contact term 2 2014
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Darwin High School Term 2 - 2014 NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
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Year 12 News
Make the Holidays Count
The June/July holidays gives us all a chance to reflect on how the
year is going and to take stock. For some of you, there has been
success this semester while others have not achieved as well as
they should have. We have already passed the halfway mark and
the results seen in Term 2 reports will be an indication of the final
grade. You may think, “This isn’t what I’d hoped for,” or “Wow, I’m
happy.” Either way the holiday break is time to take a planned break
to refresh and revitalise yourself.
Plan a study program for all your subjects. For exam assessed sub-
jects, you should revise and consolidate. Write responses and
answer questions in the style expected in the final exam. Your
teacher will give you directions on this. Pay attention to your least
favourite subject. It will pay dividends next term.
If you are behind in any subject make sure you use this time to
catch up. See your teacher to find out what you need to do to stay
on top of your workload. If you feel you need extra help make sure
you get practice questions or you have all the materials necessary
to help you get up to speed. If you have a large external research
task or project do the research in the holidays or write your draft.
Organise with friends in the holidays to have a least one study date
then reward yourselves afterwards with some rest and recreation.
Eat healthy food; get regular sleep and exercise Five times a week
to help you feel good!
Refocus on your goals. What are you going through all this for any-
way? Make sure you know. There are only ten weeks to go.
Holiday Tutorials
A number of teachers are running tutorials during the four week break. Please make use of these tutorials. See next page.
Term 3
Term 3 will be crunch time particularly for those of you whose subjects have external examinations as those subjects com-
plete all summative tasks by the end of the term. You MUST attend every class! Some of you are missing lessons to finish
off assessment tasks on the day that they are due. This causes gaps in learning and ultimately makes it more difficult for you
to succeed. You also need to make use of your study lines and do not waste them through chatting with the mates or
nicking into town for some takeaway. Term 3 is not the term for a sleep-in on Line 1. Make a commitment to yourself to come
to school during school hours and follow through with getting to a quiet spot and actually working. You’ll be amazed how
much more you will get done.
Year 12 Graduation and Formal
The Graduation and The Formal will be held at the Convention Centre on Monday 24 November.
The Graduation Ceremony will occur in the Auditorium from 5.30pm until 7.00pm. This is a free event especially for parents
and families. The Formal will be held in one of the halls at the Convention Centre. This event is only for Year 12 students
from Darwin High School. Tickets will be on sale in Term 3 from the Finance Office. Students will be able to pay off their tick-
et gradually if they wish.
Trish Cryer, Assistant Principal Year 12
Ros France, Year 12 Coordinator
For Your Diary—Parent Teacher Night
Parent teacher night will be on 18 August (3pm—7pm) for all
year levels. Interviews will be a maximum of eight minutes
duration. We are once again using the internet-based book-
ing system called Parent Teacher On-Line (PTO). Make your
booking from 8 August.
ATAR Rules
The external component in all subjects is worth
30%. For some subjects this is an investigation, for
others a performance or an exam. Regardless of the
form of the external, it must be attempted for a
scaled score that contributes to an ATAR to be gen-
erated. If the external component is not attempted
then the score that contributes to the ATAR be-
comes 0.0 for that subject. A subject achievement
grade between A+ and E- is still obtained.
Consent to Release Form
Thank you to those students who have returned
their Consent to Release form. If you have not done
so already, please do so. The Form is available on
the website and is also present in the NTCET folder
in student public on the school network.
Signing the form is essential to release information
to SATAC and the school. This allows SATAC to
calculate ATARs and TAFE entrance scores from
the results.
