Tiwi College News Term 2, 2013 A winning day at Athletics Carnival

By Natasha Bennett

In week 9 of this term Tiwi College held its Editor: Bronny Burger third annual athletics carnival. It was a colourful day of racing and fun enjoyed by all ages. Events from jumping and throwing, to middle distance runs and sprints were Inside this attempted throughout the day by our primary and secondary students. Even the staff got issue ... involved with our end of day relay race which was highly competitive and entertaining!  New Staff Although a great effort was made by Red  Farewell to house considering the low numbers of Staff students on the day, it was Blue house and  Athletic Carni- Yellow house pushing neck and neck through the day. By the end of the day a supreme effort val Highlights in the sprints and relays saw Yellow take the  Senior School lead and claim the prize of winning house – Work Experi- two years in a row!

ence For the full highlights see the back page.  Visits from St Patricks and Tiwi College partners with NTOEC Scotch College Bronny Burger Highlights So far the results have been very positive and This term the Senior Young Women’s class has  What’s hap- all senior students achieved a good result in began working with the their first assignments and reports. Tiwi pening in Open Education Centre (NTOEC). This now College now looks forward to strengthening Classrooms means that students at Tiwi College have the the relationship with NTOEC and working with and FGHs opportunity to work towards and complete the first students that are on their way to their Year 11 and 12 like students on the graduating with a Year 12 certificate. mainland. If students are successful in completing all subjects required they will graduate with a Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET).

Stage 1 (Year 11) and Stage 2 (Year 12) can Tiwi College take 2-3 years to complete, and will open up Pickertaramoor Melville Island pathways for students to follow their dreams NORTHERN TERRITORY to study further at university or to undertake work in an area of interest. Ph: (08) 8970 9024 Fax: (08) 8970 9025 The Senior Young Women are running a Postal address: of different courses for both Year 10 LMB 127 and Year 11 students at the same time. Winnellie, NT, 0822 Currently all students are working on English Principal: Ian Smith and Mathematic subjects and next semester, [email protected] two more subjects that can count towards their certificate will be added to their load.

From the Principal ‘Respect’

Awana,

Term 2 has been a very busy one! The majority of students have settled into our routines and are now making very good progress with their learning. This has resulted in many of them truly enjoying the benefits of trips which add value to their education; Senior Girls Darwin Work Experience, Scotch College Culture trip, Queensland Leadership Trip, AFL competitions, Dreamtime Art and trip, and Senior Boys Work Experience. These types of events are not possible if our students cannot be trusted – so it’s with great delight to hear of the wonderful behaviour displayed by all students. They have represented the in a way that would make the old people feel very proud.

This term was the first time that the Tiwi Education Board (TEB) met under the leadership of our new Chairperson, Jennifer Clancy. On behalf of the TEB I would like congratulate Jennifer and to also thank Pirriwayi Puruntatameri for his great vision and leadership as Chairman over the years. He has ensured that all staff have been clear of the needs of the and the vision they have for education, moving into the fu- ture. It is symbolic that he has moved to the Strategic Board for the im- provement of education for every school on the Tiwi islands. We wish him all due success in these endeavours.

Our Tiwi Leadership Group has continued to meet on a regular basis and it was fantastic to see our Tiwi staff make a stand recently in a school assembly held to maintain the high standards of student behaviour. We recently elected the Student Leadership Council, comprising of Alex Guy, Jessica Bailey, Vanessa Daniels, Cecillina Mungatopi, Natalie Lorenzo, Stephen Stassi, Adrian Mungatopi, Isadore Fernando, Anthony Farmer, Kevin Portaminni, Ben Ullungura and Clancy Puruntatameri. We have had our first meeting with the Council and look forward to hearing how they wish to improve the college for all.

On another pleasing note, we have recently had our College Registration Assessment. This is an inspection held every five years to ensure a school is run- ning in the right way – according to the Education Act of Parliament. It is with much pride that we can report to our community that our assessors were very pleased with the way the college was running and gave us an excellent report. It is something I personally feel good about as I think of the Tiwi, past and pre- sent, who have been responsible for getting the school up and running after so much time of waiting. It is fantastic to think Tiwi College has been assessed and rated well, in comparison to other schools in the Northern Territory. I hope our Tiwi Community feel just as proud as we do here.

We hope students, staff and families have a safe Bush holiday break and our Tiwi Community enjoy Country with family. We look forward to seeing all of our students back in term 3.

Mana

Ian Smith page 2 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013

From the Assistant Principal Term 2, 2012 In what has been another busy term for both staff and students, this semester had it all… visitors from all over Aus- tralia, TV shows, Schools, our regular subject programs with trainers from Darwin, and not to forget class excursions around the island, to Darwin, Brisbane and . In what has been a hectic schedule for staff, I am proud to work with such an understanding and hardworking dedicated team who want nothing more but to be here for these Tiwi kids and do whatever they can to help educate and support them during their time here at Tiwi College.

