
Giese Family
Jacksons Drawing Supplies Pty Ltd
Sally Crawford
Merit Partners
Northern Territory Board of Studies
Northern Locksmiths
Department of Treasury & Finance
Projection Plus
Rotary Club of Darwin
SBA Office National
Rotary Club of Darwin North Royal Australian Chemical Institute Royal Australian Regiment – NT Branch Indonesian Consulate Greek Consulate
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Sports News by Steve McGuggan
Senior Schools Sports Champion Shield for 2012 Darwin High School has won the Top End Senior Schools Sports Championship for the third consecutive year. Points are scored for participation numbers and results. Placings were; Place
School
Points
1
Darwin High School
577
2nd
Casuarina Senior College
315
St John’s College
179
The Essington Senior School
74
5
Marrara Christian School
67
6th
O’Loughlin College
47
st
rd
3
4th th
Volleyball Students from Year 10 and 11 combined to form eight teams that represented DHS in the Top End Cluster Beach Volleyball Championship. These teams played in two pools where Darwin finished 1st in Pool A and 2nd in Pool B. All students had a fun and active day, some playing six games straight. Aru Augerea, Tre Manning -Watson and Roba Ababulgu were acknowledged for their leadership on the day.
Olympians Visit On 2 November members of the 2012 Australian Olympic Team visited Darwin as part of their national tour. A civic reception was held at the Darwin Civic Centre and Cameron McKenzie was presented with his Pierre de Coubertin Award.
City Cluster Inter-School Swimming Carnival 2012 What a fabulous effort! Ben Cooper, Jade Williamson, Andie Moffatt, Emily Milikins, Arthur Lariosa and Pat Raemjanthuek successfully swam every race at the City Cluster Inter-School Swimming Carnival to clinch the Swimming Senior Championships at Casuarina Pool on 25 October, 2012. Everyone showed great team spirit as they swam their races and relays and encouraged all team mates to the finishing line. Students’ parents were present as officials and as cheer leaders to spur them on. Congratulations to Ben Cooper who came first in all his races. Vida Goodvach 20