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From The Principal OFFICIAL OPENING: AUDITORIUM AND LIBRARY On Friday morning at our Junior School Assembly we Officially Opened our Auditorium and Library. Senator Trish Crossin, representing the Federal Government, Officially Opened the building. She was assisted in the unveiling of the plaque by one of our past-grandparents, Nana Drew, and three of our Transition students. Vicki O’Halloran, Deputy School Board Chair, responded with a vote of thanks to Senator Trish Crossin and the Federal Government for their assistance in funding both projects under the Building Education Revolution (BER) funding program. Following the Official Opening, guests visited the Library for a morning tea and to inspect the Library. We were pleased on the day to receive donations from guests and parents for library books for our new Library. Thank you to our School Executive, teachers, office staff, and maintenance and grounds
Upcoming Events
Monday 30th April to Friday 4th May Year 6 Camp—Litchfield
Saturday 5th May Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival
Monday 7th May May Day Public Holiday
Wednesday 9th May to Sunday 13th May WordStorm 2012
Thursday 10th May Year 4—6 House Athletics Carnival
Friday 11th May Year 7—12 House Athletics Carnival
Tuesday 15th May to Thursday 17th May NAPLAN Testing
Wednesday 16th May ELU National Family Morning Tea
Friday 18th May to Sunday 20th May Freds Pass Rural Show
Monday 21st May to Friday 25th May Year 5 Camp—Lake Bennett
Chapman Road, Nightcliff (PO Box 42321, Casuarina NT 0811) Tel: 08 8985 0100 Fax: 08 8948 1910
Email: [email protected]
27th Apr i l 2012
I S S U E
12
T H O U G H T F O R T H E W E E K
It is not enough to aim; you must hit.
- Italian Proverb
A Member of the Council of
International
Schools
THE ESSINGTON EARLY CHILDHOOD FORUM:
HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR CHILD’S SENSE OF HUMOUR
Kids with a well-developed sense of humour are happier and more optimistic, have higher self-esteem, and can handle differences (their own and others') well. Kids who can appreciate and
share humour are better liked by their peers and more able to handle the adversities of childhood
- from moving to a new town, to teasing, to torment by playground bullies.
Date: Thursday 17th May
Time: 7—8pm Venue: Transition T2 Classroom, The Essington
School Darwin Guest Speaker: Sue Hyde,
Education Consultant
Limited places. Bookings are essential through the Front Office on Phone: 8985 0100. Free
childcare available with prior booking only. For more information please see Ms. Jaya Srinivas.
Students assist Trish Crossin, Senator for the Northern Territory, to officially open the 21st century Library with David Cannon, Principal/CEO and Pioneer Grandparent of Essington, Gwenda Drew.
staff for preparing this Official Opening ceremony and having our school look so good on the day. CROSS COUNTRY THIS WEEK Over the next six weeks runners (and walkers) will score points for their schools in the Interschools Cross Country Competition held at Casuarina Beach. The run starts promptly at 5 pm and runners are encouraged to be there from 4.30 pm. There is a small registration fee of $2 for each competitor and this year the School will cover this cost to make it easy for students to participate. Runners will then be issued with a number to be pinned on to their tops each week. (It’s important to bring along your number each week). Our school provides a cool drink at the end of the event to
our students who participate each week. The competition is held at Dripstone Lions Park on Casuarina Beach. In previous years our school has won various sections including the Primary Schools section, the Middle Schools section and the Senior Schools section. Assistance is provided with travel on our school minibuses to the venue. They leave from the school after school and students can be picked up by parents from the Casuarina Beach foreshore park, or from the school. CLOSER LINKS WITH TAMAGAWA SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY, TOKYO This week in Tokyo our School’s links with Tamagawa School and University
were re-affirmed and a new partnership developed. On Tuesday The Essington School Darwin and Tamagawa University and School signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to work together to establish a Japanese Culture and Language Centre. This Centre will be established in the Senior College building at Charles Darwin University in 2013. The Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Hon. Paul Henderson, witnessed the signing of the agreement along with Essington School Board Deputy Chair, Vicki O’Halloran. The Chief Minister, Vice Chancellor of Charles Darwin University, and the Essington Deputy Board Chair then toured the Tamagawa Campus and met Tamagawa students and staff who had previously visited our school over the past eleven years. Prof. Barney Glover, Charles Darwin University Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Obara, President of Tamagawa University, also signed a separate Memorandum of Cooperation between Tamagawa University and Charles Darwin University. Tamagawa School and University started in 1929 as an elementary school by Kuniyoski Obara, grandfather of the current President, and later grew to add secondary education before becoming a university in 1947. Eighty three years later his vision has grown into the world-class school and university that Tamagawa is and has changed the lives of thousands of young people. Essington School Darwin started in 1989, sixty years after Tamagawa started, as a preschool/primary school and has now grown over the last 23 years to offer Preschool to Year 12 classes. Our new campus, The Essington International Senior College at Charles Darwin University, was inspired by our first visit and connections with Tamagawa eleven years ago, when we saw a university and a school sharing the same site and proving a seamless education through to university. The great vision of Kunisoki Obara saw people “having a unique
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Early Learning Notices individuality and also a commonality with everyone in the world”. This vision has been continued today by his grandson, Dr. Obara, whose vision has seen Tamagawa actively participating with schools around the world, including our own school. His vision of opening up the world to Tamagawa children has been very successful and we now have past students from Tamagawa who studied at Essington attending university in Australia. Essington and Tamagawa share Kuniyoski Obara and Dr. Obara’s vision of “producing outstanding individuals who can contribute not only to their own society, but also to the world”… and both schools strive to be ‘world class’ schools. David Cannon Principal/CEO