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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Week 1
June 23 9am -1pm Com-munity Studies (all classes) 9am -12pm Eng-lish Pathways Ms France 9am -11am Legal Studies Ms Barrow 8:30am –3pm Food & Hospitality Ms Potter
June 24 9am -1pm Communi-ty Studies (all clas-ses) 1pm –3pm English Studies & English Communica-tions (Bookshop, Smith St Mall Darwin) Ms Dupe 8:30am –3pm Food & Hospitality Ms Potter
June 25 9am -1pm Communi-ty Studies (all clas-ses) 9am -1pm Outdoor Education Mr Dalgleish 12pm –3pm Food & Hospitality Ms Potter 2pm –4pm English Studies & English Communica-tions (Bookshop, Smith St Mall Darwin) Ms Dupe
June 26 11am –2pm English Studies & English Communica-tions (Bookshop, Smith St Mall Darwin) Ms Dupe 10am –12pm Com-puter Applications Ms Dhir 9:30am -1pm Nutri-tion Ms Vale
June 27 11am –4pm Biology Ms Reimers 11am –2pm English Studies & English Communica-tions (Bookshop, Smith St Mall Darwin) Ms Dupe
Week 2
30 June 1 July 9:30am -12pm Spe-cialist Maths Ms Tan
2 July 9:30am -12pm Maths Studies Ms Tan
3 July 9:30am -1pm Nutri-tion Ms Vale
4 July
Week 3
7 July 9:00am -12pm Modern History Ms Bury
8 July 9am –1pm Commu-nity Studies (all clas-ses) 9:30am -12pm Spe-cialist Maths Ms Tan
9 July 9:30am -1pm Com-munity Studies (all classes) 9:30am -12pm Maths Studies Ms Tan) 10:30am –4pm Dance Ms Calver
10 July 10:30am –4pm Dance Ms Calver
11 July 9am –1pm Commu-nity Studies (all clas-ses) 9:30am –1pm Nutri-tion Ms Vale 10:30am –4pm Dance Ms Calver
Week 4
14 July 10:30am –4pm Dance Ms Calver 9am –12pm Mod-ern History Ms Bury
15 July 10:30am –4pm Dance Ms Calver 9am –2pm English Studies Ms Rehfisch 9am –12pm Modern History Ms Bury 10am –12pm Biology Ms Reimers
16 July 9am –1pm Commu-nity Studies (all clas-ses) 10:30am –4pm Dance Ms Calver TBC 10am –3pm Visual Arts- Video Ms Young 9am –3pm Music Ms Bryett
17 July 9am –1pm Commu-nity Studies (all clas-ses) 9:30am –1pm Nutri-tion Ms Vale 10am –3pm Visual Arts- Video Ms Young 9am –3:30pm Drama Ms Stephenson 11am –1pm —Indonesian Beginners Mr Northcote
18 July 9am –1pm Commu-nity Studies (all clas-ses) 9am –12pm English Pathways Ms France 10am –3pm Visual Arts- Video Ms Young 9am –3:30pm Drama Ms Stephenson
Sunday 13 July 12 – TBA Biology Mr Ergos
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Compulsory Elements of the NTCET Students tackle compulsory elements of the NTCET in each year level. At Year 10 this is the Personal Learning Plan; Year 11, a full year
of English and a semester of Mathematics and at Year 12, any three Stage 2 subjects. In all of the compulsory elements, students must
obtain a C grade or better in order to gain their NTCET.
As we complete one semester in all year levels, students should take stock of how they are progressing through their NTCET. Most stu-
dents have tracked well and achieved the required minimum of a C in their compulsories. For Year 12s, they should make sure they are
sitting on at least a C or better at this point in time in any three of the Stage 2 subjects they are studying.
If a student is in Year 10 or 11 and has not achieved a C or better in the compulsories in Semester 1, they should contact the relevant year
level Assistant Principal or NTCET Coordinator (Ms Donnelly) to see what we can be arranged to help them to meet the compulsory re-
quirement. If a student is in Year 12 and is not tracking to obtain a C or better in three of their Stage 2 subjects they should contact the
Year 12 Assistant Principal, the Year 12 Coordinator or NTCET Coordinator to discuss the issue.
All Talk at Darwin High School
There has been excellent participation, with some wins in
Public Speaking and Debating this Semester.
Debating
Two teams of debaters competed in the ten round Darwin
Secondary Debating Season, Darwin 1 made up of Court-
ney Buckley, Kiara Musco, Andrew Harding, Chetan
Ganesh together with Shannon Hunt and Lauren Northcote
when their sporting commitments allowed them to debate,
and Darwin 2 whose members were Saurav Kundu, Beth
Hubble, Yada Katonchaleekul, Sonya Fenton, Ryleigh All-
free, Ciara Collister and Aurora Jan. Darwin 2 reached the
semi-finals, but was defeated by Good Shepherd Lutheran
College 2 who ultimately won the trophy for Darwin Senior
Debating in 2014. Thanks go to Ms Schuman and Mrs Nai-
doo who put in so much time and effort coaching the teams
and, in Ms Schuman’s case, recording and keeping the
official scores.
On a high note, Beth Hubble from Year 11 was selected as
reserve for the NT Debating Team this year, and has al-
ready shown the positive results of training with the squad
for the national championships. Beth and Meika Liveris,
also Year 11, have started an in-school debating competi-
tion, running on Friday lunchtimes. Everyone is welcome, in
particular those who would love to debate but whose out-
side commitments prevent them from taking part in the Dar-
win Secondary Debating Competition on Wednesday after-
noons. Beth’s and Meika’s focus is on students’ develop-
ing debating skills – and having fun.
The NT Coach Zac Lurje has injected new energy and ex-
pertise into the competition over the past two years as the
performance of his teams demonstrates, so the standard
can be expected to continue to rise over the next year. The
topics Zac provided challenged the students, in particular
the Prepared Debate on the proposition that privatisation is
the way to go. Debaters are realising that all the fiery rhe-
torical skills in the world will not win them points if they do
not have extensive knowledge and significant understand-
ing of the subject matter under debate. The speakers who
are up to date with the news and opinion surrounding cur-
rent events are usually the most convincing debaters.
Note: Debating is excellent for those who enjoy controversy
and are concerned about the issues of the day. It is also an
important activity for those who wish to develop the perfor-
mance and presentation skills required so often in the twenty
-first century workplace. Our debaters are on the way to be-
coming the assured speakers and presenters of their gener-
ation.
