Aquaculture News

I would like to praise John and Telita in year 10 for their fine efforts at the Aqualab on Monday. They set an exceptional example to the other students of taking responsibility for their actions during the day. John and Telita were persistent in getting the job done to clean down 2 tanks in the hot sun without being distracted by others who sporadically did some chores and then gave up and watched these 2 work so hard. They focussed on completing the job to a high standard and never once gave up or complained. Please pass on my appreciation to them. If they are given an award, I suggest the following: "Showing leadership values, persistence to finish the job and setting a great example to others".
Regards,
Joe Coco.

Workshop News

This week 3 year ten students were the first to successfully complete an assessment of one of their competencies in Furnishing. Rodney Gesa, Joseph Geas and new student Latoya Billy all displayed a good standard of work and operated safely while completing their projects.

Although being new to class Latoya has previous experience in wood work and showed this by completing her CD rack, from planning to paint in 1 lesson.
Robert Amber is still eagerly awaiting the interview for his school based apprenticeship and in the lead up to this we are working together to familiarize him with the equipment and tasks he will be involved in on the job. Robert is turning out some good quality projects and is more confident with the workshop equipment.

Andrew Akiba and Daniel Gibuma have also now completed 3 of the 6 competencies and are well underway to obtaining their certificates.
Attendance has been steady with a 5 of the students not missing a single class this term.

AIN - Childcare - PASS News

This semester has seen 5 new students commence the Health Services Assistance course through TAFE. They join 45 other students in a comprehensive course for 5 months to complete the competencies necessary for AIN (Assistant in Nursing). They attend TAFE every Friday for lectures / tutorial and complete the assessments at school on their VET day. A busy time.

We have started with Infection Control procedures, growing bugs on agar jelly and learning how to put on and use personal protective equipment, (PPE). We feel like real nurses!

UPDATE: the ‘graduates’ from Semester 1:
Annie Mabo is now training as a paramedic,
Liz Gebadi is doing work experience with Apunipima (& hoping for work), and
Shakira Thaiday is applying for jobs.

Children’s Services: Year 12 students have been working solidly through their units, but some need to up the anti on their practical experience in order to finish by the end of the year. So far, all are prepared to do some prac over the holidays which is great! The students have been enjoying various activities such as making Gloop and doing collage. Kernisha (TAVE student) went to her day care centre and told them about the Gloop and her group leader asked her to organise a “Gloop” activity for the centre. The children loved it and the group leader was very impressed with Kernisha!

Congratulations to Esther Asai (last year TAVE student) who has completed her Cert III Children Services certificate with me by mail and phone! She is currently working at Masig Ipkazil Childcare Centre as an assistant childcare worker.

Clothing Production News 27/08/10

Philemona Fauid in TAVE (13) has produced a magnificent short overall in denim fabric. She deliberately matched it with yellow embroidery thread giving it a sharp contrast. She is one person who always pays attention to detail. She applies a high level of quality standard to all her production. She is willing to take orders of a similar production from her peers. Well done Mona!


Lane Ingui (12)

Once again Lane has professionally made a fabulous red and white overall. It suits her perfectly. She cannot wait to wear it for shopping or to the beaches. Her next project is to making her graduation gown. Keep it up Lane!

Senior School IT

Senior Students have been experimenting with Photoshop as part of their Certificate I in IT. Here are a few examples of students work. Check these out:
Mr Tony

A positive message about senior school

Yesterday my grade 7 class participated in a workshop with Shake & Stir the Shakespeare theatre company. Four of your year 11 boys participated from Ms Emma's class, Grayson Hart, Branxton Dick, Aaron Miller and Craig Waldon and they were absolutely brilliant and participated with enthusiasm and spirt. They were very positive role models for the class and I think they really need to be highly praised. It is great to see young lads with such a positive outlook giving such hope for the future.

Regards Mr Dean
Djarragun Primary Year 7

Year 11 and 12 Trade English Update

This term students have worked incredibly hard to complete all three assessment items. In Year 11 James and Willy Wosomo have stood out as the hardest workers. They are also polite and well mannered with a positive outlook towards school and school work. Year 12 English students have missed a great deal of lessons due to other events in the school however have worked really hard to ensure they will still complete the required assessment items. Congratulations to Louisa Joe, Brittany Stallwood and Natalie Morseu for their excellent work during their group project.

Ms Amy

Health Services News

Stella Dau is one of the newly enrolled Health Services Assistance students. She is in Grade 12 and is keen to finish this course to contribute points towards her QCE. Stella is a committed student, attending school every day, working hard in class and completing her assignments for TAFE. She is a courteous student, smart in her uniform, polite to staff and her peers, with always a friendly smile. Great to have you in Nursing, Stella!