From the Assistant Principals EARLY LEARNING Anzac Day Special Assembly This week Early Learning Unit students participated in the Anzac Day Special Assembly. Students have been learning about the significance of the day and how the name came about. They have learned this week that ANZAC was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey early on the morning of 25th April, 1915 during the First World War (1914—1918). They also learned that as a result, one day in the year has involved the whole of Australia in solemn ceremonies of remembrance, gratitude and national pride for all our men and women who have fought and died in all wars. It has been a valuable learning experience in terms of the historical significance and how we enable young children to understand the importance of Anzac Day without glorifying wars. We sincerely thank Leading Seaman, Sarah Cruickshank, who was our special guest and spoke to the students about the significance of ANZAC Day. Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) Our school is participating in a national collection of information on young children’s development called the
Australian Early Development Index (AEDI). The AEDI is a checklist of over 100 questions. It is completed by your child’s Transition Teacher. The AEDI Checklist looks at five areas of child development:
physical health and wellbeing
social competence
emotional maturity
language and cognitive skills
communication skills and general knowledge
The aims of collecting the information is to:
help communities to understand how their children are developing by the time they reach school age
help schools, local agencies and early childhood professionals to work together to improve the outcomes for all children in the community.
If you would like more information about the AEDI visit www.aedi.org.au or please see me. Cross-Country Competition We would like to provide a variety of outdoor activities and experiences for students attending the After School Care program. The Cross-Country Walk/Run Competition is one such opportunity that is being offered this term. The competition will go until Week 9 and is for students aged 5 to 12 years old. Students that are older can run in the Cross-Country but do not gain maximum points for coming
first. Parents are encouraged to come along and each member from the school gains 1 point for our school. We hope to take at least 20 students to participate in this competition. Parents are welcome to join us. After School Care students will be supervised by our staff. Cross-Country is on every Wednesday from 5pm starting at Casuarina Beach. Fire Awareness Training Preschool, Preschool Long Day Care Centre, The Essington Early Childhood Centre and After School Care staff participated in an annual Fire Awareness Training Course on Monday. Jaya Srinivas Assistant Principal Early Childhood Programs YEARS 1–12 ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Although a short week this week, the students are still very focused and working extremely hard in all facets of the curriculum. The teachers have been very busy planning their term programs and ensuring that all classroom activities and excursions are relevant and meaningful to the varied learning experiences that are being offered to students. ANZAC DAY On Tuesday, the Transition to Year 9 students participated in two separate Anzac Day services. The Junior School service commenced at 9.45am
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Early Learning Notices
The Essington School Darwin
Mothers Day Raffle 2012 1st Prize: Gift
basket valued at $1000.00 kindly donated by:
To be drawn Friday 11th May 2012
Tickets $2.00 each or 6 for $10.00
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Junior School Notices until 10.10am and the Middle School service was held from 12.15pm until 12.40pm. Many of the students have been learning about the significance of the day and the part our veterans played in the wars over time. Middle School students have learned the significance of commemorative services and how important it is to hold solemn ceremonies of remembrance, respect and nation pride for all our men and women who have fought and died in all wars. The two services were a way for us all to mark this solemn occasion. Lest we forget. Year 4 Camp From all reports, the Year 4 camp at Batchelor Outdoor Education Centre last week was a resounding success. The students thoroughly enjoyed the many and varied activities the camp had to offer. It was great to have Karly Denmead and Adam Gulla from our Physical Education Department also attend to assist with the activities and students. Many thanks to the Year 4 teachers: Helen Brierley, Marie Noonan and Selena O’Connor for organising the camp and ensuring everything went smoothly. Also many thanks to the parents who were able to visit and assist with the kitchen and supervising duties at camp. Commencement of our Teaching Schools Program A very special welcome to our new Pre-service Teachers from Charles Darwin University who commenced their Teaching Schools block practicum with us this term: Kira Goodsell (Middle School SoSE with Adam Roth), Ryoko Jones (Year 5 with Ebony Burns), Sophie McConnell (Senior College with Madelaine Brand), Mario Mairou (Preschool with Rhiannon Hale) and Yvonne Tan (with Year 5 Adene Lea). The first Professional Learning Workshop for our Pre-service Teachers will be held over the next couple of weeks. These sessions will cover many aspects regarding the Teaching School program, expectations of Pre-service Teachers and details of teaching school requirements. We look forward to working with our Pre-service Teachers throughout the year and in partnership