Visitors included…  Sister Anne (Religious Education) and Kevin Doolan (Understanding Culture and Overcoming Current Domestic Issues of concern affecting the communities) to work with the whole school.  Jason Davey and Alf Harper from Charles Darwin University working with the Senior Boys in Cert 1 in Agrifoods and Cert II in Construction.  ABC Gardening from working primarily with the Senior Boys with the Haydenway Farm and with the Tiwi Rangers also coming in to visit the rest of the school.  St. Johns staff from Darwin working with nominated staff for White Box Training.  St. Patricks from working with the Senior Boys on a cultural exchange program.  CSIRO from Darwin working with the Senior Girls on Carbon study.  VampTV from Darwin produced a song with the Senior Girls about climate change.  Appretio Training with the Academic Staff.  Kerry and Sophie from Australian Children’s Music Foundation, Sydney working with the students on producing songs, rapping and playing instruments… quite a few hidden talents amongst the students!  Drive Safe from Darwin working with the Senior students to achieve their Learners License.  Alyson Evans from Community Arts Darwin working with the girls in performing arts.  Scotch College from Melbourne working with the Middle School Boys on a cultural exchange program.  Family Group Home (FGH) Professional Development, Certificate IV in Residential Care.  The NT Assessment and Registration Team from Darwin which we passed with flying colours.  Northern Territory Open Education Centre from Darwin meeting with the Senior Girls and Academic Staff.

We also had staff and students leave the college campus for…  Excursions to South Beach and to the communities.  AFLNT trips to Darwin, Narangba, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne and in addition the Michael Long Walk and an Art Exhibition Trip to Melbourne included.  Conservation Land Management trip around Pickataramoor with the Tiwi Rangers.  The Senior students going to Darwin and around different communities on the Tiwi Islands for Work Experience.  Interschool Sport with Xavier College in and to Milikapiti Primary school.

On top of this staff had their regular programs to run in their classes and the FGHs with other important events in the semester calendar …some planned… some not… these included…  School Photos.  Sports Athletics Carnival.  Funerals and Ceremonies.  Family Group Home Projects.  Growing Young Women’s Program  The Senior Boys VET Program—Kitchen Operations; Haydenway Farm; and Maintenance  AFLNT Footy Training.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of Tiwi College, both the Academic and Family Group Homes, for your tremendous efforts in working as part of a team in helping educate and support these Tiwi students. There are many times where we have had a few curve balls thrown at us and getting through these challenges has been tough. However, in overcoming these challenges it has been so much more rewarding. I thank you once again my Picka Family, both Tiwi and Non-Tiwi in your trust, faith and understanding in everything you do for our Tiwi kids in educating them, supporting them and helping them as best we can.

Mana

Sila Pati Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 page 3

News Farewell Richie McCann By Ian Smith

It is with much regret that I inform our Community that Richie McCann – our Senior Boys Teacher has resigned. Due to personal reasons, he has had make the decision to be closer to his partner Olivia and his family.

In a very short time, Richie has gained the trust and respect of the staff and importantly the students. He has been a conscientious and honest staff member who has made great efforts to ensure students work at a high level and display good values.

He will be sorely missed here at Tiwi College and by the Tapalinga football team. On behalf of these two communities I wish Richie and his family, along with his partner Olivia all the best for the future and thank Richie for his time on the Tiwi Islands. Welcome Mo & Sheree Vetekina Where were you working before Tiwi College? How did you find out about the job at Tiwi College? Mo: I was working in a factory in Brisbane Sheree: Meaghan and Pisa told us about the job and said it would be a good opportunity for us. What is your favourite sport? Mo: Rugby League How long have you been on the Tiwi Islands? Sheree: For almost three months. Where did you meet Sharee and where was she living? Mo: Sharee was living in Brisbane but I met her in Tonga. What is the best part about working at Tiwi College?

If you had all the money in the world what would you Sheree: We like experiencing different things on the is- do with it? land, but the best part is that we get to look after a good bunch of girls, and that Melly has lots of big sisters. Mo: I would give half to charity and use the other half for my family. By Alex Guy and Gabriella Lorenzo

Do you like being a house parent? Mo: Yes because I like to be together with my family in one job.

What things do you like doing on the island? Mo: I love to go fishing.

Do you feel uncomfortable being a house parent? Mo: No I don’t feel uncomfortable because we have a good bunch of girls.

By Jessie Mungatopi and Jessica Bailey Senior Students Driving By Gabriella Lorenzo

This term at Tiwi College two driving instructors came out from Darwin to spend the whole day with senior students who were sixteen and over. They taught us all the road rules for driving in the communities and in the bigger cities. They also taught us the importance of wearing seat belts and how it can save your life in car crashes. We watched a couple of films to show us exactly what happens in different car crashes and at different speeds. The instructors took us out individually to fill in forms and get photos taken for our drivers licence’s which are being sent out in the post. All senior students passed and we will be practising driving over the coming six months during the school week and possibly in Darwin if students are in town during the week. page 4 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013

News Term 2, 2012 Tiwi College filled with music By Dellarosa Purutatameri By Alex Guy

This term we had the music mob here The senior girls got to work with the to teach us how to play the guitars, VampTV Crew for a day. The main people ukulele and singing. Kerry took a were Rod and Todd. They helped us choose couple of the girls into the staff room the right beat for our song, they also helped to have a go on the guitars while us put the song together. They showed us Sophie taught the other girls how to how to use their music program Garage on sing different songs, including the the Apple Macintosh computer. The girl’s version of My Island Home by song was about climate change and what Christine Anu and Automatic by Nicki damages we are causing to our earth by Minaj. We enjoyed our time with using a lot of fossil fuel in cars, electricity them. I liked it when Sophie used her and plastic bottles. The VampTV crew are voice starting with a little whisper coming back to Tiwi College next term to and building it up to get louder and finish off the song and record the flim clip. higher and louder again, it felt like my When it is finished they will be broadcasting ear drum was going to burst. it around the country. Ceremony By Cecillena Mungatopi

In week 7 all the senior girls and boys were invited to a ceremony at Fort Dundas near Pularumpi, Garden point. Fort Dundas was named after Robert Dundas the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Fort Dundas was once a British settlement that was established in September 1824. Ships came from Sydney to colonise the Northern part of Australia. It was built to trade with the Malay, but after two and a half years the settlers had never seen the Malay.