12B Leadership with Loreto

12B ENGLISH COMMUNICATION

Students in 12B completed an assessment task which involved acting as LEADERS for the Loretto visit. Below students reflect on the day:

What I leant about myself by doing Meet plus Greet with Loretto students:
• I believed in myself
• I got over my shyness
• It is not hard to meet new people
• I learnt that if you do a responsible job people recognise you for that
• We were very polite and respectful

I think this is important to do because you can:
• Have fun
• Learn to be responsible
• Learn co operation
• Build Communication skills
• Challenging

Mark Akiba

How I have helped others in the School?
♣ Pointing directions for them
♣ Participate in Activities
♣ Helping out
♣ Got lunches for them
♣ Being a good role model
♣ Telling them about our School

Michael Geas

HOW I HAVE HELPED OTHERS IN THE SCHOOL?
➢ Showing them directions
➢ Helping them
➢ Working together in activities
➢ Encourage them to do things they’ve never done before

WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT MYSELF BY DOING THE MEET & GREET?
➢ Meeting new people
➢ Have the confidence to talk to new people
➢ I can helping people
➢ Communicating with others

WHEN I HAVE HELPED OTHERS, THESE ARE SOME OF THEIR REPONSES?
➢ Thank you
➢ You’re friendly
➢ This school is great
➢ I would love to stay here for a couple of days

Stella Dau

John & Ida’s trip to open the Australian Anglican Schools Conference in Brisvegas

First and foremost John & Ida did a brilliant job in delivering their speeches to a large audience of VIP’s. While Ida is often the star of these events it was John who stood tall and gave a well-timed talk with clear diction.


The students mingled with other guests at the break and were warmly received. They were the only students who spoke at the conference and stood out like sore thumbs in their bright blazers.

Before delivering the speech they sat in the Hilton restaurant with their laptop sipping a coke and ice and prepared their talk. They looked like they were part of the furniture and fitted in nicely. Earlier in the morning we had breakfast and both John and Ida ate like Trojans throughout the day. In fact I ran out of money long before we boarded the plane for home.









Prior to arriving at the Hilton the students were taken on a shopping expedition into David Jones. There they tried on the most expensive clothes, perfume and aftershave to get a sense of how the other half lives.








After the speeches we went to the movies to see a 3D film which they liked very much. I fell asleep in the film as we had been going since 4 am. John wanted to know if Ms Jean would get upset if she found out we went to the movies so I sent her a message. John wore the 3D glasses on the plane and looked cool. I shouted them a movie on the way home in the plane and they got to have another positive experience in being treated like young well to do leaders because they deserved it.

The students came up with some interesting observations during the trip and here are some:
The city was too big and fast paced for them – they prefer Cairns – John & Ida
When all 4 lights stop at corners they could jay walk across – John was amazed
The toilets in the food court were flash – John couldn’t get over them
They found only one black person while walking around the streets in the heart of Brisbane – John was scanning for familiar faces
Lots of laughs at the movies out loud – Ida has no shame and much joy
Copious amount of notes written down by Ida when we listened to guest speaker Lee Cunxin (Mao’s Last Dancer) who was awe inspiring
A quick and sharp inclusion to acknowledge the ancestors of the land at the start of their speech (which was not written in their original speech) – Ida
Many laughs out loud on the plane with her earphones on in the plane – Ida
John suggested next time we go to Brisvegas we stay overnight as it was along day from 4am to home by midnight

All in all it was a good trip with many splendid outcomes. The students did themselves, the College and Indigenous people proud. They also got to see what life is like when you fly around the country, open national events, go to the movies, eat to your hearts content and shop at DJ’s.

Cheers
Mr Mathew

Hairdressing News

On the evening Monday 3rd August 6 of the hairdressing students attended a L`Oreal hair presentation in the city. The students had the opportunity to see the new collection of hairstyles and the techniques used to achieve them. The girls had a home cooked dinner at Estelle`s restaurant in Redlynch Valley and survived the culinary experience. They then dressed in their finery and were chauffeured in the bus to their destination by the ever helpful Mr. Rob Mc. The evening was entertaining and inspirational to the students and their tutor. The following day was spent practicing and improving the techniques demonstrated. Our trusty chauffeur then picked us up and delivered the students to their homes. Thanks to the trusty administration staff of Djarragun for allowing us to attend such an inspirational evening.

Aunty Mary has been a star in transporting students to and from their traineeships and work experiences. She has been doing pick up and drop off every day of the week to include weekends. She is consistent and always stays on task. She deserves a Koala Award.