with Charles Darwin University and other national universities. NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM – LITERACY AND NUMERACY On Tuesday 15th May until Thursday 17th May all Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students in both public and private schools will be assessed by the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). This is a national assessment conducted on an annual basis of reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy using national tests. A major purpose of the NAPLAN is to provide schools, parents and caregivers with information about student performance in relation to nationally-agreed proficiency bands and benchmarks. A letter and information brochure will be sent out to parents of students in the above year levels next week with test times and days. Natalie Hyde Assistant Principal Years 1-12
Early Learning Notices Preschool It has been a short but interesting week at Preschool. The children have been learning Mandarin (Chinese) with Ms. Daisy and are beginning to remember how to say the numbers from 1 to 5. They have also been learning how to sing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ in Mandarin. To commemorate Anzac Day, the Preschoolers made ANZAC biscuits on Thursday. It was lots of fun and very yummy. Preschool 1 and 2 have started their topic for the term - Transformation. To begin our topic on change, we have been looking at life-cycles (in particular, the life-cycle of a frog). Parents are welcome to contribute to our topic in any way. Thank you to our classroom helpers: Julie, Talon's Mum, Sally, Leni's Mum, and Louise, Max's Mum, from Preschool 1; John, Cooper's Dad, from Preschool 2; Mandy, Holly's Mum, from Preschool 3 and Justine, Eli's Mum, and Danielle, Amelie's Mum, from Preschool 4. Miss Rhiannon and Miss Christine
Transition T4 Lenzo Our solar system theme is off to a flying start thanks to Nicholas’ Mum who has been helping us with some art activities. We have now made a spectacular fiery sun, craters on Mercury and a comet. Well done Transition. We have been reading lots of information and learning lots of facts about each of the inner planets. Next week we will explore Earth and Mars. A handwriting formation sheet has been sent home with each child to continue practising correct letter formation. We have also been concentrating on not using capitals in the middle of words. Louise Lenzo
Junior School Notices Year 1A McCartney, Year 1B Pendergast and Year 1C McGilchrist We are at the end of another week and we have been very busy in our classrooms. This week we have been learning about procedures. Throughout the term, students will look at different procedures and learn how to write their own. We have also been brainstorming what we know about our topics for the term. In Health we have talked about the different people that help us in the community. This term we will learn about the people who help us in the different communities we are a part of. In SOSE and Science this week we have looked at the history of communication and focused closely on the invention of the telephone. Although the weather is starting to cool down, especially in the mornings, it is important that your child still comes to school with a water bottle and hat. Please ensure that all of your child's property has their name on it. We are still waiting for readers to be returned from last term so keep looking. Sarah McCartney, Kristen Pendergast and Melanie McGilchrist Year 2B Stewart Wow, what another busy week in Year 2B. For our Australian History topic we continued to work on our timeline. We
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discovered that Captain Cook claimed Australia, and we compared life between the Europeans and the Aboriginal people. For Science we learnt the different parts of a plant and to build on this we will be watching David Attenborough’s ‘Private Life of Plants’. During the term we will be learning the crucial stages through which every plant must pass if it is to survive. On Tuesday we had our special ANZAC Assembly, where we honoured and paid respect to those who fought and died in all wars. Thank you to everyone who submitted their homework on Friday, please keep up the great work! Renee Stewart Year 2C Ryder Term 2 is well under way and we have hit the ground running. We have launched ourselves straight into Poetry and Fairy Tales. We very quickly discovered writing rhyming poetry is not as easy as it sounds as we have to remember to put the rhyming in the correct spot (at the end of the line). By the end of the first lesson though we were picking it up nicely! Learning about narrative writing through fairy tales has also been fun, but many of us are more excited to hear, and begin, writing fractured fairy tales rather than the traditional ones. Our SoSE theme this term is Australian History and last week we started right back at European settlement. We acted out different aspects of life for both the Indigenous Australians and the white settlers and discovered they were very different. For example did you know that the settler men wore stockings? In Art we also looked at some examples of Aboriginal paintings and had a go at creating some of our own. In Science this term we will be learning about plants. We will be growing some different types of plants in the class and learning about what they need to grow. It should be an interesting topic. Rebecca Ryder
Year 4A Noonan This week we have been busy learning all about Captain Cook and his journey to Australia. In buddy class we made Captain Cook posters and made a timeline about the events that took place. We had to teach our little buddies all we had learnt about his journey to complete the activity. We also studied Joseph Banks and took our learning outside to take rubbings of lots of different leaf types and shapes. Do not forget to return your ‘excursion to the Endeavour’ notes and money as soon as possible. We also have the Shell Questacon Science Circus visit in Week 4 and our Swimming program starts in Week 5 so it is a very busy term coming up. Thank you to all those who donated money for our Fete Stall and to Jenny Roussos for buying all the beads etc. and being our class coordinator. We hope to see you all there. Marie Noonan Year 4B O’Connor Week 2 and we are beginning to settle back into our classroom routine. For homework this term, as well as Maths and Spelling, each student was given two project sheets which were to be pasted in their homework book. They are to select either two mini-assignments (due in Week 3 and 6) to create and present in an oral informative-presentation to the class or one major assignment (due in Week 6) with the same presentation expectations. They are allowed to select their own topic as this should be of particular interest to them. An oral presentation would involve the children introducing their chosen topic and telling the class interesting facts about the item (this should not involve reading and should be researched). Oral presentations generally take about three minutes. Science this term will involve push/pull force and simple machines. To support discussion the class has had, each person was given a Simple Machine sheet to complete. This involves finding an example of machines such as levers and wedges then naming and illustrating these machines. Selena O'Connor
