Tim China's Masterpiece - read this to know why

DJARRAGUN COLLEGE ESL REPORT
By Tim China

INTRODUCTION: For years the education levels of Indigenous youth is below that of non-Indigenous. A school known as Djarragun College is giving Indigenous youth the chance of higher education. Djarragun College is 20km south of Cairns, it has approximately 600 students that come from various parts of Queensland. The majority of students come from the Torres Strait. A small group of Aboriginal students come from Aboriginal communities located around the Cairns and Cape York regions. The school also caters for non-Indigenous youth making it a place for multicultural learning. Djarragun College is very diverse in that there are several different languages spoken. These languages include those from Torres Strait, Papua New Guinea and the local language of the Yindinji. The aim of this report is to inform teachers the ESL students (English As a Second Language), and what recommendations the teachers can follow to help these students.

METHODOLOGY: The first step in writing this report was to explore Juanita Sellwood’s language story. In doing this we grasped the concept of writing a report for ESL students at Djarragun. We then studied an ESL class while working. After doing so we surveyed and interviewed students. We provided questions that gave adequate information about the person interviewed. From these protocols, we used the structure of Juanita’s story to give us a helping hand in writing our own.

FINDINGS: The information we gathered has shown that students are not aware of the language they were speaking. These students had not learned the difference between their home language and Standard Australian English (S.A.E). Our findings also indicated that the students were having difficulties learning, because they found it hard to understand what the teacher was saying.

The majority of students struggling were of Torres Strait Island background, also the teachers were not aware of the complexity of the language the students were able to speak. The teacher had very little knowledge about what the students ‘home language was. With our observation we have obtained this information. Our observations also show that the students were easily distracted.

DISCUSSION: From the findings we can assume that the majority of students were having trouble with their class work. These students didn’t ask for help mainly because they were afraid or too embarrassed possibly because their friends would make fun of them. Also they would feel insecure that the level of work they have done is not good enough. From time to time the student would ask another student for help, because they felt the teacher couldn’t really help them. As second nature students tend to imitate other students, pretending to be working, so it won’t be known they do not comprehend the teacher’s instructions.

In my opinion many Djarragun College students can speak a form of English but their vocabulary is relatively low. Where as when students use their home language, their variety of words increases exponentially. From experience, when students try to make a connection with their language and English, there is a collision with the grammar. With English being a complex language, learning English is rather difficult. Mainly because when growing up, English wasn’t the first language and the complex structure would be difficult to comprehend as the students got older. This being because the student has been taught their language from a young age and their language structure is totally unique.

Another point I have conceived is that students were not aware of the difference between S.A.E (Standard Australian English) and their home language. This being because the teachers or perhaps their parents are not pointing out the difference between the two. This might be because when their parents were in school they had not learned the difference between the two languages.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Teachers should identify the minority groups within the classroom, then find out what language they use when they communicate with each other. Further research on the language should be done. This would be a great idea because, knowing the students language can make the learning process a lot easier.

Another recommendation would be to have Indigenous teachers. This way the above recommendation would not be needed. Also a teacher of Indigenous background will understand the learning disadvantages of Indigenous students, therefore the bond between student and teacher is stronger.

In conclusion to my recommendations. Teachers should identify the students who are struggling and talk with them one on one. This way all distraction in the classroom cannot deter the student from giving an honest answer.

REFERENCE LIST:

Juanita Sellwood: Language Story Project (2007). Education Queensland Brisbane

Djarragun College website (2010) www.djarraguncollege.eq.edu.au

Tim in a less salubrious condition after a mud fight in 2009!

Attendance Term 1

Attendance for term 2010 is hovering around 85% for senior school. It is fair to say the boys are doing slightly better than the girls with an average attendance around 88% so well done boys. We are hoping next term to maintain high attendance and see students complete their work towards a QCE or VET course.

Senior School Pledge

The senior school has introduced a pledge that was taken by all students on the day the leadership team was inducted so they too become part of the leadership team at Djarragun College. The students repeated the pledge that was written by the leadership team:

“In accepting our senior school role, we agree to accept the responsibilities and expectations in our role as senior school students at Djarragun College. It is the responsibility of all senior school students to show leadership and contribute to school life while always abiding by the rules.
Here say we all.”

The Senior School staff wishes all students all the best for the rest of the year in their bid to complete their study and gain a QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) or complete their current VET course in 2010.

Senior School students stand and take the pledge which was read out by the new Head Girl & Boy, Ida Sam & John Gabey.

The Ali-D Project

In Senior School we have been running the Ali-D Project since the beginning of 2010. The idea came from the tale that is told on Yam Island by Sam Thaiday in a recent news article in The Australian newspaper. Sam who plays for the Brisbane Broncos has a motto tattooed on his body that reads: One Brother Bleeds All Brothers Bleed. We have taken this a step further and extended the thinking to one brother/sister succeeds all brothers/sisters succeed and this is the wish for Ali Dau and his fellow students.

The project is based on Ali Dau becoming a successful and well educated member of the senior school through application, leadership and hard work. It is pleasing to note Ali has put himself forward for school leadership and has been successfully voted in. We will continue to monitor Ali's progress and welcome his affect on other students because if Ali succeeds, then so do we all.

New Leaders for 2010

At the end of Term I it is pleasing to announce we have a new Head Boy and Head Girl, Deputies and Prefects to lead the school in 2010. The leadership team voted in is as follows:


Head Boy: John Gabey
Head Girl: Ida Sam
Deputy Head Boy: Craig Waldon
Deputy Head Girl: Zoey Geas & Lane Ingui
Prefects: Tim China, Ali Dau, Flora Walit, Naomi Cooktown, Rhiannon Hill
Boarding Captains: Wusang Guligo & Tim Tipoti / Tiala Nona & Laura Mclean
Sports Captains: Tim China and Kemeru Songoro
TAVE Student Mentors - Mary David , Alex Namai , Karen Noah , Serai Noah , Maurice Hodges , Tomalena Matthew , Annie Mabo, Tanya Ludwick and Robbie Amber

Well done to all the leaders and may you continue to prosper and lead the school in an effective manner.

