Telephone: (08) 89202299 Fax: (08) 89202298 Email: admin.dripshs@ntschools.net PO Box 41370, Casuarina, NT, 0811 website: http://www.schools.nt.edu.drpstnhs/

20 June Last day of Term 2 Final reports distributed 22 July First day of Term 3 for students 13 Aug Information Evening 15 Aug Athletics Day

IMPORTANT DATES

Issue: 5/2008 18 June 2008

“A Community of Achievers”

Above and below - Year 7’s rehearsing for their performances at the Convention Centre

Tap Dogs

Pump It!

Music

Hon Kon Vatskalis MLA, Rosellina Martone, Ibu Jenny & Lyn Elphinstone - farewell to Ibu Jenny our exchange teacher from Ambon

Natarsha Morse, Anthony Donaghue & Georgia Tomazos won a V8 Super pass donated by Hon Kon Vatskalis, MLA

Dear parents and carersThe term has been a busy and exciting one. I’d like to thank the following staff for their contributions to Dripstone. Adam Green is leaving to travel overseas and Greg Cilento returns in Term 3, Simon Hambleton is relocating to the rural area and Sheena Drennan (Admin Manager) is returning to Katherine. As you can see from this newsletter Dripstone students have been heavily involved in a range of academic, sporting and cultural events.

Due to some technical difficulties school reports will be handed out on the last day of school. I wish all students and parents a safe and happy break.Lyn Elphinstone

On the 13th June, thirteen Year 9 students participated in a Fashion and Beauty Careers Day at Charles Darwin University.

The day commenced with the students receiving an introduction into the many careers within the fashion industry and the relevant courses. The students were then given the opportunity to design and construct a shoulder bag.

After lunch the students visited and toured the Palmerston Campus of Charles Darwin University. While at Palmerston, students attended an information seminar on the various Careers and pathways within the Beauty industry. The students then participated in a nail painting exercise, which was enjoyed by all involved.

The students are to be commended on their brilliant behaviour. Well done girls.

FASHION AND BEAUTY CAREERS DAY

AFLNT Sports Ready Cup WinnersDripstone defeated Kormilda College in the finals.Thank you to parents Grant Hatcher and Gaetano Gugliotta for coaching and supporting the team. Congratulations to the team members.

Anthony Gugliotta, Ben Rioli, Jack Hatcher, Aaron Pollard, Anthony Chisholm, Aiden Mizen, Rafael Fountis, Tarrion Sutcliffe, Gus Quartermass, Jack Williams, Darcy Mitchell, Jarryn Zika, Michael Grant, Daniel Simpson, Fergus O’Gallagher, Thomas Grills, Jayden Clayfield, Fraser Jennings, Jarrod Stokes, Clayton Higgins, Trevor Nickels, Joshua Karis, Jett Sukcharoen

Cross Country

Dripstone Middle School won second prize in the Darwin Schools Cross Country Competition.Congratulations to the Dripstone Middle School team members.Shanice Calma Scott PittawayBrittany Robinson Kevin NayderMelissa Nayder Elizabeth Wheeler Paulina Motlop (PE Teacher) Rebekah Wheeler

Dates to be announced:

* Step to the Future* Panel Beating/Automotive Tasters* Plumbing Taster* Work Experience* Indigenous Taste of University* Various Industry Guest Speakers

Trish Orr, Careers Advisor

SSNT INTERSTATE TEAMS/SqUADS FOR 2008 Congratulations to the following students who successfully made the interstate teams.Championship TeamsAFL - Anthony Gugliotta & Aaron PollardNetball - Kira GrantFootball - Despina Cleanthous & Gabriella Ferteklis Exchange TeamsAFL - Daniel Simpson, Darcy Mitchell & Jessiah McGarvieCricket - Dylan Fuller & Joel Logan

SPORTS ACHIEVERS

UPCOMING CAPS SEMESTER 2

During semester 1, 35 students successfully completed two units towards a Certificate 11 in Sports Injury Management and also obtained a St John’s Senior First Aid qualification. Congratulations to all students.

