Year 9

Arnhem Land Update

This week, Yr 9 were involved with two online sessions where they interacted with the Yolngu community and culture College in preparation for Arnhem Land in Week 6. Students were introduced to Yolngu language, signs and cultural norms, and the concept of reciprocal learning. 

Please read through the pre-learning information (which includes a packing list) available on our Yr 9 Pulse news Feed, and remember to compete the medical forms. 

Camp Details

Our Camp is hosted at the Gulkula site, a significant Gumatj ceremonial site widely accepted by all clans as a meeting place. Since 1999 Gulkula has been used as the site for the annual Garma Festival and significant investment in facilities, meeting rooms, training spaces, catering, dining and accommodation has taken place. The site is a short drive from Gove airport and the regional hub of Nhulunbuy.

Students are provided with tents and camp beds and have access to permanent sanitation blocks. All meals are made on-site by local caterers in the industrial kitchen. Students will have access to the air-conditioned Knowledge Centre for some sessions. Other learning opportunities take place across the Gulkula site and through off-site excursions to sites of local cultural importance, including the highly regarded Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Arts Centre in nearby Yirrkala. Average daytime temperatures in Nhulunbuy in early June reach 29°C falling to 23°C at night, with a low chance of precipitation.

Students must arrive to school on Sunday 28th May at 5am sharp. They will be transported via bus to Sydney Airport where the cohort will fly to Gove via Cairns. Once students arrive at Gove Airport, they will be bussed to the Gulkula site. 

Students will return to Sydney Airport via two separate flight times on Friday 2nd June in the evening. Dependant on airline scheduling, these arrival times will be confirmed shortly. 

Photos of students participating in the online Arnhem Land sessions:

Assessment in Term 2

Formal assessment tasks tend to approach very quickly in Term 2, which we encourage students to build into their planning during their weekly Home Learning.

As the Winter Sport season kicks into gear it is also worth noting that changes of routine such as additional training sessions or changed schedules may have on Home Learning habits and to help students plan ahead.

Included below is the weekly schedule so that you are also able to support your student/s.

In Your Skin

Next Monday 8th May, yr 9 students will be taking part in a one period workshop as part of the In Your Skin program created by Dr Tessa Opie. This program is designed to promote positive language and culture around sexuality and encourage positive, healthy relationships. 

The website for the external provider is available here if you are interested – https://www.inyourskin.co/.  

Forbes Fundraiser

A Message from Yr 11 – As some of you may know, Forbes is a small town in NSW, neighbouring Lismore, which went through dire levels of flooding last year. They have slowly been recovering from flood levels reaching a 70 year record!! The environment is devastated and the community is still in desperate need of some assistance from those who can help. 

This drive started in the end of Term 1 and is continuing through the beginning of Term 2. Please bring in anything you can manage and it will go a long way!!

Items to include could be:

seedlings 
canned goods 
Non-perishable foods
notebooks and school supplies
cutlery, utensils, frypans, cutting boards, bowls
financial aid
first aid kits
clothing
sewing items
tools (old hammers)

We will have boxes set up every morning at the front and back gates starting Wk 2 or in the Student Services Centre throughout the day.

Thank you everyone in advance for the consideration and donations! 

Term 2 Key Events