11A Maths & Science

There have been some great performances in attendance and completing assignments. Some of the students have completed their work well ahead of time: Craig; Jaharlah; Grayson; Daniella; Eima. Well done keep up the good work!

Mr Richard

12A Maths & Science

Excellent. I would have to say that this is the politest most well behaved class that I have ever experienced. These students that regularly attend have shown the right attitude and behaviour. Rhiannon; Lisa; Florence; Zoey; Ida; John; Koza; Lane; Petale; Judith

Mr Richard

12B English Communication

In Yr 12 students are studying the text "Dougy" by james Moloney. Below are comments students made about the book:

The text "Dougy" by James Moloney is a book about how young people's lives can become very complicated in a short amount of time. It deals with lifelike situations that are faced or have been experienced by young indegenous people. Rascism destroyed people's lives and many friendsips or relationships within the town."

"In the text "Dougy", James Moloney captures the readers' attention because of the issues faced by the characters along the way. Dougy and his family struggle for everyday survival. Issues like racial conflict and discrimination are explored through the rough and sometimes fun journey of the characters. The real situations in this novel make it exciting for young indigenous people to read. "Dougy" clearly shows how things in life can get out of hand fast and then spiral out of control and become messed up."
The students have worked hard learning to write analytical text essays. All students who attended classes regularly successfully completed term one. Well done!

Ms G

11B Home Group

The girls have improved their attendance as the term progressed. We are now working on a personal challenge - 100 days of writing. Each morning the girls select a topic from a list stuck in their journals and spend 15min quiet writing time. It's wonderful to see the girls come in and take responsibility for this task without having to be told.

Ms G

11B English Communication

This term students have been busy searching for jobs, writing applications and preparing for Mock Job Interviews. We looked at how employers rate potential employees at an interview. We were all surprised to learn that our attitude counted for 40% of our success rate, despite qualifications. The students learnt about non verbal behaviours such as shaking hands with an interviewer before and after an interview and maintaining good posture and eye contact. The class discussed verbal behaviours such as listening to questions, greeting interviewers by name, asking questions, speaking in a polite manner and staying calm. Students rehearsed their interview with a partner taking turns to ask questions and respond. Some of the questions students had to respond to were: "Tell us a little bit about yourself" "Why would you like to work here?" What would you like to be doing five years from now?" "Do you prefer to work in a team or by yourself?" It was wonderful to see students listen and respond to questions in a mature and responsible manner. All students who attended classes regularly successfully completed term one. This is a great effort!

Ms G

Careers Day

Careers Day was held at Djarragun College on Friday 20th March and many school, students and professional organisations attended. It was a very successful day that was completed by a talk from Dr Whittaker that represented indigenous success. Here are some excerpts from the day. Enjoy.

CISSA SPORTS

CISSA Sports is going brilliantly this term with many positive results. The boys and girls have had a number of wins and many teams are looking to go all the way to the final. Keep up the good work. Click on the photo for a full size view.

Year 11 and 12 Trade English

As the end of term approaches, students in both Year 11 and 12 Trade English have diligently focused on their final assessment task and demonstrated a genuinely positive attitude toward themselves, each other and class work. In Year 11, Abigail Hobson and Daniel Gibuma have worked purposefully toward finishing their assessment task, as have Brittany Stallwood, Tiaella Nona and Natalie Morseu in Year 12. John Dau demonstrated a sophisticated level of maturity during homework yesterday, and after experiencing some frustration, calmly talked the problem out and developed solutions to improve homework in the future. What a positive way to end the term!

The votes are in

The senior school has voted and the votes are in.
By next Monday we will have a new Head Boy & Head Girl, two new deputies and a number of prefects.
We look forward to the official announcement at assembly.
Watch this space.

Senior School Shirts

Today Year 11 and 12 Trade students started designing a new-look senior shirt. There were so many innovative and creative design ideas, however two of the stand out artists were Harry Kepple and Sheldon Griven. Both Harry and Sheldon captured through their design the essence of Djarragun perfectly, with diversity and pride in school key features of their shirts. Hopefully, these shirt designs can go on display for other teachers and students to admire.

Coffee Club

Here are some of the senior school leadership group and students at the Coffee Club on Saturday.
Mark, Laura, Mathew, Dennah and Taicee enjoy their break. It's great to see students setting such a positive example in public, looking good and being so well behaved.

Senior School Pledge

The senior school leadership team have written a pledge for all students to take when the leadership team is sworn in. The pledge is designed so all students take an active path and role in leadership throughout the school, and know it is not restricted to elected leaders. Ida Sam read the pledge at assembly last week and did a great job. This was the day after she helped break up two brewing arguments in the school. Now that's leadership! A huge well done to Lane Ingui for also helping to stop disruptions in the school. Both girls are leading by example and make excellent leadership material.

Stars of Year 11 and 12 Trade

Year 11 and 12 Trade students have started their short course in literacy and are currently working on their first assessment task - writing a biography. This task has been met with enthusiasm from most students, and we are progressing nicely towards completing our first drafts! There are a number of diligent Year 11 students that deserve a mention, including Frank Charlie, Kenisha Jackonia and Abigail Hobson. Charlie David and Cody Lui were the stars of our last Year 12 Trade lesson, maintaining focus, staying on task and completing their work first. If you see these stars around, offer them congratulations!