After five years of settlement and due to bad relations with the Tiwi people, tropical storms, low food supply, many deaths and being a long way from other settlements, Fort Dundas was abandoned. The last of the settlers left in February 1829.

The Land Council of Tiwi has been working with the NT Government to record the memory of 33 settlers that were buried at Fort Dundas between 1825 and 1828. This included Royal Marines, Convicts and their wives. On the day of ceremony John Hicks and the Tiwi Education board members were there to present the honour of the ceremony to the President of the Genealogical Society of the Northern Territory, Keven Young.

After the ceremony everyone enjoyed a tasty lunch and we had a look around Fort Dundas. We saw the remains of an old well and old stones that were once part of some buildings. It was a good day where we all learnt some history of the Tiwi Islands in the last 200 years.

Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 page 5

Work Experience Senior Students experience working life By Gabriella Lorenzo

In week 5 the Senior Girls went to Darwin to do work experience in different industries around town. Alex and Natalie worked at AFLNT in Marrara, running football activities for primary schools. Vanessa and Bobette worked at Millner Primary School being Assistant Teachers for the Pre-school and Transition classes. Jessica also worked as an Assistant Teacher at Holy Spirit School. The girls all found it interesting working with the little ones. Nancy worked at Danila Dilba working as a Youth Health Carer which she loved. The girls had heaps of fantastic times at their work places. They also had the best opportunities to meet new people and make new friends.

By Richie McCann

Week 10 saw the Senior Young Men undertake a week’s work experience with different Tiwi Enterprises. In what was a first for the Senior Men, the feedback from employers and employees has been overwhelmingly positive. Students were placed in a range of jobs including: maintenance work with Greg Orsto, garden- ing in the Hayden Way, Sea Ranger and assisting at Bathurst Lodge, Tiwi Plantations, Tiwi Land Rangers, Sport and Recreation and the Mantiyupwi Shop. We hope this becomes a regular fixture in the Tiwi College calendar and we are extremely thankful to all the Tiwi Enterprises for offering positions. Exciting opportunity at Bathurst Lodge By Richie McCann

Tiwi College student Ben Ullungura was lucky enough to spend a week at the newly opened Bathurst Lodge to learn the ropes of a Sea Ranger and the key skills to the hos- pitality/resort management industry. Situated in an extremely remote area on Bath- urst Island the newly refurbished Bathurst Lodge is positioned on a pristine white sandy beach with crystal clear blue water that surrounds. Offering some of the best Barramundi fishing in the world. Ben was hands on in helping set up fishing boats for clients, making sure the lodge was clean & welcoming, and spent the majority of his time helping Andre Puautjimi as a Sea Ranger. With Andre, Ben patrolled the local ar- ea checking fishing permits and making sure the local area was well protected. We hope this was the first of many work experience opportunities at the lodge and the relationship continues in the future. A big thank you to Karen and Lindsay Mutimer for making the position available and giving our student a fantastic opportunity. page 6 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013

Primary School Term 2, 2012 By Steph Mackenzie

This term in Primary School we have looked at how to respect and look after ourselves and those around us. One of the activities we did was looking at how to treat a cut and we enjoyed role playing with fake blood as you can see from some of the photos! We have taken part in a lot of new and exciting activities including a music program, sci- ence, visits from Sister Anne and Kevin Doolan, a sleep over, basketball training with Miss Tictac, two combined school sports events and much more. The students are becoming more creative and this is evident in their writing and art. It is great to see them grow as learners and I look forward to next term with each and every one of them!

Two Athletic Carnivals On Wednesday 12th June we went to Milikapiti for sports day. There were three different schools competing; Pirlan- gimpi Primary, Milikapiti Primary and Tiwi College Primary. There were heaps of events setup for all age groups like; sprinting, sack race, high jump, long jump, relay, shot put, egg race, balloon race, three legged race and many more…. We had lots of fun racing against other kids that we didn’t know and we made heaps of friends. We came third in the whole day event while came second & Milikapiti came first. Frances won the three legged race and the over & under race. Ethan won the three legged race. Zach won the long jump and the high jump. We were all competing with our own age group which was cool. At the end of the day we were all tired and couldn’t wait to come back home to Picka. We had an awesome time at Milikapiti and we can’t wait for the next sports day with Pirlangimpi and Milikapiti kids at Garden Point.

On Thursday 13th June we had our own Tiwi College Athletics Carnival. In the morning we had an assembly and then we started the big day with an 800m race for all students and staff. It was a very long, hot and fun day. There were lots and lots of events like; shot put, discus, long jump relay and more…. There were three different house colours; Yellow, Blue & Red. All the students won at least two different ribbons. Zach won five ribbons. Ethan won six ribbons. Frances won two and she tried her hardest. To finish off the day there was a teacher vs student relay and it was fun- ny! At the end of the day everyone was getting excited to know who had won but the scores were not announced till assembly on Friday. It was a really good fun day and we all look forward to next year’s carnival.