In semester 1, 3 Yr 9 students commenced VET courses at Charles Darwin University. Dylan Burdon and Jarred Chambers studied Certificate 1 in Automotive and Jayde Walding studied Certificate 1 in Engineering. The students attended the university every Wednesday and have successfully completed the required competencies to obtain a Certificate 1 level. Congratulations boys.

Each year Charles Darwin University offers students the chance to experience university life. The aim of the day is to provide students with information on a variety of higher educational pathways, the prerequisites and the support services available at the university.

The 40 students who participated took part in a number of ‘hands on’ activities from a range of faculties, such as Law, Nursing and Horticulture. A great day was had by all.

CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY TRADES TOUR

On the 9th May, Dripstone Middle School in conjunction with Charles Darwin University offered students the opportunity to tour the Trades Departments of the uni.

Students visited various departments, and were given presentations regarding the pathways required to become qualified in the trade.

FURNITURE MAKING COURSEOver the semester, 40 students undertook vocational training in Furniture making. All students constructed a deck chair to industry standards and successfully completed two units towards a Certificate 11 in Furniture making. Well done everyone.Trish Orr, Careers Counsellor Furniture Making

“THANK YOU” Dripstone Middle School would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce and Youthworx for organising the Industry Breakfast, which our Year 9’s participated in on the 4th June at the school.

SPORTS INJURY MANAGEMENT & SENIOR FIRST AID

INDIGENOUS TASTE OF UNI

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAININGVET

SEWING DONATIONS FOR TExTILES CLASSES

Any old clothes at home? Bed linen? Pillows? Jam jars? Newspaper? Does Mum need to clean out her sewing cupboard? If you, your friends, or members of your family are planning on a spring-clean these holidays, please think about donating any old fabrics or sewing supplies to the art department. Stay tuned to see your trash turned into arty treasure! Thank you, Melissa Macklin.

Dylan and Jarred at the CDU Workshop

On the 2nd of June, thirty-one, Year seven and eight students went on camp to ‘Base Camp Walaroo’. When we arrived we got into groups of two and three to put up our tents. After lunch we split up into our house groups and began our different activities, flying fox, rock climbing and team games activities. Free time was given after activities to play in the pool and go bike riding. For dinner we had spaghetti bolognese, it was very yummy. Once it was dark we played several games of spot light. While we were playing the instructors were building our camp fire. We all gathered at the bon-fire and Mr.

Green told us a very scary story. At the end of the story he asked if anyone could hear the noise, Ms. Schell was wondering what it was as well. It was the sound of leaves moving, coming closer, and then ROAR!!! Everyone screamed their hearts out and then found out it was Mr. Macdonald in a scary mask. Everyone was very scared.

Tuesday, we had two more rotations of the activities so that everyone had a chance on the super flying fox! Heaps of laughter and smiles later with our tummies full of barbeque dinner we went cane toad hunting. We managed to catch about three hundred with some really big ones that were counted for more. Another bon fire was lit and more stories and laughter, we were very tired by the end of the day.

Wednesday was sad because we had to pack up, but we had the chance to play on the flying fox again and go canoeing in the lake. Camp was an amazing time with memories that will never be forgotten.

By: Monica Nheu and Nam Tran

CAMP TERM 2, 2008 JUNE 2 – 4

Every Wednesday at Dripstone Middle School, students get the opportunity to take part in an activity of their own choice. I have been lucky enough to run Cycling Fitness, Road Safety and Bicycle Maintenance. The students that enrolled in this course have worked with Constable Danny Bull of the Northern Territory Police each week. He has taught the children about safe bicyle riding techniques and how to maintain their bike. In addittion to this, each week we have been for a ride. Locations have included, Nightcliff, Rapid Creek, Jingili, Leanyer, Casuarina and Charles Darwin National Park. The students enjoyed the course, learnt a lot about bikes and of course kept fit. The course will be offered during Semester 2. Any further information please contact.travis.saunders@ntschools.net.au Travis Saunders, Cycling Teacher

CYCLING FITNESS, ROAD SAFETY AND BICYCLE MAINTENANCE

Canoeing

Rock climbing