UNYA NT Conference
UN Youth Australia is a national youth-led [organisation] that
aims to build the people’s movement for the United Nations
through the education and empowerment of young Australi-
ans. [They] seek to provide young Australians with a global
education, one that gives them a deep knowledge of the so-
cial and political problems confronting the world and the
skills to address them. [They] act to expand the opportuni-
ties for young people to make a difference in their communi-
ties. The NT Association is run for young people by young
people, most of them students who have found stimulation
and success in advocating for countries outside Australia at
the mock United Nations Assembly and Security Council
Conferences run by UNYA each year.
Thirty students from Darwin High School took part in the
United Nations Youth Association Conference in March, the
largest number ever, and Christopher Teng, representing he
People’s Republic of China, Krshna Capaque, representing
Mexico and and Ka Wai (Micki) Teng, representing Norway
won places as Northern Territory delegates to the National
UNYA Conference to be held in Canberra in July. Congratu-
lations to all three. This time, the students are advocating for
the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, South Sudan and
the Central African Republic respectively so the Conference
should be a most memorable experience for them.
Plain English Speaking Award
Christopher Teng, Krshna Capaque and Ka Wai
Teng are NT Delegates to the National UNYA
Conference in 2014
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This award requires speakers to prepare and deliver a six mi-
nute speech on a significant issue and present a three minute
Impromptu Speech on an unseen topic after four minutes prep-
aration. In addition, there is a five minute interview asking for
the speakers’ opinions on current issues in particular those in-
volving their own interests.
This year there was an exceptionally high number of speakers
from Years 11 and 12 competing for the four positions allocated
to Darwin High School in the Darwin Plain English Speaking
Semi-Finals held on Saturday, 17th May in the Theatrette. Au-
rora Jan, Mietta Russell, Saurav Kundu, Shannon Hunt, Court-
ney Buckley, Beth Hubble, Lauren Northcote, Matilda Lyons,
Nam Tang presented interesting and, in many cases
compelling prepared speeches which were polished and per-
suasive. The real challenge lay in the Impromptu Speech, and
their performance in this once again determined the selection of
Beth, Lauren, Shannon and Tilly to represent Darwin High
School in the Semi Finals.
Only three speakers
could proceed to the
NT Finals, from the
Darwin Semi-Finals,
so in a close con-
test, three adjudica-
tors chose Shannon,
Beth and Lauren to
compete for one
place as the NT
Plain English Speak-
er for 2014 in Alice
Springs on June 7.
The adjudicators
were very impressed
by all speakers, not-
ing that the overall
standard of presen-
tation was even
higher than in 2013.
All credit goes to the
students for this
achievement, but
thanks also go to the
staff who adjudicat-
ed and coached the
speakers so effec-
tively, in particular
Ms Schuman, Mrs
Dupe and Ms Stylis.
Congratulations to Shannon Hunt who won the NT Finals and
is off to the National Finals later this year.
Susan Cameron
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator
A Unique Gift
For a number of years, Darwin High School has had the
use of a slouch hat from a member of the 2nd
Cavalry Regi-
ment based at Robertson Barracks. The hat is the centre-
piece of the Stage set up for the Anzac Assembly.
This year the Regimental Sergeant Major, RSM Craig
Cook, on behalf of the Regiment presented a slouch hat to
the School for use in further Anzac Assemblies.
The hat has quite a history. It was one of several (of vary-
ing sizes) taken over to Afghanistan last year when the
Regiment deployed there. They were used as gifts for the
Commanding Officer to give on behalf of the Regiment to
the Commanders of allied forces. The slouch hats with
plumes are very much prized by other armies.
As the Unit (2 CAV) is to become a part of 3 Brigade based
in Townsville in 2015, RSM Cook felt that it was fitting that
the hat should remain in Darwin, where it will continue to
adorn the Anzac Assembly Catafalque.
Paul McConnell
Defence Transition Mentor
Shannon Hunt, Beth Hubble and Lauren Northcote.
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Developing the North
Year 11 student Russ Kundu was one of five students chosen from North Australia to par-
ticipate in a TV documentary designed to promote the Development of the North. The
short clip went to air in the middle of May.
During filming, students were questioned on their attitude to the proposed white paper on
developing Northern Australia which is being produced for the Australian Government.
The Developing the North project aims to drive growth across the north by capitalising on the natural, geographic and stra-
tegic assets of the North. Broadly defined, it is the area north of the Tropic of Capricorn spanning Western Australia,
Queensland and the Northern Territory including Alice Springs.
The Northern Territory is leading the push to develop the North and is laying the foundations of what is likely to be the big-
gest period of growth in the Territory’s history.
Judy Boland
Languages/Business Faculty
North Sydney Girls Orchestra Visits Darwin High School DHS
On Wednesday 23 April, SIEU hosted 28 music students from North
Sydney Girls High who were travelling around the Northern Territory
as part of their centenary celebrations.
The orchestra consisted of ten violins, two violas, one cello, one flute,
two oboes, two clarinets, three bassoons, one trumpet, one trombone,
one tuba, two alto saxes playing the horn parts, drum kit and percus-
sion. The group performed music by Mozart, Bach, Grieg, Beethoven,
music from Pink Panther, Addams Family and Frozen as well as Bohe-
mian Rhapsody.