By Zach, Ethan, Frances & Miss Bianca

Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 page 7

Middle School Young Women By Melina Davidson and Gladys Puruntatameri

Term 2 has seen some exciting changes to the Middle School Young Women’s classroom with the addition of four new students and our new Assistant Teacher, Gladys Puruntatameri. We have been busy and working hard in all subject areas including Music, Drama, Dance, and studying the movie The Power of One in Literacy.

During this term we have had a few visitors from St Patrick’s College in Adelaide, Sister Anne with friends from Riverview, Kevin Doolan, and Alyson from the drama workshops. We were lucky enough to have Natalie Puantlulura from Munupi Art Centre at Garden Point share her knowledge and skills with our class and the students from St Patrick’s College. Natalie taught us how to prepare pandanas for Drama workshops with Alyson basket weaving, and searching and collecting ochre clay for colour to paint the Pukumani poles. In week 8 we had another visit from Alyson who has been working with our class holding Drama workshops. Alyson The girls had the opportunity to share with the St has been helping us to improve on our voice projection and Patrick’s students their country and culture. We took feeling confident in public especially in front of our peers. the girls to Garden Point, Maxwell Creek, Kulupinni In these workshops we play fun games, role playing and per- waterhole and South Beach. Our class really enjoyed forming. Alyson has also helped us to share stories about having the students from St Patrick’s join us for the ourselves and encouraged us to feel confident in the class- week. room. Also this term we have seen Books in Home return By Deanne Austral with each student receiving three books to share with their families. The athletics carnival was an Music program exciting and colourful day for the teachers and This term we’ve been learning about music with Kerry and students. But best of all our most exciting part of the Sophie from the music program in Darwin. We had lots of term was winning Basketball against Xavier College fun singing with a special instrument that changes our voice. without the Senior Young Women’s class. Middle We also loved playing with their electric drums and making School Young Women showed great teamwork and up our own song. We enjoyed being with Kerry and Sophie, skill to achieve this win. The girls trained hard with we loved Sophie’s voice as she sang the song ‘My Island Tictac and Gladys leading up to the game. Well Done Home’. It was great learning about music and the wonderful Girls! instruments they brought along. We are all looking forward to seeing Kerry and Sophie next term. By Edwina Mungatopi

pageTiwi 8College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2,page 2013 7

Middle School YoungMiddle Men School YoungTerm 2, Men2012 By and Joshua Mackenzie

Term 2 has been a very productive term for the Middle School Young Men. Students have par- ticipated in all the work set by the teacher and produced some outstanding results.

In English, students have studied ‘The Power of One’. They have recreated important scenes in the movie and completed work on the major themes in the film. Students have also worked really hard on their spelling with most students showing a great improvement each week; more than fifty percent of the class averaging 100% on their Friday tests.

In Mathematics students have worked on meas- urement and shapes. Students used measuring wheels to measure the distance between places at the school. They also used the measuring wheels to find the area and perimeter of the basketball court and Growing Young Wom- an’s room. Students have also impressed with their mental maths. The rate in which student can recall number facts such as timetables has improved remarkably, with most students now able to instantly recall timetables up to twelve.

The highlight of the term has been seeing students participate in cultural activities. Students have made spears, made campsite shades and participated in a cultural camp at Jesse River with Scotch College students.

Next term will be very exciting with 15 of our students going to Scotch College in Melbourne. As part of the trip students will go to an AFL football match, visit the Melbourne Demons training, partici- pate in classes at Scotch College and go to the Zoo. This is a once in a lifetime experience and only the students who have been at school and consistently done the right thing throughout Semester 1 will be eligible to go.

Thank you to all our students who have consistently been at school. We appreciate all the effort you have put into your education and are very proud of the results that you have achieved. Great job Mid- dle School Young Men.

Tiwipage College8 Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2,page 2013 9

Senior Young Women By Bronny Burger

Term two has been jammed packed full of learning and many visitors who have brought in new ideas and skills to teach students. As a class we also began a new partner- ship working with Northern Territory Open Education Centre (NTOEC). It has been very exciting to see students begin their last leg of the school journey, and they have all taken it on in their stride. Over the term the girls proved more and more their commitment to their own learning and their ability to do anything they put their minds to. I was so impressed and proud of them for tak- ing on self directed nightly and weekend homework whilst continuing to work hard and stay focused during class time. It hasn’t all been hard work though there have been many laughs along the way and fun times with sing- Science—Dellarosa Purutatameri ing, playing guitar, dancing, acting and telling stories. In science we have been working with the CSIRO studying Well done Senior Young Women for a fabulous term! I climate change. In class we have conducted experiments really look forward to us pushing even harder next term around gases in the atmosphere and have drawn graphs to reach our goals and to see just how far we can all go. to show what we found. We have also been continuing work on our 3D model of the Tiwi Islands. VampTV came English—Cecillena Mungatopi out at the end of the term to help us record our song that In English we have been working on our year 10, 11 we wrote on climate change. Carla has also come to NTOEC courses. We have all been working hard during school a few times to help video the girls while we have the term to finish off our personal profile assignments been working on activities. We have all had the best and procedural assignments. Each week we also learned term, I really enjoyed myself. different spelling words and definitions from maths and narrative stories that we study. During the week we play History—Alex Guy games and try hard to figure out the spelling and which In history we have been learning about the civil rights definition matches each word. At the end of the week we movement in America and its influence on the rest of the are ready to beat our own scores from Monday and we world. We have been working hard and staying focused all try hard to get a perfect score of 12/12. in class so we do not get distracted. We watched Missis- sippi Burning a movie set in Mississippi back in the 1960s Maths—Gabriella Lorenzo that talks about the civil rights movement. The girls also In Maths our class has started on year 10 and 11 NTOEC made individual timelines that show the different courses. Students in Year 10 have been learning about achievements of African American people during the time number patterns, shape, geometry and measurement. In of 1954 – 1968. It took the girls over a month to get eve- Year 11 we have been learning about number and how rything done. money works. Before we start our maths lesson we all do Art—Class 10-15 mental maths questions based on the things we have learnt throughout the year. The class then does This term we have been creating stencils for screen speed and accuracy tests in multiplication and division printing. We spent time in the gardens looking for natural followed by some real life problems that we have to shapes and designs to help us come up with ideas. solve.