The Shangri-La trainees and Rainforestation trainees and Reef Casino employees have all been going really well and have not missed more than a day at work. Keep up the good spirit seniors.

Student Star of the month: Vanessa Ambrym has been a star for the last 3 weeks as she did not miss any day of her training at the Rainforestation. Great to see her so focused.

Ms Peggy

Loreto School Visit

Dear Staff

A huge thank you to all staff who made today such a brilliant success – and it was! Visiting students and staff gave some excellent feedback about the day’s activities and how much they enjoyed it – it was the highlight of their trip and the first time the 147 students had been together.

Special thanks to Vimal for his help & support in setting up the program and running an excellent cultural display this afternoon, Gracie for organizing the sound track, Peggy for morning tea, Shaun for the food for our visitors, all the staff for being willing participants in activities and successfully guiding the visitors around, Ms Francesca and year 10 for making the day a great success for mixing with enough numbers, the 12B class for looking like and acting as professional chaperones throughout the day, Mr David & Teagan for chiming in and finally all the staff who ran activities.

I would also like to thank Ms Michelle in primary for stealing her sports program on the day and last but not least Ms Jean for allowing us to have so much fun.

It is pleasing to see senior school students behaving impeccably and enjoying themselves at the same time. What a high!

Many thanks
Mr Mathew

Feedback about John & Ida's trip

Hi Ann,

We saw your two shining star school leaders John & Ida speak at the AASN conference today.

They did a fantastic job and really gave an insight to the wonderful college they attend.

Keep up the fantastic work to the executive team and all the teaching staff.


Many thanks,
Donna
Donna Drakeford
PA to the Executive Director

11B English Communication

On Wednesday 4 August we had a special guest visit our class - Elisa Mara's sister, Vina Mara. She helped Elisa and Esmay conduct their Community Issue Survey around the school and she also participated in the actual survey. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to work with someone outside the school and gain fresh ideas and a different perspective to solving problems.

Thank you Vina, you are always welcome in our class and we value your contribution.
From the 11B students

12B English Communication

12B also had a visitor to the class - Ms Jean! She came to see the wonderful work the students are doing and she brought Mr Philimon, an ex DC Maths teacher with her. The students were especially happy to see him as he taught some of them last year.

This semester students continue to work hard and they are busy drafting their final assessment for the year - The Graduation Presentation. All students are feeling inspired as the countdown to the Graduation Formal begins. Below are some snippets drafted by students so far:

"I have been a student at Djarragun College for 2 years. First of all, I would like to thank Ms Georgie Drijver and Mr Aisea Pulini for all the help and support they have given me. I would also like to thank all the boarding supervisors who made a great effort to look after us throughout this year. To my best friends, I would like to say thanks to all of you for making me your sister and I will never forget you for being such a great friends to me."
Lena

"My message to my fellow students is to look forward to your life and expect bumps and turns as we enter into the big wide world. Never forget your friends that have been there for you at school to make your day a great one. In my schooling here at Djarragun College there have been lots of teachers and teacher aids who have helped me work to the best of my ability. I would like to thank Mr.Asia for helping me with my Maths and also Ms.Georgie for English. My favorite moment at DC is winning the Touch and Rugby League Grand Final, coming first in the school and TCS Cross Country and making friends. My quote for the year is: A person who dares to waste one hour of learning time has not discovered the value of life. (Charles Darwin)"
Andrew

"I would like to thank my family, Ms Jean, Mr Vimal, Ms Georgie, my fellow students and most of all my boarding family who has supported me throughout my journey here at Djarragun College. My message to all my fellow students is to do your best, never give up on what you really want and good luck for the future. I achieved many things at Djarragun College. I became a boarding counsellor and I was in the team who were champions for 2010 in school CISSA Girls' Volleyball. My favourite thing at Djarragun College is hanging out with my friends Juniko, Natalie, Tiaella, just to crack jokes and have fun."
Stella

Year 12 Conference prep

On Friday the year 12's had a great trip to the cinema. We watched the latest Twilight film 'Eclipse', to have a good look at the construction and delivery of a valedictorian speech, in preparation for the upcoming conferences at the end of term.
The big speech in this film was all about the choices we make and how they effect our future. Jess the valedictorian in the film, reminded everyone that even though we don't always know what the best choices are, by giving things a go, and choosing something, we have a better chance of discovering and achieving what we really do want.

All of the attending staff were impressed by how maturely the year 12's represented Djarragun, and by how well they all worked together to make it a really fun trip. We all enjoyed a picnic in the park, and a kick of the footy afterwards. Hopefully this excursion will provide some extra inspiration for the conference, and remind us all, if in doubt- do something! Give life a go, and who knows what we will get back!