After the performance and sharing of a morning tea, SIEU students
performed drama acts for these students and the whole group then
participated in games to get to know the students better. The wonder-
ful “Mr Peter” organised the activities and fun was had by all.
Many friendships were created and we look forward to both schools
working together again in the future.
Below is an email sent by David Tomlin, the Principal of North Sydney
Girls High School.
“ We are all home safely and greatly enriched. Darwin High School
was the highlight in many ways and we are indebted to you and your
staff for your enthusiasm and efforts in making it such a great morning”
Trevor Read
Principal
Language Perfect World Championships
Many language students participated in the Language Perfect World Championships this term. This is a
competition where students complete activities relating to the language they are studying to earn
points. Schools from around the world compete in this every year. Darwin High students won a total of
28 awards. A special congratulations to the following students who received a Gold Award for scoring
over 3,000 points: Yiting Liang, Lana Laureles, Jessica Harpur, Nalin Jeenmuang, Kylie Lo and
Monique Samson. Congratulations to Monique Samson who was our highest scoring student with over
5,000 points.
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It was a right royal occasion
Year 12 student Shannon Hunt was one of eight Territory students
chosen to meet royal visitors Prince William and the Duchess of
Cambridge during their whirlwind visit to Australia in April.
Their Royal Highnesses spent a day at Uluru, and the Territory stu-
dents joined them at afternoon tea. The students who came from all
parts of the Territory had the opportunity to engage the Royal Couple
in conversation. Topics ranged from the Rugby World Cup which will
be held in London in 2015, through to their meeting the All Blacks
whilst in New Zealand and their experiences of university life.
Following this, students presented the Royal Couple with gifts, the
majority of which were for their son and heir, Prince George. Shan-
non offered a copy of the 2014 Darwin High School Yearbook, which
the Duchess accepted and then immediately began to look through it,
promising that she would read it thoroughly on the plane during the
flight back to Canberra.
The day finished in true Territory style with the Royal Couple watch-
ing the sunset while they sipped champagne on the back of a ute.
Judy Boland
Languages/Business Faculty
Year 11 Math Methods
Exam in the Tank
Career Development Faculty
Work Experience
Over 120 students
Year 10 students par-
ticipated in work expe-
rience as part of their
PLP. Not only were
there offers of part time
work, a number of stu-
dents have been of-
fered apprenticeships
as well. Thank you to all the business, organisations
and NT and local government departments who sup-
ported them.
VET News
Darwin High School congratulates
School Based Apprentice Liam
May. Liam has been shortlisted for
the School Based Apprentice of the
Year Award. We wish him every
success in September. Go Liam.
University Visits
April: West Australian University Roadshow held a
Parent information Evening. Murdoch, Edith Cowan,
Notre Dame, University of Western Australia and
Curtin University came to Darwin High and gave a
presentation on their course offerings, accommoda-
tion and scholarship opportunities. Bond University
visited later that month. Matt Stubbert, who is our NT
representative, reminded everyone about their appli-
cations and the scholarship opportunities through
the Collegiate Agreement.
May: University of Melbourne made its annual trip.
Nearly 80 students turned up. The Theatrette was so
full we had to ask students not to come in. There is a
copy of the presentation on student Pub for all to
see.
June: Charles Darwin University gave current Year
10 students an overview of local higher education
and VET/TAFE options and presented to all Year 10
PLP classes. Next semester they will return for the
next PLP group.
Former Student Visits
A big thank you to Rebecca Smith, currently study-
ing at Bond University, who volunteered her own
time to speak at a Year 12 workshop on writing
scholarship applications.
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Workshops
Rural Medicine and Allied Health Workshops: This continues to be a pop-
ular event. It was a hands-on interactive event involving a series of timed
activities with second year doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists,
occupational therapist, speech pathologists, paramedics and health work-
ers.
2015 Higher Education and Training Application Dates for Year 12
NT: 5 August –30 September –Online applications open via SATAC
Each year SATAC, which administers NT and SA student admission to
university and TAFE SA, publishes a free guide. Every student at DHS is
entitled to one. There will also be course guides for the University of SA
and Flinders University available.
Queensland: 5 August –30 September –Online applications open via
QTAC. QTAC guides will be available from mid- June in newsagents.
New South Wales & Victoria: 6 August –30 September –Online appli-
cations open via UAC.
West Australia: 11 August –30 September –Online applications open
via TISC.
Tasmania: 1 August -30 September Direct online application to Univer-
sity of Tasmania.
Careers Expo in August
This year there is a new venue. It will be held in the Darwin Convention
Centre. All Year 10 students will be attending the Expo.
Term Three Year 12 Workshops
University and TAFE application workshops will be held every Friday until
the end of Term 3.
Happy holidays and don’t forget to relax and revise.
Filming for the History Channel
Four students had the opportunity of a lifetime
recently when they participated in the Sir Tony
Robinson Tour of Duty at the Darwin Military
Museum on Sunday 18 May.