Physical Education—Alex Guy

In PE we have been playing basketball and learning all the different rules. Most of the girls love playing basketball because it’s fun. We also played a couple of softball matches against the middle school boys out on the foot- ball oval. The days were hot, but all the students man- aged to participate. At the end of the term we designed house colour t-shirts for the Athletics Carnival held in week 9. pageTiwi 10College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2,page 2013 9

Senior Young Men Term 2, 2012 By Richie McCann

What an eventful term 2 it has been. With many people vis- iting the college, VET certificates being undertaken, work ex- perience and trips around Australia; the Senior Boys have had a very hectic term. School numbers continue to be strong with many students showing consistent attendance and taking ownership of their learning and future. The boys have contin- ued with their VET courses this term with many gaining a Cer- tificate 1 in Agri-Foods and they are well underway in com- pleting their Construction certificate.

With the onus on creating a curriculum that is real and rele- vant for the young Tiwi, the students have been focussing on Money Maths this term, with the end product being a busi- ness day at Garden Point. The students have done their mar- ket research through surveying potential clients on the differ- ent foods stores they would like to see in the community. From the data collected they have designed a healthy ham- burger store which they will be setting up for the last day of term 2. Fingers crossed that the boys bring home a profit.

The students continue to be willing participants in the schools literacy program and they have enjoyed studying the novel, Specky Magee. With another positive term completed the Senior Young Men are certainly laying the founda- tions for a fantastic year ahead.

VET program

Term 2 saw the introduction of a VET style course which ran every fourth quarter. Students rotated through the three different strands: cooking, gardening and maintenance; throughout the week. In groups of three to four students they learnt key skills across all industries such as: OHS, food hygiene, food preparation, healthy eating, cooking skills, maintenance and repair work, construction, gardening, irrigation and machinery operation. With the schools philosophy of getting the young Tiwi ‘work ready’ the program has been designed to give stu- dents skills, hands on experience and an understanding of the working world. It has been a highlight to see these young men coming to school in their work gear ready for an afternoon’s work in the Hayden Way, Kitchen or woodwork room. A big thank you must go to Jason Ryan and Phil Harmer, without the support and hard work of these two gentlemen the program wouldn’t be able to run.

Tiwipage College10 Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2,page 2013 11

Learning outside the Classroom Art By Anne McMaster

It has been a very busy term at Tiwi College in the art room, and out on the field. One of the highlights was our trip to Melbourne to see the Tiwi College Art Exhibition at Alcaston Gallery. Patrick Ryder and Courtney Dempsey opened it with a speech. We had many VIP attend, and all the students’ art work was sold. The sales will go into maintaining the Tiwi Islands Football Hall of Fame.

As part of the Hayden Way Farm Mural project, Guy Reyn- olds and the Middle School Girls painted up two large con- tainers. The designs were created by the students, then sketched out on the large scale walls. The finished work is colourful and brightens up the farm environment.

Senior men have also been creating canvas works for our exhibition next term. Some have been sold already. pageTiwi 12College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2,page 2013 11

Learning outside the Classroom Term 2, 2012 Hayden Way Garden By Jason Ryan

Term 2 has been another progressive step in the life of the garden. Students have been involved in many differ- ent areas, diversifying from the usual garden regime.

The Senior Young Men have been making Pukamani poles for decoration around the entrance gate. They cut, carved and began to paint the poles in their own designs, all unique in their own way.

The Middle School Girls have also spent some time painting the two shipping containers on the east and western sides of the plot. The containers were an eye- sore, so it was decided to give them a base coat and let the Middle School Girls chalk out and paint individual de- signs. The end result was fantastic.

Jerry Bangarr from the Senior Young Men spent a week in the garden for his work experience. Jerry had a fantas- tic week and managed to complete any tasks we threw at him. His gator driving skills have increased dramatically and any chance he had, Jerry spent the time driving around doing necessary jobs.

Power has also been hooked up the kitchen on the east- ern side. This will now hopefully initiate cooking classes A good day out and many other activities involved with Hospitality.

From the garden have a great bush holiday and see you upon return for term 3.