Year 5C Lea This week 5 Lea say good bye to Miss Yvonne. She has been with us since Week 9 of Term 1 and her four week classroom experience has now come to an end. We wish her all the best at Barunga for the last part of her practicum. Next week, on Wednesday, the class will be visiting the Shoal Bay Waste Disposal Centre as part of our focus on Recycling in our Recycling, Renewable Energy and the Environment Unit of work this term. We will be attending with Miss Burns’ class. Projects will be handed out next week. It will involve students working as a group to research and answer a range of questions. Project time will be allocated during school time, with some home time also required to ensure the project is completed on time. The project due date will be Monday and Tuesday of Week 6. It will have a Science and SOSE focus with a range of presentation formats available for each group. Thursday of Week 4, as shown on the calendar, will be the Year 4—5 House Athletics Carnival. If you are interested in assisting please inform the Physical Education Office. Week 5 is our formal NAPLAN week. We have been undertaking a range of practise tests to gain an idea of the format that will be presented. Week 6 will be our camp week. Year 5D Ness and 5A Burns will be attending camp on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with 5C Lea and 5B Materazzo attending camp on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. More information will be coming out in the next few weeks, including forms and payment information. Adene Lea
Junior School Notices
PAULS MILK BOTTLE TOPS
We are collecting Pauls Milk Bottle Tops for fundraising (library books). They can be left at the Front Office. Ask your friends, family and even your favourite coffee shop to save
them for us too!
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Middle School Notices Middle School Notices Year 6B Dearden What a wonderful week we have had in 6B! It has been very busy with holidays, Anzac ceremonies and starting our new units. In English, we have been writing an exposition, which is a persuasive piece of writing. We have argued about a point of view that we feel strongly about, such as our favourite bands and what we do after school. We have also continued on with our novel study on Bridge to Terabithia. In Maths, we have been revising fractions and have completed a fractions test on Thursday. We have been learning where rainforests are and what animals and plants you can find in this environment for SOSE. Science has been very interesting as we have been learning what observations we can make about solids, liquids and gases. Observing different aspects of matter is called properties. Our unit on Friendships is almost finished and we have almost completed our Health booklets. Term 2 events are coming up quickly with our Athletics Carnival in two weeks. This permission note is due next Friday. Students know that they have two assessment pieces due next week. This is their character analysis from the class novel and friendship booklet from Health. Camp is on everyone’s minds as we finish our preparations for this next week. Remember that we are leaving on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and that each student will need recess and lunch for the first day. All other information is provided on the notes that were sent home last week. Happy packing! Catherine and Mrs Dearden Year 6C Morvant Week 2 already and lots has been going on in our classroom. Students have each selected a rainforest from around the world and commenced research. They will collate the facts and graphics and write an Information Report, prepare and deliver a speech and create a PowerPoint presentation to support their speech. There is class time to be utilised as well as some research and preparation time to be conducted at school. It has been interesting to see the student selections and to learn about some of these amazing places around the globe. In Mathematics, students are looking at Time – analogue and digital, 24 hour time and reading timetables. Students are also looking at Time Management and how to best organise themselves to be able to balance their school commitments with their other activities – now that the dry season is upon us, many people are busy with sports so it is important to plan your week. Our class is going on school camp to Litchfield on Monday to Wednesday. It will be a great time and we are looking forward to it. Please remember to bring drink bottles and hats to be able to stay SunSafe. Mr. Harvey has planned some fantastic activities so we are going to have some stories to tell next week. Stay tuned for next week’s
newsletter, where we will share some of our camp adventures. Donna Morvant Year 6/7D Connor The students have settled very well back into the routines of school life after our mid semester break. Year 6 are all very excited about going on their camp to Litchfield National Park next week. Do not forget to use the checklist provided to ensure that the students have everything that they need. The most important requirement is a sense of fun and adventure! The camp seeks to extend the students’ self-reliance, self confidence and independence. The majesty of Litchfield National Park is an amazing setting for the students to explore, and the activities are designed around the many wonderful attractions on offer. Camp is always a great experience for both the teachers and students, and I cannot wait! Edmund Connor