Sir Tony Robinson (Time Team, Blackadder,
Worst Jobs in History etc) was in Darwin filming
a documentary for the History Channel com-
memorating a centenary of military service from
1914 to the present.
The filming was an ”Antiques Road Show” type
format, and the Darwin High school was invited
to bring along two World War II relics, of which
the School has custody.
During the filming Nat Kelly and Brodie Fraser
spoke on camera about the rifle which was
found by students some years ago and is now
on loan to the Darwin Military Museum whilst
Taylah Peters and Amy Chittick told the story of
the Bomb Fragment.
When completed, the film will air on the History
Channel early in 2015.
Judy Boland
Languages/Business Faculty
Christian Discussion Group
The Christian Discussion Group gives students the opportunity to talk
about what they believe and to hear what is actually written in the Bible.
The group now mostly meets in room B15 every Tuesday lunchtime. Stu-
dents bring their lunch with them.
The Anglican Youth Minister, Rev. Bruce Chapman also comes to the
meetings and assists with the program. The group had a successful sau-
sage sizzle fundraiser to help raise the funds to sponsor a child in India.
The group is growing and the students who attend are, enthusiastic, from
all year levels and from varied ethnic backgrounds.
Any questions can be directed via email or in person to
Convener Rosie Reimers
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SIEU at the 2014 Refugee Day Celebration
With the start of the Football World Cup scheduled for
Saturday 14 June, it was decided that this year World
Refugee Day would be celebrated at the Darwin Football/
Soccer Stadium at Marrara on the same day. And so it
was, with food and information stalls, stage performances
and ceremonies, a youth and kids special areas and a
continual football round robin competition. The day was
successfully coordinated by the workers and volunteers
from Melaleuca and many people attended and enjoyed
the day.
SIEU contributed by having a coordinated program of planned projects
that were designed to make a worthwhile contribution to the whole day
event. The Intermediate Community Arts class, along with Ms Sandy, one
of our SIEU Bilingual Officers, and their friends organised a display and
information booth on the activities held at SIEU and Minh Tran, Salma
Manreal and Manop Thammawongsa were particularly busy and helped
set it up. Tharirat Chatram, Pijitra Sartwet and Jiraporn Minthaisong also
helped out with the information display and in addition presented a terrific
modern dance over on the stage that was very well received.
George Ballah, Minh Tran and George Kambourakis organised football
teams and competed in what was a very well-constructed program and a
huge finale of the day was seeing George’s team win and receive a huge
Refugee World Cup. The place went crazy and there were a lot of happy
faces!
The SIEU has received a delightful letter from Sophie Edwards, the WRD
Coordinator, thanking SIEU for their significant contribution and each stu-
dent involved should feel proud of their efforts.
Peter Stretton
SIEU Community Arts Teacher
2014 The Australian Business Studies Competition
On 15 May 2014, Year 11 and 12 students sat for the Australian
Business Studies Competition organised by the Australian School
of Business, UNSW
It was a great opportunity for students to test their business stud-
ies skills and knowledge against other students from all across
Australia.
All participating students will receive a certificate signed by a rep-
resentative from the University of New South Wales. In addition,
top students will receive monetary prizes. Prizes are $50, $75,
$100 & $250 for each of the State Winners. State and National
Winners will also receive engraved trophies.
Jayant Prakash
Business, Enterprise and Technology/LOTE Faculty
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Business is
Booming
Year 11 Business and
Enterprise students
had the opportunity to
run their own business-
es once a week for 4
consecutive weeks
during Term 2.
They developed a
Business Plan and
took out a loan from
their Year 11 Business
Account established by
the Finance Office.
The businesses repaid
the principal amount of
the loan with 10% in-
terest. The profit made
from individual busi-
nesses was shared
amongst the partners.
The nature of busi-
nesses ranged from
iphone covers to hot
foods, freshly made
iced chocolates, muf-
fins, snack foods, milk
shakes, smoothies,
frappes, car wash,
Greek cakes etc.. A
total of 17 businesses
operated.
In a short time, stu-
dents were able to gain
knowledge, skills and
some experience in the
general operation of a
small business. The
main aim was to ex-
pose the students to some important elements of running a business such as setting goals, marketing, communication, man-
agement, financial record keeping and evaluation.
The students operated during lunch time and did well considering the limited time constraint. The students conducted the
businesses with great professionalism and should be very proud of their efforts.
Jayant Prakash and Matthew Atfield
Business and Enterprise Teachers
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Anzac Activities 2014
Students again had a busy time with their involvement in a variety of Anzac activities and associated media events. The An-
zac Assembly featured a special tribute to Prisoners of War, and the stories of three Darwin POWs were told. As the stories
unfolded, students from the Year 10 Dance class provided a visual representation to accompany the monologue.
The NT News reported the Assembly as follows:
“The annual Anzac Assembly was a touching service attended by VIPs and Veterans. The [Darwin High School] Assembly is
one of the largest and best attended in the Top End. It included a Catafalque Party made of Army cadets — of which some
members were students at the School.”
Principal Trevor Read said, “The Assembly was a highlight on the School’s calendar.” “It’s an opportunity for students to
learn more about the sacrifices made by those diggers 99 years ago, and to pay their respects,” he added.