Regards Garden Team

Tiwipage College12 Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term page2, 2013 13

AFLNT School of Excellence By Ian Brown

Term 2 provided a lot of opportunities, especially for the senior boys, to partici- pate in interstate AFL excursions. In early May I took a group of boys on a leader- ship camp to Brisbane and the Gold Coast as a reward for the maturity they had shown at the college. Whilst in Queensland we spent time at Gold Coast FC where the boys watched training, and then participated in a relay out on the ground just before the match against Fremantle. We then linked up with Narangba Valley School and took part in a series of activities, including high ropes, whilst camping in some beautiful locations.

Later in the month Tippa took a group of boys down to Melbourne for a smorgasbord of football activities during the Indigenous round. They par- ticipated in the Long Walk and watched matches on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They were also part of the audience of the Marngrook show where Tippa did a brief interview. Early in the week they attended the opening of an art exhibition at Alcaston gallery which displayed art that the students have created here at the college. It was a massive success with all the art being sold and the proceeds going towards the Tiwi AFL Hall of Fame.

Other AFL activities for the term included a match against Xavier which was won by Tiwi College as well as several trips to Darwin where some of the students participated in the Thunder Cup pro- gram where remote communities compete against each other and then combine to play NT Thunder reserves. After several rounds Tiwi are currently placed second of the ten teams competing. The college was also fortunate to have a visit from current Geelong player Allen Christensen. Allen was visiting family during his break and kindly came out and took a training session for the students.

pageTiwi 14College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2,page 2013 13

Growing Young Women’s Program Term 2, 2012

By Natasha Bennett

This term in the Academy, the girls have been working hard in training, building on their fitness with beep test, relays and sprints. And with the hard work put in, it definitely paid off as the middle school girls once again showed their great skills in a thrilling win against Xavier College in basketball.

Coming up against a tough opponent in the Xavier team, our middle school girls had a big match ahead of them. Xavier claimed a flying start to the game and held the leading position for three quarters, until the fitness and determination from our Tiwi College girls and coach Tictac proved their strength driving us over the line in a fantastic comeback with fighting spirit.

Senior girls had their first stint of work experience for the year, heading into Darwin for a week of workshops and placement. Again, I was impressed with how our senior students applied themselves at work and in the homes. The girls will share more about this in the news section of this newsletter.

The term was capped off with another visit from the much loved Alyson from Mission Australia. Building on the girl’s confidence from last term, Alyson worked with all the girls through drama, storytelling and games for personal devel- opment, proving every bit successful so far!

Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 page 15

Trips, Excursions and Activities Art and Football in Melbourne In May a group of six senior boys were selected to go to On the first day in Melbourne we visited Windy Hill, the Melbourne to attend the Tiwi College Art Exhibition at home of the . Cameron Brit gave Alcaston Gallery, and the Dreamtime game at the MCG. the school a Dreamtime Game football to take back to the college, and an Essendon Hoody to wear in the cold

weather.

nd On Wednesday 22 May we all attended our exhibition opening where Patrick Ryder, Courtney Dempsey and Al- wyn Davey talked about their football career before Bev- erly Knights opened our show. The show was a “sell out” and four of the artworks were acquired for the Museum , Melbourne. Kevin Portaminni presents one of his awesome paintings to Cameron Britt from Essendon FC, as a gift of thanks, Did you know that Michael Long used to be a painter? and an act of Reconciliation, during Reconciliation Week in Melbourne.

One of the highlights of the trip was walking from Federa- tion Square to the MCG holding the Tiwi Islands flag on the ‘Long Walk’. When we got to the ground we sat with the Essendon supporters. page 16 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013

Trips, Excursions and Activities Term 2, 2012 On Thursday evening we attended an Auskick session with the Scotch College boys out at Preston with the Fitzroy All Star kids. We then drove out to the studios for the Marngrook Show where we met Buddy Franklin, and Gilbert McAdam. Tippa was very professional and gave an interview in the Green Room about the Tiwi Bombers.

We visited the Ian Potter centre to see the Indigenous collection on the ground floor. Here we found many old Tiwi artworks which were very detailed and intricate in their designs.

At AAMI park we saw train, and met . Some of the players asked for Aussie, with hopes to see him in Melbourne soon.

Another exciting day was at Windy Hill when the boys were able to watch Essendon train. The boys were then allowed onto the ground for a scratch match. After lunch in the social club we watched a documentary called “Bombers in The Territory” made at Tiwi College, and Wurrumiyanga.

By Anne McMaster

Tiwipage College14 Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term page2, 2013 17

Trips, Excursions and Activities Visit from St Patricks College By Mark Tunmuck-Smith By Trish Tipiloura

During week six of this term, eight St. Patrick students On Tuesday in week 6 our class took the St Patrick’s visited our school for a cultural exchange. The week saw College girls and teacher from Adelaide to Garden Point. the St. Pat students teach our boys key skills in carpentry They had the opportunity to visit the Munupi art centre helping build tables for the school. and meet Natalie Puantulura. We showed them the local shop and bought a feed. After leaving Garden Point we In return the senior boys helped teach and share Tiwi went to Kulupimi waterhole for a swim before taking the culture. With the help of Tiwi artist, Edward Yunupingu St Pat’s girls to meet Gibbo who took us on a tour of the and Natalie Puantulura, the boys built and designed Tiwi Plantation Corporation. traditional Pukamani poles. Wednesday saw us head to The week ended with a two day South Beach to collect pandanas camp at Karslake where the for basket weaving. On the way Tiwi boys showed their skills at home we stopped at the creek camping, hunting and fishing. to chill out, and collect roots of The camp ended with a big the trees to produce colour. bonfire on the beach and many With all our resources we stories were told. A big thank started to prepare the pandanas you goes out to the Mungatopi by boiling it with colour in a flour family for allowing us to share tin over a fire. We then painted their country. It was a really two Pukamani Poles which the positive week and we look Senior Young Men had made for forward to continuing our our class to decorate with the St relationship with St Patricks Patrick students. College in the future. Visit from Scotch College By Joshua Mackenzie

