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

2010 Salute Excellence Awards

The following students have been nominated for the 2010 Salute Excellence Awards:
Eima Messa Year 11
Melody Kabai Year 11
Michael Geas Year 12
Brittany Stallwood Year 12

Nominations are based on attendance and a positive attitude in Hospitality classes. Good luck and may the best student win!

School based traineeship

Congratulations to Robert Amber who has been selected to do a school based traineeship in Picture Framing. Robbie has been excelling with his recent work in the workshop under the guidance of Reece and Uncle Tony and has earned his chance.

Robbie also excels at Rugby League which is another area of expertise and skill. Good luck with your traineeship and if it's anything like football you will be a star recruit!

Shangri-La Hotel Traineeships

Congratulations to the following students have been selected and signing up a School Based Traineeship with Shangri-La Hotel:

Michael Geas Year 12
Brittany Stallwood Year 12
Melody Kabai Year 11

A big congratulations also goes to Miss Peggy for her good work in helping and supervising the students towards completing their VET certificates and work placement.

Student legends in Canberra

Congratulations to Flora Walit, Jaharla Hart & Florence Griven.

In week 10 last term these students travelled to chilly Canberra to represent Djarragun College in an Indigenous training program called ‘Learn Earn Legend’. The girls experienced a number of real work environments and met politicians and business owners who will be great contacts with the girls starting to think about their own careers.

The students each received a Certificates of Participation and the program director had this to say:

“Having spent a week with these students, we were very impressed by their standard of behavior, manners thoughtfulness and willingness to participate.”

I.T. News from Mr Tony

The following students have been showing commitment to their studies by organising extra time in which they can work towards completing VET IT competencies. They are aware that the end of the 2010 School year is fast approaching and have decided to put in some extra effort to aquier more QCE points before its too late.

Petale Tima and Michael Geas have been spending their lunchtimes working in the Mac Lab.

Jaimee Oberleuter- Addo and Vanessa Solomon have requested to take their IT work booklets home to complete as homework.

Welcome back!

What a great start to the term. Attendance is exceptional, and all students have demonstrated a great attitude to coming back to school. The first few lessons in Trade English have centred around building team cohesion. Drama activities and a scavenger hunt have proven to be a lot of fun. Year 12 students embarked on a hunt around the school grounds for a range of clues which they photographed. All students demonstrated an exemplary level of maturity and a willingness to be independent, self directed learners during this activity. I would also like to send a 'welcome back' to Charlie David who has arrived after an extended break and has set the 'tone' for the coming term. Charlie is a mature, responsible, well liked young adult who is a welcome addition to class.

Below are some pictures of the Year 12 boys searching for clues.