Middle School Report General Programs Life can be quite hectic in a school as teachers plan for the many varied experiences that build on sound educational programs to make up an engaging Middle School Program. It has been a very varied and entertaining first two weeks of Term 2. Activities have included a Political Debate, an SRC fundraising barbecue, drag car races in the Auditorium, the Online Forum, hearing about the winners of the Cyber Bullying Competition, Drug Education with Life Education, Zone Soccer, setting up of a Tag Touch Rugby competition, our Debating Teams having another win, and a surprise Birthday Party. Our Year 7 and Year 8 students have returned from a stimulating student tour to Singapore. On Tuesday we held a special ANZAC Day Commemoration Ceremony. Special thanks to Assistant Principal Jaya Srinivas for organizing the event. Thanks also to Leading Seaman Sara Cruickshank for attending and speaking about the Armed Forces role. Thanks also to Natalie Hyde, Daniel Hogg, Leanne Bakker, Edmund Connor and Roisin McCann for doing the readings for the service and Mark Bleakley for playing the Last Post. It was a solemn and moving tribute that was appreciated by all our Middle School Students and those that attended. Catching Up It is important for parents to let us know when students are going to be away from school for their sporting or travel commitments. Our Homeroom teachers ensure Subject teachers are informed and appropriate work can be set to ensure the students do not fall behind in their work. NAPLAN Testing Program The NAPLAN English and Mathematics testing program will be held during Week 5, 15th May until Thursday 17th May, 2012. Should any students be unable to attend on any of these days we may be able to arrange for the test to
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be taken later in the week. Please contact Natalie Hyde (Assistant Principal) or Helen Dunchue (Head of Middle School) to discuss any details about the NAPLAN Testing Program for 2012. Helen Dunchue Head of Middle School Introductory Materials Technology - Carbon Dioxide Dragsters Year 8 students in Mrs Boots’ elective Introductory Materials Technology classes have recently completed their individually designed, constructed and race tested Carbon Dioxide powered mini dragsters. Vehicles were designed to suit specific race design and safety requirements, then carefully constructed in the Technology Workshop. Vehicles are constructed of balsa wood, having two sets of wheels and two eye hooks underneath to hold them on the fishing line course between the starting and finishing gates. A small compressed CO2 gas cylinder is housed in the back of each vehicle and when all is set, the firing mechanism punches a hole in the back of the cylinder. The speedy little cars then shoot off down the 15 metre long track, leaving behind a cloud of gas. An average vehicle arrives at the finishing gate in one second. See if your Mathematics skills can convert that into kilometres per hour! Each student had a role to play on race day, whether it be loading the live CO2 cannisters, setting vehicles up on the starting gate firing mechanism, judging and recording the race winning vehicles at each round or acting as security to keep keen onlookers and cheer squads behind the roped-off safety barrier. Vehicles were also judged by their contending classes for their quality of construction and paintwork through the Show and Shine category.
Thank you to all the students who were especially helpful in their role on race day, and a special congratulations to the winners in each section: Monday class Race Winner: Gemma Purnell Monday class Race Runner up: Harrison Sweet Monday class Show and Shine Winner: Chad Blenkinship Monday class Show and Shine Runner up: Natasha Byrne
Wednesday class Race Winner: Lucy Edwards Wednesday class Race Runner up: Olivia Fleming Wednesday class Show and Shine Winner: Olivia Fleming Wednesday class Show and Shine Runner up: Jemima Croser Thursday class Race Winner: Alex Kilburn Thursday class Race Runner up: Leon Danicic Thursday class Show and Shine Winner: Leon Danicic Thursday class Show and Shine Runner up: Maslin Armitage Look out for the display cupboards around the Middle School during Weeks 3—4 for dragsters, photos and the actual recording sheets from the 3 races held. Mandy Boots Technology Teacher
Middle School Student Achievement and Involvement RSPCA Million Paws Walk Last Friday some SRC students and some members of the Million Paws walk hosted a “Spuds and Skewers” BBQ to raise money for the Essington team in the MIllion Paws walk. The BBQ added another $117 to our fundraising total. This week we have dropped back into third place, but still hold the place of the highest fundraising school in the NT. So far we have seventeen team members and have raised a total of $938 for the RSPCA! There are many ways to help; donate to our team by entering the link below and making an online donation— even a dollar makes a big difference to a hungry animal! Alternatively, you may participate in the walk, set up your own fundraising page and seek sponsorship (see link below) or donate your spare 5c and 10c coins to the “Shake a Can” collectors at recess and lunchtime.
You can join our RSPCA Darwin Million Paws Walk 2012 team and our fundraising efforts by registering here http://www.millionpawswalkfundraising.com.au/events/register/952?event=3635&join_team=44081.
Middle School Student Achievement and Involvement
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After you register your personal account details, please select JOIN AN EXISTING TEAM (our team name is Paws + Claws @ Essington) You will be asked to enter a team password. Our password is: woofer99 Our Team Page is at http://www.millionpawswalkfundraising.com.au/pawsandclawsessington We look forward to seeing you on 20th May! Thank you for making a difference! Allison Harvey Student Wellbeing Coordinator
Senior College Report Examination Week Our first semester examination week will be held from Monday 4th June till Friday 8th June. A copy of the examination timetable is included at the bottom of the next page. The examination week is a valuable part of our academic program as it allows students to experience examination conditions they will encounter with their Stage 2 Subjects.
The examination week will run from Monday 4tth
June till Friday 8th June.
All students must be in their full sports uniform.
Morning exams start at 9.00am. You are required to be at the College examination rooms at 8:50am, 10 minutes before the start of your exam.
Afternoon exams start at 12.00pm. You are required to be at the College examination rooms at 11:50am, 10 minutes before the start of your exam.
NO electronic devices including MOBILE PHONES are allowed into the examination rooms. Please leave these in your lockers or with Ms Louise at the office.