Taicee's NAIDOC speech & Traineeship

Taicee Pearson who is a leading art student in the school has been offered a traineeship with Djumbunji Press and is to be congratulated on her offer. Taicee will soon be going to this two days per week and learning about life as a full time artist. Taicee recently delivered an excellent speech at the gathering for NAIDOC week which is an example of her skills and talent.

APPRECIATING THE OPPORTUNITIES AT DJARRAGUN COLLEGE

Good morning invited guests, staff and students
My name is Taicee Pearson and I am in Yr 11. I am originally from Port Headland, but now living on Yam Island. I have been at Djarragun College for nearly 3 years. Today I am going to speak about what being a student at Djarragun College has done for me. In my past here at Djarragun College, I haven’t always been the best student. My time here has made me see that there are other opportunities and choices in life. I have seen a lot of drugs and alcohol abuse in the communities and islands. Me- as an indigenous person- I hope to inspire other indigenous people to take the opportunities that are out there in life.
I want to be an indigenous artist and my artwork reflects my pride in my culture. Being at this College I have had many teachers help me and make me feel proud of who I am. They give me support and the opportunity to do something with my life. They have helped me believe that I can do it. I hear stories about kids who have had a hard life and I want to say to them there are people out there who can help you and I also want to be one of those people in the future. Being here today I feel proud to be an indigenous student and artist. Each and every one of us can make a difference in our life and other people’s lives.

Now I will read you a poem I wrote in English about how my life has changed by being at Djarragun College.

Taicee - Free Verse

Life is so hard
but
I just push on
I push on
I won’t forget
the life that's
long gone
it’s gone

see I go home and
back
yet I’m still here
standing

I’ve worked so hard now look at me
laughing
I think to myself
WHO WAS THE PERSON THAT I WAS?
I won’t go back I know that for sure

and now I have hopes and dreams
that I know will take me far

with a little help and support
it will be no trouble at all

Hairdressing News about star students Tonya & James

Tonya Ludwick starts a 2 week trial on 9th of August and will be signed on after that. James Patterson signs his papers on 18th August. It was so rewarding to see him at work in the salon today. He was so happy to see us and couldnt wait to tell us what he had been doing. He looked extremely professional, relaxed ,healthy and happy. His whole appearance was glowing. Victoria and Chris are so happy with him and it was so inspiring to see a salon with only Indigenous stylists (apart from the owners). When we arrived he was shampooing a client and she looked like she was really enjoying it.



Tonya did us proud wanting to be interviewed without me, and coming out to tell me she had a job and could I please come in to see Victoria and Chris to settle things with start dates etc. Her attitude was as always impeccable. Tonya told us today it was her time to go and feels good with the outcome of our visit. we decided on a week before beginning to give us time to organise living arrangements for her, to get her job search number and to register her with ITEC. This is different to James QITE, but they wanted to be fair to the companies they have advertised with.



I am so impressed with this couple and feel comfortable with our placements there. They have the same goals as us, to see Indigenous youth making a place for themselves in the workforce . They would like Tonya to finish her final assessments at the college over a couple of days at the end of the year. We all agreed this would be in her best interests. They would like James to begin his training next year and also said they would like to send their other apprentice to us instead of Townsville. All in all this sounds very promising for Djarragun's hairdressing department.

ESTELLE NEILSON

Hairdressing Tutor
Djarragun College
Gordonvale Qld

Leadership Course 2010

The Leadership course with Ms Annalise and Dave finished on Friday with the vast majority of students completing the course. Students completed a three day workshop, a series of online surveys and some one-on-one personalised interviews to establish their career path and projected occupation. Many students from year 10, 11 & 12 had a great time participating in the activities and can now go on to show what they learnt both in and out of school. We wish all students well and look forward to seeing their skills in action at Djarragun this year.

Leadership Graduates



Tim China receiving his award



Here is a message from Ms Annalise to all students:

Each of you has demonstrated commitment and you have worked through a challenging and mind-shifting process. You have worked with passion, fun and joy, to come up with your vision statement, which l hope becomes part of the ethos of your school. Your self determination, your visions.... hopes and dreams have exceeded my expectations.

To my mind, you are already winners. I’m proud of you! I feel privileged to have worked with you... and to have heard your conversations and your aspirations for a very different and exciting future. Your hearts and minds have inspired me and l will never forget your warmth and your generosity of spirit. Congratulations on your extraordinary efforts. I know that you will continue to make a difference to your school, your families and to your communities.

I hope l see you all again...

With warmest regards!
Annalise