Aquaculture conference in Tasmania

Hello Jean
I am writing to both thank you and compliment you regarding the recent international aquaculture events in Tasmania.

I’d like to thank you for assisting Joe Coco to attend the AquaEd Workshop in Launceston. Joe is a vital part of the aquaculture educators network in Australia. He gave a couple of excellent presentations – one in particular detailing challenging (and impressively successful) training with indigenous students. Joe is popular and highly respected in the seafood industry and training circles, and I believe that the AquaEd Workshop would have been far the poorer without his manifold important, inspirational and interesting contributions.

I’d also like to compliment you, Djarragun College and Joe on the conduct of the two students – Craig and Grayson - who accompanied Joe during the two events. The daily activities throughout the events were often highly technical, frequently long and occasionally probably boring for those two young men. At all times, however, Grayson and Craig conducted themselves in an absolutely exemplary manner, which I know (from private comments during the events) was noticed and noted by many influential people from industry and educational organisations from all over Australia. They were very, very good ambassadors for Djarragun College.

So thank you Jean, and my compliments to you on your excellent work.

Yours sincerely,
Peter Preece
Aquaculture Coordinator
TAFE SA Urrbrae Campus

Here is another vote of confidence from Roy Palmer

HOPE By Mark Akiba 12B 201

If hope could be a colour it would be as green as
Mt Walsh’s Pyramid nestling in the sun.

If hope could be a taste it would taste just like
freshly cooked chocolate cake from the DC cafe.

If hope could be a smell it would smell like
the beautiful flowers outside Mr Shankran’s office.

If hope could be a sound it would
pump the whole world with the DC Band.

If hope could be are feeling it would be
like leaving Djarragun College passing Year 12.

If hope could be an animal it would be a
cheetah, like Usain Bolt, Spiriting towards the finishing line.

My hope for this year is to study hard and enjoy every single moment here in Djarragun College, but most importantly complete year 12.

Biodiversity Year 11 & 12 Trade

Julie Dutoit, a Community Education Ranger from the Department of Environment and Resource Management, spoke to Year 11 and 12 Trade English about biodiversity. She sparked a lively discussion about the threats to biodiversity, specifically the threats to the Wet Tropics World Heritage areas. She used local examples such as the Southern Cassowary and the Lemuroid Ringtail Possum to demonstrate that the biodiversity of the Wet Tropics is under threat.

Year 11 and 12 Trade students have embarked on a campaign to protect the Southern Cassowary by becoming involved in a 'Save the Cassowary Campaign'. Students have voiced their concern by writing to Peter Garrett (Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts) to help protect Cassowary habitat. For more information, or to become involved, visit www.savethecassowary.org.au.

There are many stars in Year 11 and 12 Trade, however special mention must be given to Kenisha and Daniel who always demonstrate a great attitude and complete classwork and homework!

Ms. Amy

Weipa Cultural Festival

Recently I had the pleasure of attending what would have to be one of the best camps in my 20 years of teaching. We could not have asked for a better bunch of people to spend hours and hours with as we travelled the long, bumpy and dusty road to Weipa and back.

The senior students on camp were supportive of me and my family. My two children, Jonas and Heidi, performed with the encouragement of all the students. To see little Heidi and Jonas up on stage with the older students made me rather emotional. We felt like we were part of ONE BIG FAMILY. The staff, parents and students touched our hearts and we will never forget this trip and the talent that was on show.

Thank you to everyone for giving my family such a wonderful learning experience.

“Mama G

Fame & Fortune

Kaisiana's Journey is a book that encapsulates her life in the Torres Strait. She recently spent a week in Canberra at the National Museum as part of her story, gaining valuable insight and experience in the nation's capital. It is incredible that a book has already been written about Kaisiana and is an indication of future success for one of our most likeable and able students. More power to you!

IT with Mr Tony & Mr Mike

Mr Tony & Mr Mike have been getting students through their Cert 1 in IT with some pleasing results. Take a look at these assessment tasks:

VET - Health Services Assistance

On May 18th, John Gabey, Elizabeth Gebadi and Annie Mabo completed two more of their competencies towards their Certificate lll in Health Services Assistance.

After weeks of preparation, the students completed three tasks:
• creating a wiki as a team and presenting a 2 minute speech on an aspect of indigenous health. You can see this at:
http://wiki.djarragun.college/groups/nursingpracticalassessment

• Practical work involving making beds, caring for clients, moving clients and infection control procedures. (see photos)

• An oral test where students answered questions about their actions and gave reasons for procedures.

They performed exceptionally well and completed each task with confidence and a sound knowledge of the material taught. Our lecturer was impressed! The students are completing their last few written assessments towards their course and will finish by the end of term.

Words of encouragement from the recent CEO visit about DC...

Thursday provided us with one of the most amazing experiences of our trip. Remote Housing and Djarrugan Enterprises introduced us to an incredible group of young men. Our photographers went off the scale and Mick came into to his own here with his kind of people!!!

BUT nothing could prepare us for almost 600 kids singing the National Anthem at Djarrugan College. Met by Jean and the school prefects, all dressed in red we were escorted us to the stadium. Tears flowed everywhere then these turned to smiles as we enjoyed dance group after dance group. Leigh summed it up beautifully and left the kids with a great message. The tour of the school just continued to amaze; agriculture, engineering, carpentry, hospitality and hairdressing complimented the academic stream in the school . Jean and the prefects joined us at the Wilderness centre to meet potential Indigenous Navy recruits.

Inspiration,success, hope and opportunity dominated our last day. I can say no more!!!

Thank you all for the contribution you made as individuals and ultimately as a small community of like minded leaders.

Regards
Karyn
Karyn Baylis
Chief Executive
Indigenous Enterprise Partnerships