No one will be allowed to leave the examination rooms until the examination is complete.
You may take a clear water bottle into the exam room.
You are only required to be at the College for your designated exams. You may however come to the College during other times as private supervised study rooms will be in operation.
When you arrive at the College you must sign in at the office with Ms Louise and sign out when leaving the College. You will only be allowed to sign out if you have written parental permission. Make sure you give this note to Ms Louise before the examination period.
If you are sick for any of your exams your parents must ring Ms Louise on 8946 6821 before 8.45am and hand in a Medical Certificate ASAP. This is a requirement from SACE Board.
If you have a clash of exams please see Mr Moore to arrange an alternative time.
Make sure you have spent lots of time revising and studying before your exams. Get lots of sleep, exercise and eat healthy food.
All the best for your exams. Hospitality In partnership with Charles Darwin University (CDU) a group of our first year students are enrolled in Vocational Education Training in Schools (VETIS) Certificate 3 in Hospitality course. The students are involved in theory and practical classes. Some of the modules the students are involved in are:
Develop and update hospitality industry knowledge
Work with colleagues and customers
Work in a socially diverse environment
Follow health, safety and security procedures
Follow workplace hygiene procedures
Apply food and beverage skills in the workplace
Clean and tidy bar areas
Process financial transactions
Operate a bar
Serve food and beverages to customers
Provide food and beverage service
Provide responsible service of alcohol Assessment: This is a competency-based program which means that students must demonstrate required competencies at an appropriate industry standard. Students are graded as “competent” or “not yet competent”. Assessment is ongoing and may be in the form of observation, written tasks, practical demonstrations or satisfactory completion of a project. Students may be expected to attend structured work-placement to have skills and competencies assessed on the job.
Senior College Report
Demi looking after the BBQ
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Senior College Student Homework Website All senior College Students and parents have the ability to view senior College Homework on the Essington School Darwin’s website Parental Contact Please feel free to contact your child’s mentor or subject teacher via email [email protected] If you are unsure of your child’s mentor or subject teachers please Phone: 8946 6821 and either Louise or Jasmin will be able to assist. Homework Centre for Senior College Students The Homework Centre has commenced from 2.45pm to 3.30pm. Monday: Business, IT and Mathematics—Clio Marah and Robyn Moffat Tuesday: English—Mollie Bobeff and Siobhan Shaikh Wednesday: Psychology and English—Kimberley O’Meara and Nicola Scarrott Thursday: Business, IT and English—Clio Marah and Nicola Scarrott Student Assessment Items These need to be handed in at the Senior College Office and dated. Senior College assessment dates/homework can be found on the Senior College Homework website. If you have any questions regarding assessment dates or homework please make contact with the appropriate teacher by phone on 8946 6821 or by email [email protected]. Peter Moore Dean of Studies Frill Necks House Captains and Vice-Captains Over the coming weeks we will be profiling all of our College Captains for 2012. This week I would like to introduce to you our Frill Neck House/Vice-Captains.
Maddison Brown Maddison has been involved in many College programs those of which include: The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Singapore Work Experience, Ski Trips and The Sydney Surf Expedition. Outside of the College Maddison enjoys playing and coaching Netball.
Within her House Captain role Maddison aims to motivate everyone to do their best and make Frillies the strongest House within the College. As the College Vice-Captain she endeavours to help other students by attending to their concerns. By the end of this year Maddison aims to know every student at The Senior College. Goals Maddison would like to achieve in the near future include attaining the best ATAR score possible which will allow her to gain entry into the university of her choice and, getting her fitness back to an appropriate level so she can play netball again. Maddison enjoys the positive work environment at The Senior College along with her teachers who are always willing to help out.
Senior College Report
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Lachlan Brown
Over the years Lachlan has been involved in many school programs however his favourite experience was the Science and Engineering Challenge last year. Outside of school, Lachlan enjoys cycling competitively and in his down time he enjoys going fishing. Within his role as House Captain Lachlan endeavours to encourage everyone to participate in school sports whilst also maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A goal Lachlan is currently working towards is to see everyone at the College happy and doing their best. Lachlan likes the teachers at the College as they always challenge him to be better than he is. He also enjoys the numerous opportunities he is provided with, some of which include the various tours. Frill Necks Vice-Captain Nakita Pollock
Nakita is currently working towards completing her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. Her aim is to finish her Gold by the end of Yr 11. Outside of school Nakita enjoys swimming for The Casuarina Storm, Working at The Speedway- Pit Crew on 410 Sprint car and exploring photography.
At present, Nakita’s short and long term goals consist of making the nationals for the 100m freestyle event, passing all of her Stage 1 subjects this year and becoming a Pharmacist. Nakita would like to make the world a better place by helping reduce the amount of waste we produce, encourage people to recycle more in order to create a cleaner environment for us to live in. Also, she would love to find a cure to cancer. Nakita enjoys Mr. T’s life talks at the college, the opportunities provided and is hoping to be selected for the 2012 Sydney Surfing Expedition. Sports Notices Congratulations to Madi Spedding who has been endorsed to attend the School Sport NT Development Camp Under 15/16 for Netball. We wish Madi the best of luck on the next stage of the selection process. If your child has any great sporting achievements throughout the year please email [email protected] and this will be acknowledged in the bulletin and on occasions at assembly. Every week we endeavour to include as many of our student’s achievements that we hear or read about. If your child is excluded from events where many of our students are involved in please email me and I will include their results the following week. Year 10-12 Representative Teams City Cluster Tennis Gala Day This event will be held on Wednesday 2
nd May at the
Gardens tennis Centre. Notes are available from Mr. Theiber’s office. Permission notes need to be returned by Friday 27
th April with $10 to Mr. Theiber.