He said that the chance to be a part of the Catafalque Party at their own school event was an honour for the students.
As part of the Assembly, students laid wreaths before lighting candles for slain diggers from Darwin.
Year 11 student Aurora Jan said that it was important for her to be involved in the assembly directly.
“I had relatives fight at Gallipoli, so it’s very special to me,” she explained.
She said that she enjoyed the assemblies not just for the service and the
commemorations, but for the opportunity to speak to
Veterans of war about their experiences.
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Fellow Year 11 student Brodie Fraser said his Dad had been in the Army for more than two decades. “I love listening to his
stories, and I try and go and speak to the Vets. It’s amazing hearing their stories,” he said. “It’s also important for us as stu-
dents to remember what happened nearly 100 years ago.”
World War II Veteran and former German POW Charlie Parrott said he had attended every service at Darwin High since
returning to Darwin about 20 years ago.“I wouldn’t miss them for the world,” he said. “It’s great to see the students interest-
ed in what happens during war.”
Mr Parrott was taken POW by the Germans on the Greek island of Crete in 1941. He spent four years down in the coal
mines in Poland, before the Russians — who he thought were friends — took him POW a second time in January 1945. He
was eventually picked up by the British and taken back to London, before getting married and returning home.
14
The Spirit of Anzac Competition
As part of the Anzac Centenary Commemora-
tions, the Northern Territory Government will
support the 2015 ANZAC Spirit Study Tour
which will take students to Gallipoli to join
commemorations at ANZAC Cove.
The Study Tour will be open to students in
Years, 9, 10 and 11. Nominations are open
until 15 August and students are invited to
submit an entry in any medium that addresses
the question:
The ANZAC spirit arose from the actions of
soldiers 100 years ago. Given their passing,
what is it that keeps the ANZAC spirit alive?’
Four lucky students will attend the Centenary
Dawn Service. Further information about the
program is available on the Northern Territory
ANZAC Centenary website:
http://www.dob.nt.gov.au/EventsAwards/anzac-spirit-award.
Assisting the Chief Minister to announce the event at the Darwin Military Museum were Shannon Hunt and Lauren North-
cote who were the 2013 Chief Minister’s Anzac Study Tour Recipients. Both girls visited the battlefields in France.
Judy Boland
Languages/Business Faculty
Students, Shannon Hunt, Luke Jettner and Amy Chittick with Bob Parker—
Kapyong Veteran
Later that afternoon Shannon Hunt, Amy
Chittick and Luke Jettner spoke at the
Kapyong Commemoration, and on Anzac
Day more than 40 students represented the
School at the Dawn Service where they as-
sisted with seating the Veterans and VIPs,
distributed poppies and laid a wreath on be-
half of the School.
Later they distributed flags to children gath-
ered in Knuckey Street, prior to the march.
Judy Boland
Anzac Events Coordinator
Smart Phone Media
Stage 1 Media produced advertisements using stop motion
production techniques with smart phones as part of their
course work this semester.
Stage 2 Indonesian Beginner students enjoying an
Indonesian lunch at Sumatra Cafe
15
Three trips have gone out so
far this semester. We started
things off with the Stage 2
Climbing trip at the end of
Term 1. Four exchange stu-
dents joined 15 Stage 2 stu-
dents from DHS and four
from O’Loughlin College to
tackle the Hayes Creek cliffs.
Falling at the end of the wet
season the trip is always a
hot one. Despite rock that
was so hot it burnt your
hands, the students pushed
themselves, most climbing
more than ten climbs with an
aggregate vertical height of
about 150m. I, on the other
hand, suffered from the
dreaded Hayes Creek Rash
and a 24 hour bug that I can
attribute to my one year old
daughter. Somewhat out of
action, the students stepped
up showing great maturity
particularly with respect to
risk management.
At the end of May 2 Stage 1
trips headed out to Kakadu to
walk the Yurmikmik escarp-
ment behind Motorcar Falls.
Late wet season rains threat-
ened the first trip but, despite
giving the gardens of Darwin
a welcome drink, it managed
to steer clear of Kakadu. The
students were meant to walk
the Tabletop Track at Litch-
field but burning was still tak-
ing place in the Park so the
students had to tack the more challenging off track walking of Kakadu. They proved they were up for the challenge. With the
students learning to navigate, no track to guide the way and some tough terrain, the average walking speed was about one km
per hour. The waterholes were a welcome relief from the ten hour days. On the third day we stumbled on an old art site as we
searched for a way down a cliff. The style and colours of the art indicate it could have been thousands of years old. It was a
timely reminder to us all that people have lived in this rugged country for thousands of years without the technology that we
needed to survive for just four days. On the last day the pace picked up as all new only half a day of walking and a four hours
hour drive separated us from a warm shower, comfy bed and air conditioning.
There is still one trip to head out this semester. The Stage 2 students will be doing their practice hike at Barramundi Gorge
(Muguk) Kakadu. They have 5 days to learn to learn how to run a bushwalk and to navigate before doing their self-reliant trip
in Term 3.