In week 10 of term 2 the Middle School Young Men participated in a culture camp with Scotch College. They travelled to Matilda Zircon, Jesse River with three Tiwi Elders and one future leader. John Ross Pilakui, Brian Farmer, Junior Guy and land owner Paul Black taught the boys about Tiwi dream time. They explained the moon man story and talked to the boys about respect.

The Scotch College staff and students took our Tiwi students for activities and helped create a claymation masterpiece on the moon man story. This movie featured clay characters of Purukapali, a Tjapara, Jinarni and Wayai-ai. All characters were created and animated by students from both Schools.

Throughout the camp students spent time reflecting on each other’s cultures, hunting, fishing and most importantly developing strong relationships.

Overall the trip was a great success. Tiwi College teachers Joshua Mackenzie and Austin Wonaeamirri would like to thank all who participated in the camp. To the Tiwi Land Council thank you for always supporting the culture pro- gram at Tiwi College and particularly for providing funds so we can employ Tiwi elders for our camps. A big thanks to Junior Guy, John Ross Pilakui, Brian Farmer and Paul Black for coming along and instructing the students in Tiwi wisdom. Thanks to Jilama- ra for hosting our celebration event, showing the Scotch students through the gallery and for dancing with our students. Thanks to Matilda Zircon, particularly Graham Tan- ner for providing accommodation for the camp. Also a big thanks to all the Tiwi Col- lege staff for putting in extra hours to make this a success. We thank you all dearly for time and effort. pageTiwi 18College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2,page 2013 15

Family Group Homes Term 2, 2012 Family Group Home Co-ordinator’s Report 2013 has gone by so fast. We, at the Family Group homes have been so privileged to be a part of the great vision of the Tiwi elders who set up this wonderful institution for their young and up-coming leaders. We hope that our ser- vices as FGH parents will be of lasting effect to all our stu- dents.

Now that the Lyons family have returned to their home in Brisbane, we now have the Vetekina family, Mohuaga and Sheree with daughter Mele. They have settled in so well and continued the standard of FGH 6 from where the Lyons left off. The girls have already come to enjoy their pres- ence. The home is warm and the house so clean that they scooped the best home weekly award several weeks this term. They also get along well with all the other FGH staff and students.

The counselling service at Tiwi College is a voluntary contri- bution of the FGH Coordinator. The need to help students is urgent and paramount. Students need the best service. We are responding to their needs. Our ‘Story Room’ is a neutral and safe place.

We are in need of a more on hand referral base to cater for our needs. I have started a program of personal goal setting with students concentrating more on the senior students. Education must be purpose driven.

I have a professional supervisor from Melbourne whom I discuss all my cases with on a fortnightly basis. She has also offered her service for free as her ‘contribution to the Tiwi College’. Together, we have seen the need to ascertain the risk factors that can stop students achieving their goals. These must be identified and addressed by all relevant stakeholders. We are seeking the support and endorse- ment of the TEB, elders of the Tiwi Islands, principal, staff of Tiwi College and students for the production of a wellbe- ing program. We need to come up with a documented pro- gram which the Tiwi people are actively involved in; one that would belong to Tiwi College.

We have been observing students regarding their behav- iour/attitude and their personal hygiene and general home life while in our care. Weekly ratings would be the basis of follow-up sessions with school helpers.

I hope students will have a meaningful re-entry into the communities. May the joy of the bush holiday be all yours in abundance. See you all again next term.

Solomone Radaniva Tuiba Tiwipage 16College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2,page 2013 19

Family Group Homes Family Group Home 1 Family Group Home 3 One thing that is noticeable during this term is a trend in having the boys awarded in the house and at school. This is welcomed greatly; the emphasis being to excel both in the home and school environment. The term therefore focusing on this holistic approach has seen boys going on trips being rewarded for their positive behaviour and attitude. One of the boys on his first trip to Melbourne came back with many en- tertaining stories. Another student went on three con- secutive trips and still managed to come to school the following week. This is a positive change that we have noted, along with the following news:

Hello once again from us  With the guidance of Solo during Life Skills, the gar- here at FGH 1! We have den which the boys have been working on from had another enjoyable Term 1 has finally been fenced, seeds planted and term here in our house, irrigation system put in. and we really can’t under-  All of our boys featured in the AFL game against stand where the first half of Xavier. The boys acknowledged their consistency at this year has gone… it has training, as a part of their After School Program, just gone by so fast. and it has paid dividends.