City Cluster Basketball Gala Day This event will be held on the 15
th of May at the DBA
Stadium, Marrara. Notes are available from Mr. Theiber’s Office. Duke of Edinburgh Notices This Thursday, the 26
th of April, ten of our students from
the Senior College will be receiving their Silver Awards at a ceremony held at Government House. This event starts at 5:15 and will conclude by 7:00. This is a formal event and as such students are requested to dress appropriately. I would like to congratulate these students on their achievements over the last year and wish them the best of luck in undertaking their Gold Awards. I encourage all of our participants to continue to log their hours on the Online Record Book (ORB). If you are having any issues with the ORB please see Mr. Theiber for assistance. Shaun Theiber Assistant Senior College Coordinator
Senior College Report
The Essington School Darwin 11
General Notices Music News I would like to introduce one of our Middle School Music Captains: Melody Lay is in Year 8 and is involved in the music programme.She is a responsible and outgoing musical student. She has taken piano lessons and has come through the strings program. Melody participated in Essington’s Got Talent last term singing Firework by Katy Perry. She is currently in the Premier Choir and is taking private singing lessons with Luke Walker.
Our Songster’s Choir and musicians have been invited to perform at the Darwin Life & Home Expo this weekend. They will be providing entertainment on the main stage from 3.30pm—4pm. Many thanks to the parents and students for their enthusiastic and prompt response to the permission letters that were sent out this week. We look forward to hearing them sing on Saturday. Our music students will be performing at the Sea Breeze Festival on Saturday 5th May at Nightcliff between 4pm and 5pm.The following students will be performing as part of the Bandwagon, Songster’s Choir, Junior School Choir, Premier Choir and Orchestra. Please make sure that the permission letters are returned to the pink tray in the music centre on Monday 30th April. We ask that performers arrive there at least half an hour before. This is an exciting festival and we encourage our parents to attend. It will be a fun afternoon for everyone. A big thank you to Mark Bleakley, our brass and drum teacher, for playing at the ANZAC day assemblies on Tuesday 24th April. It was very moving to hear the trumpet play “The Last Post” and “Rouse”.
What a fantastic performance by Connor Randazzo, our Middle School Music Captain, at our Middle School assembly this week. Connor played “Melinda’s Mini March” by Kerin Bailey on the keyboard. It is wonderful to see the outstanding musical talents of our music students. If your child has achieved any great music achievements throughout the year please email [email protected] and this will be acknowledged in the Weekly Bulletin and on occasions in assembly. Happy music making. Leanne Bakker Music Administration Coordinator Top End Sounds Allan’s Billy Hyde Music Store in Darwin is locally owned and has been providing equipment to Northern Territory Schools and Communities for more than 10 years. Hi, my name is Craig Phelps, Store Manager. My staff and I are all current working musicians with broad experience in all things musical;
Acoustic, Electric and Bass Guitar
Drums and Percussion
Home studio interfaces
Software
Band and Orchestral
PA & Installations We can offer the best advice on a vast range of products including Fender, Marshall, Yamaha, Protools and many more. Many of you support our store, at Top End Sounds Allan’s Billy Hyde Music, we want to continue building our relationship with your school and other NT Schools, giving something back to your school through delivering education industry specific specials and rewards. We will be distributing a monthly newsletter and promotional material via e-mail, bringing to your attention our most current selected school and community based specials. We will also be working on an Educational Rewards program that will see rewards in the form of Allan’s Billy Hyde Darwin Gift Vouchers, the value of which will be determined on a “points per dollar” system. For more details, like us on
facebook and click on the “Points per dollar” banner www.facebook.com/billyhydemusicdarwin. We are launching this voucher system in the hope it can assist in the encouragement and reward for students while supporting ongoing Musical education in our schools. You can “unsubscribe” anytime from the Monthly e-newsletter so there’s nothing to lose. We hope you will embrace and support our efforts to bring you great deals and get more “bang for your budget” by reading and distributing the e-mails, providing us with feedback and/or following us on Facebook. Craig Phelps Store Manager