Aaron Dalgleish
Outdoor Education Teacher
16
A resilient young man aiming to achieve
It was smiles all around when Ibsa Margasa walked in to the
SIEU a few weeks ago. Without hesitation, teachers immedi-
ately stopped their classes and proudly introduced Ibsa to
their students. There he stood, a confident young man,
dressed in long sleeves and long trousers, speaking in a
relaxed and engaging way in front of a large group – English
being, at the very least, his third language. The students
were inspired by his story and the teachers could hardly hold
back their tears of admiration and joy.
Ibsa arrived in Australia in August, 2008 and started at
Sanderson Middle School. (Back in Ethiopia, he had com-
pleted Year 6 in his first language, Oromo.) He came to
SIEU in 2009 with little English, no computer skills and gaps
in his learning and set out determinedly to complete Year 12
and gain his NTCET. And that he did, graduating in 2011.
When he finished school, he eventually was successful in
getting a job as a technician with Telstra. He tells us that, at
the interview, he was asked why he wanted the job as he
had little formal qualifications to support his application.
“I told them that I just
want to give it a try. I
think I can learn and
do the job, but if I
can’t I’ll just stop!
They must have
been impressed with
him for they took him
on, trained him and he found himself working in places all
over the NT.
Now, he is newly married to a lovely young woman studying
bio-medicine, and he is moving to Perth to be with her. He is
taking up an Electro Technology course at Edith Cowan Uni-
versity in Perth.
Ibsa carries with him very fond memories of being in the
SIEU. “It's a beautiful environment and very supportive.
That's what made me feel that SIEU was my second home.”
He added humbly, “My happiest moment was Graduation
Day. Because of my English, I wasn't expecting that I would
ever reach that level.”
“The advice I have for SIEU students is that you should nev-
er say no to anything that you would like to do and always
tell yourself that if you work hard and keep trying, you can
achieve.”
We look forward to hearing more from this resilient young
man.
Robyn Northcote
Learning to step up and be heard
The Stage 1 Legal Studies classes attended an excursion
as part of one of their assessments this term. With the
help of Karen Parker, students participated in the Step Up
Be Heard Program which allowed students to view the in-
ner workings of Parliament. From their tour of the Hansard
rooms, to the chambers, students were provided with an
opportunity to see how the NT Government functions. Af-
ter attending sittings at Parliament House, students had an
opportunity to discuss and debate topics that affect Aus-
tralians today.
Late last term, both
classes participated in
elections held by the
Northern Territory
Electoral Commission
in conjunction with
Parliament House.
Campaign speeches were presented and staff and stu-
dents participated in the voting to elect a new government.
Once the Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition
were chosen, the classes picked topics that they felt were
relevant and current. Ms. Wilton’s class looked at the Eu-
thanasia issue, while Ms. Barrow’s class focused on the
Education Reform Act. The Honourable Michael Gunner,
Member for Fannie Bay, met with the classes to provide
tips for the students to use during their presentation of
their speeches.
Despite the nervous tension that thrummed through them,
the students did a fantastic job presenting their Bills before
Madame Speaker. The presence of some parents helped
to bolster their confidence. This program provided stu-
dents with an opportunity to experience first-hand the func-
tions of government. It also emphasised the importance of
our democracy and was a reminder to appreciate the legal
system within Australia.
The Legal Studies teachers would like to thank everyone
who contributed their time and effort to this program.
17
18
SIEU: After School Swimming Classes 2014
This year, the Secondary Intensive English Unit (SIEU)
are running after school swimming classes for students
who either want to learn to swim or wish to improve
their swimming skills.
This semester, approximately 25 students have
learned to swim by attending this program.
In Term 3, DHS invites swimmers to participate in the
City Cluster Schools Swimming Carnival. If you wish to
participate and have never thought you had the skills,
then these lessons are a way to prepare for the event
in October.
Mrs Trish Cryer has done an awesome job coming to
the pool each week to be our ‘spotter’.
Ms Vida Goodvach
Teacher and Swimming Instructor
.
19
Defence Transition Mentor News
Education Assistance
If your child requires tuition assistance with their studies
while at Darwin High School, the Department of Defence
may be able to help. For more information and an applica-
tion form, contact the DTM.
Year 10 ADF Students’ Lunch
A lunch was held for Year 10 Darwin High School Defence
students and their classmates. We discussed the role of the
Defence Transition Mentor, Term I reports and possible
activities that students may be involved in during the year.
ADF Cadet Information Session
Students Aiden Hernandez -Edgar, (Airforce Cadets), Laura
and Lailani Triffitt , (Navy cadets) pictured helped present
an information session to SIEU students at Darwin High
School. The students spoke about the activities that they
participate in and how belonging to the cadets can help de-
velop leadership skills, improve teamwork, make new
friends and learn a range of skills that can benefit their fu-
ture careers.
Defence Family Hotline
The Helpline operates 24-7 and is staffed by qualified hu-
man services professionals including social workers and
psychologists. The Helpline can assist with managing dur-
ing deployment, posting and relocation, support for part-
ners’ employment and education, support services in the
community and assistance
with children’s education,
childcare options and support
for children with special needs.