This term, Pisa and I have  Another major project which our boys took part in been so happy to watch as was working with the St. Patrick’s boys in making a the Senior Young Men in fantastic picnic table. They really loved working on our care have stepped up the project in the senior class over the week. They more in maturity and re- also enjoyed taking the team from Adelaide out sponsibilities. They have been doing really well and have camping. come a long way. They now have a roster for who is on We have had an enjoy- washing clothes and helping prepare for dinner, and most able term with our of the time we don’t have to help them or remind them to students. Consistency do it. There has even been some creative ideas come out in attendance has when it comes to setting the table and preparing for din- been pleasing this ner! We have loved seeing growth in most of the students term. We wish the when it comes to taking initiative around the house. boys a safe and relax- Our life skills afternoons have continued to be successful ing holiday and hope this term, with the students planting beans, watermelon, to see them back for cucumbers, and more. We have enjoyed watching them another awesome grow, but are yet to get any produce from them, as it is still Term Three.

only early days. One of our students even took some of the Isoa and Akanisi small plants home to plant at his house. Some other things we have also been doing in our life skills afternoons have been cooking, cleaning and working on hygiene. Overall our term has been a good one here at our Family Group Home. As per usual, we have had some ups and downs, but from our point of view, we are still moving for- ward, learning and growing more every day. That is all for now. Enjoy your bush holidays and we look forward to Term 3! God Bless Apisalome, Meaghan, Talei and Maikeli Ravula

Tiwipage College20 Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term page2, 2013 17

Family Group Homes Term 2, 2012

Family Group Home 4

We can't believe another term is coming to an end. This term has been a long one, packed full of lots of exciting things here at home. It was great to have the girls settle in well to Family Group Home life after the Easter holidays. We gladly welcomed three new students to FGH4; Deanne, Kathleen and Jessie, each girl has added a new flavour and we appreciate their presence in our home. We definitely felt more bonded together as a family and enjoyed hav- ing evening outings with the other girls house as well as time spent with just our house girls. A major excitement was finally being able to catch a possum. It certainly was holding onto the tree tight as it took six different people to shake it down.

For life skills this term, our main focus has been on Health and Hygiene where we discussed the importance of wash- ing hands, showering, treating head lice, and brushing teeth. After discussing the different topics the girls made vide- os about what they had learnt. It was a fun activity for the girls to participate in and they enjoyed watching them- selves on the big screen. We also had the girls contribute to the development of our homes outside area through painting and planting vegetables in our garden. The plants are growing fast, and we hope next term we will be able to begin cooking with the beans, sweet potatoes, watermelon and pumpkin which the girls planted.

We are very proud of our girls this term for their dedication and improved participation in Growing Young Women’s training on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. A highlight for us this term was travelling with the school to Wurrumiyanga to watch our girls play basketball against Xavier College. Of course the trip was made that much more sweeter having our girls walk away with the victory.

We are looking forward to next term and continuing to build relationships with each of the young women who make up Family Group Home 4.

Dunstan and Nadine

Tiwipage 18College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2,page 2013 21

Family Group Homes Family Group Home 5

Term two was been a bit different to term one. We have seen a few of our boys really changing their behaviour and attitude which has been really great. There have been some ups and downs this term but we still trust that one day positive change will come.

Our boys are so active and good at playing games, like footy and jumping on the trampoline, but what we have been trying to teach them this term is how to look after themselves. In life skills we have been teaching them how to make their beds, shower, brush their teeth, clean their bathrooms, rake around the house and be active in the garden.

Though sometimes the boys give us a hard time, we don’t see that as a big issue. We only see how precious they are, and we value them for who they are. We are going to keep on pushing them forward for the better of the young Tiwi boys, with more challenges to come. It will only take our patience, self-control and hope for the best.

Thank you to all of the staff for your support and caring for our boys. We wish you all the very best for the holi- days. Don’t eat too much, but smile always. To all the boys take care, have safe bush holidays and we will see you all again in term 3. Bless you all.

Tim & Mrs. Viola Vea

pageTiwi 22College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2,page 2013 19

Family Group Homes Term 2, 2012 Family Group Home 6

Term two has been an exciting yet challenging term for us. As the new House Parents of FGH 6 we have used this term to get to know our girls and learn the ropes of our new roles. Our girls have been very welcoming and have handled the transition very well. Our daughter Meleane now has lots of big sisters who love playing with her. Tiwi already feels like home to us!

This term our girls have done a great job with keeping their bedrooms and our house clean and have been awarded best kept house a number of times this term. We are very proud of them!

The girls have really enjoyed meal preparation and bak- ing during our Life Skill sessions. We hope to further their cooking skills next term and hopefully get our gar- den up and running which will be another responsibility for the girls.

We have been getting together with the FGH 4 girls eve- ry second Wednesday for some much needed bonding, fun and laughter. The girls have enjoyed going out on night drives and possum hunting. Movie nights have also been very popular of late. We hope to continue these get togethers with House 4 next term. Hope you all have a safe and relaxing holiday and we looking for- ward to seeing you all again in Term 3!

Mo, Sheree & Meleane

Tiwipage 20College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term page2, 2013 23

Athletics Carnival Highlights

The day was long and hot, and the students were competing fiercely throughout the day to gain points for their house colours. We were lucky to see some brilliant athleticism in our students from the amazingly quick Kyle Wilson, to the freaky high jump skills of Clan- cy Puruntatameri. Our students with impres- sive performances have been selected to rep- resent Tiwi College next term in the inter- school athletics in Darwin. I’m sure there will be no shortage of thrill and skill there.

A fantastic effort full of determination and good spirit was given by all, well done to all our students who participated and made the carnival a great success.

Natasha Bennett

page 24 Tiwi College Newsletter: Term 2, 2013