Dance Notices Senior College Dance Extension Program – Interstate Trip What an amazing trip we had to Sydney and Gosford for the Australian Youth Dance Festival. Our 3 days in Sydney were busy with shopping at Paddy’s Markets, dance workshops with Mitchell Woodcock at Brent St Studios and seeing the Australian Ballet perform ‘Infinity’ at the Sydney Opera House. Following the Easter weekend, we spent 6 days in Gosford at the new NAISDA Dance College studios for the Australian Youth Dance Festival. Our students joined with another 120+ students from around the country to work with leading Australian choreographers. Many challenges were faced and overcome along the way, with students reaping great rewards. The final dance production staged in the Mount Penang Gardens was an amazing spectacle. Bias or not....I could not take my eyes off our amazing Essington students amongst the many other wonderful dancers. Their commitment and mature approach to their performance made them all ‘stand outs’. I am just so incredibly proud and inspired by their efforts and wonderful willingness to extend themselves despite obstacles and challenges in their way. Well done all! Also a huge thank you to Tina McCourt and Deborah Halliwell who kept us well fed, organised and mostly healthy...oh and with very sore tummies from many, many laughs! Thanks also to Shaun Theiber who
The Essington School Darwin 12
General Notices was a rock of support to us all. Beware, he has some seriously cool moves on the dance floor. Nightcliff Sea breeze Festival – Saturday 5th May Our Dance Extension students will be performing on the Dance stage at 5pm. Students will need to arrive at the stage (near Nightcliff Jetty) by 4.30pm dressed in black leotard and tights (ladies), black pants and singlet (boys) with hair and make-up done. Parents are responsible for transporting students to and from the event. Please come and support our dancers and enjoy all that the festival has to offer including music, art, dance, food and entertainment. Our music students are also performing on the Music Stage. Assessment Dates to Note This is a very busy term for Dance assessments. Please ensure work is handed in on time and practical assessments are attended or alternative arrangements made if students are unable to attend. All assessment dates are detailed on the homework site on the ‘Upcoming Dance Events’ document. Essington Dance Showcase 2012 ‘UNPLUGGED’ A rehearsal schedule is now available on the Middle School homework site. Please note the dates.
Junior School Matinee Thursday 14th June (Auditorium)
Middle School Matinee Friday 15th June (Auditorium)
Evening Public performance Friday 15th June (Sunset Park, Nightcliff)
Our extra curricular after school programs continue this term:
Dance Fitness: Wednesday 3.00pm—4.00pm, Auditorium
Dance Extension: Wednesday 4.00—5.30pm, Auditorium
Ballet with Jill: Tuesday 3.15pm—3.45pm Younger Junior Students; 3.45pm—4.30pm Older Junior Students. Jill Sapsford Mobile: 0422 581 303 or Email: [email protected]
Middle and Senior School Hip Hop with Lani – Monday 4.00pm—5.00pm, $5 per person.
Lisa Svara
Sports Notices Student Achievements in Sport If your child has any great sporting achievements throughout the year please email [email protected] and this will be acknowledged in the bulletin and on occasions at assembly. Every week we endeavour to include as many of our student’s achievements that we hear or read about. If your child is excluded from events where many of our students are involved in please email me and I will include their results the following week.
Essington Representative Teams City Cluster Tennis Just a reminder to all the students that have signed up for Tennis that the Gala Day is Wednesday of Week 3. Please make sure you bring a racket, full sports uniform and lunch for the day. You will need to be ready to leave school at 8am at the bus stop.
School and Community Sports Notices Notice Board In the Auditorium we have a Notice Board for all sport’s notices and community events. If you have any notices you would like attached to this notice board, please drop them off at the Sports Office or email a copy through. Karly Denmead Assistant Principal Sports Coordinator
REMINDER: ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
YEAR 4 – 6 Thursday 10
th May, 8:30am – 2:00pm
Students will begin departing The
Essington School Darwin at 8:20am. Year 4s and Year 5s are to depart
first, followed by Year 6. Students are to be seated in the Arafura Stadium
by 8:50 ready for a 9:00am start. Buses will be departing the Arafura
Stadium at 2:00pm for The Essington School.
YEAR 7– 12
Friday 11th May, 8:30am – 2:10pm
All students will begin departing The
Essington School Darwin and CDU at 8:30am. Students who want to
participate in the 800m must depart on the first bus or make alternative
arrangements to be at Arafura Stadium by 8:30am. All students are to be seated in the Arafura Stadium by 8:50am ready for a 9:00am start. Buses will be departing the Arafura
Stadium at 2:10pm for The Essington School.
THE OUTSPOKEN SWAN DRAMA AND COMMUNICATION ACADEMY
Is offering 3 courses in Term 2, starting asap: Play Production, Solo
Performance, and Public Presenting.
These courses can become degrees at any Australian University. They also suit students auditioning for
WAPA, NIDA or starting a career in TV, journalism, politics or the law.
Classes are mostly pairs. Fees vary but start about $45 per session.
The studio is in Nightcliff. Please contact Principal Gillian Rose ASDA SP & Dr Dip Tch BA Journalist
FLIGHT PATH GOLF Invite all school age children (of all
golfing levels) to join the... FLIGHT PATH GOLF 'YOUNG GUN'S JUNIOR GOLF CLUB'
Training sessions Wednesdays during school term, 5 – 6pm. Training
sessions resume Wednesday 18th April – ALL WELCOME.
Coaching by PGA Professionals Brad Baker, Mitchell Thomason and Level 1
Coach Norm Watson.
Membership for School Term (10 Weeks) is $100 per person. This
includes balls, clubs, coaching and optional course visit
Uniform Pack available for an
additional $35. This includes club polo shirt, cap, glove and water bottle.