The Defence Family Helpline
is: 1800 624 608 or email:
The Top Ender
The June/July edition of the
Top Ender is now available and contains excellent articles
relevant to Defence Families. If you are not receiving the
Top Ender magazine, you can organise delivery by email-
ing: [email protected].
DTM working hours
A reminder to ADF parents that my working days at DHS
are Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, howev-
er I am generally available
most days of the week to dis-
cuss any issues regarding your
child’s wellbeing.
Paul McConnell
Defence Transition Mentor
An inspirational speaker visits C4E Maths
In Term 2, the Year 11 Centre for Excellence Mathemat-
ics class welcomed Mark Thiele, an engineer with more
than 20 years of experience. In this brief presentation,
Mark not only talked about engineering but also showed
the class the opportunities that engineering gave him and
will potentially give us.
Mark explained to the class that engineering was a way
to use maths, physics and logic as tools to solve prob-
lems and to predict the future. The class was fully en-
gaged in Mark’s interactive presentation because we
were completely awed by the complexity, excitement and
challenges that engineering could offer.
The class also got a chance to look at a motor that used
electromagnetic technology. Mark even brought along an
electromagnetic motor, rare earth magnets and a model
made from a 3D printer for the class to examine. Mark
explained that instead of having to use a program that
requires two days to calculate if the motor was slanted,
we could use simple mathematics like trigonometry and
Pythagoras’ Theorem to solve the problem. By allowing
us to realise that the simple calculations were just as im-
portant as the complex ones, he couldn’t have made en-
gineering a more appealing prospect to a Mathematics
class. We were amazed at seeing the different fields of
engineering such as civil, chemical, mechanical, software
engineering, etc.
But apart from all the glory of engineering, the class
learnt that it was not only about profit and job opportuni-
ties but was also a chance to explore cleaner living. One
option to consider is to use tidal energy by constructing
water turbines in the sea in the Northern Territory. Mark
taught the class that as an engineer of great things, we
will feel not only job satisfaction but also the responsibil-
ity. “There are no little mistakes in engineering”.
It was a pleasure having Mark talk to us about engineer-
ing and I think that the whole class agreeded that Mark
did not just give us a presentation, he gave us inspiration.
Micki Teng
20
Sports News
Basketball
DHS had seven teams participate in the Top
End Cluster Tournament held at the Darwin
Basketball Association’s stadium on Wednesday
30 April. Five boys teams played and finished
3rd,4th,5th,8th and 9th. All the lads had a great
time with good skill levels, team play and team
spirit displayed. Our two girls teams were sensa-
tional in placing 1st and 6
th. Members of our win-
ning team were Sabrina Stroud, Laura Triffitt,
Leilani Triffitt, Katerina Thompson, Rachel Park
and Annelies Kersemakers.
Soccer
The Top End Seven-a-Side Football (soccer)
Tournament was played on Tuesday May 13 at
Bagot Fields. Darwin had two boys teams and
one girls team. Our lads were placed 3rd
and 7th
while our girls again outshone the rest to place 1st. Our team members were Emily
Stephenson, Themelina Roditis, Katrina Thompson, Dabassavin Smith and Georgia
Halkitis.
Touch Football
DHS had two teams in the Cluster Touch Tournament held Wednesday June 4 at the
Fanny Bay Race Course Fields. Our first team won the Senior Schools Mixed Com-
petition through patience and an excellent display of touch football skills. This side
was undefeated against five other teams, winning each game easily. Standout play-
ers on the day were Tipene Shepherd (Year 11), Junior Mungawai (Year 11) and first
time touch player – soccer convert- Matti Crookes (Year 10).The full team was: Char-
lie Marrington, Maleli Motonicocka, Viliami Panuve, Kieran Roth, Josh Morters, Ben-
jamin Morters, Riccardo Smith, Mattie Crooks, Alyssa Eres, Jenzen Lazaro, Tipene
Shepherd, Junior Mangawai, Jack Brannelly and Rafaet Farhan.
Cross Country
The Top End Secondary Schools Cross Country Championship was run over eight
Wednesday afternoons over three kilometre courses around Dripstone Beach. The School had eight students compete
over the time and our team placed second overall out of eight schools. Our team comprised Lauren Northcote, Matilda Ly-
ons, Tilly Lucas, Shannon McSkimming, Amy Messenger, Riley Julicher, Edward Moore and Christopher Milikins.
Representative Sport
Rugby League - Congratulations to Rein Moyle and Angus Warhurst for their selection to, and participation in NT 17 Years
team who competed at the Combined Affiliates State Championship in Adelaide, 4-9 June where NT was equal first.
SSNT Netball - Isabella McDonald was been selected for the School Sport NT team for the Australian Schools Champion-
ship to be held in Term 3. Earlier this year, Isabella was selected for an Australian squad following the U17 Nationals and
she participated in a training camp at the AIS.
AFL – Marcus Valastro, Matthew Blake and Thomas Brown have been selected for the School Sports NT team to contest
the Australian Schools Combined Australia Football Championship from July 16-26.
Steve McGugan
School Sports Coordinator