24 September 2021

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL

I can’t believe we are already at the end of Term 3. It was a very busy, fun filled and at times challenging term for staff and students. We experienced our first ever snap lockdown due to Covid 19. I would like to sincerely thank staff, students and families for making this experience such a smooth one.

Early in the term, I was able to take long service leave for three weeks to enjoy time celebrating special events and visiting family members. I’d like to thank Greg Robson, experienced education leader and most recently Director of Mimik-Ga Centre for supporting our leadership team in my absence. Greg also joined us in week 10 of the term and will be returning in Term Four to offer professional development for our staff.

We warmly welcomed new staff to our Henbury team this term. Teachers Craig Morreski, Janna Bryse and Amanda Philp and SESO’s Koal Smith, Mel Lovisatti, , Phylie Palipuaminni and Molly Althouse. We are also lucky to have Claudia Hamlin back on a more permanent basis after having time off with her baby boy.

We said goodbye to our student, friend and brother Jack Parker who tragically passed away. In honour of his memory, we are naming the Horticulture Garden after him. Jack contributed substantially to the creation of this garden. Jack’s family would like to sincerely thank the Henbury families and staff as well as Clontaff staff who donated and/or raised money to support them financially during this difficult time. Jack will be sadly missed by the students, staff and Henbury community. Vale Jack Parker

Thank you to all the parents and carers who have participated in our EAP and TEAP meetings this term. I was lucky enough to attend some of these meetings. I was so impressed with the work both staff and students have put into achieving individual goals and the richness of programs offered.

We celebrated RUOK? Day on Friday 10 September.

Congratulations to the SMS class who won the award for the best classroom window display. They will be treated with a free drink and food item down at our award-winning café, Henbury on Aralia. Staff were treated to a bacon and egg breakfast and barista coffee on the day.

Thank you once again Amanda Thomas and the NT Learning Commissioners for running an amazing assembly. This is definitely one of the highlights of this term.

Congratulations to all the students who received an award.

CLASS AWARDS

VALUES AWARDS

Cloe W
TJ
Ryan
Snaha
Jerome
Honor
Banjo I

HENBURY NT LEARNING COMMISSIONERS

Anne Hollonds, National Children's Commissioner who is based in Canberra, visited Henbury School to speak with our Learning Commissioners. They were invited to share their VOICE, insights and experiences about “Keeping Kids Safe and Well.” The information our students shared will go towards the Australian Government national plan about keeping kids safe and well in their families and communities.

Keeping with the theme of sharing their VOICE, our NT Learning Commissioners were also involved in the giving direct feedback during consultations for the NT Education Engagement Strategy this term.

Our Learning Commissioners from 2020 and 2021 got to celebrate the erection of the Visual Communication boards around the school. They have worked on this project for over 18 months collecting data through surveys and interviews with staff, students and graphic designer Natasha from Red Mouse Graphics. This project came about from the group wanting to break down the barriers so students could better communicate with other students and staff could better communicate with students and vice versa. Ethan (Student Commissioner) said, “We wanted kids to be able to communicate with kids who found it hard to talk or couldn’t communicate verbally or even when kids get upset and find it hard to talk they can use these boards to help them tell their story. All students should be heard and have a voice. Just because they can’t talk doesn’t mean they should be excluded. This is why we come up with this idea. We hope to share it so other schools can do it in their school as well. We are also sharing it with schools interstate.” Amanda (Teacher Commissioner) said, “The students are so proud of what they have achieved and to see their hard work come to fruition is extremely rewarding for both the students and myself. They are making a difference to be more inclusive across all student abilities at Henbury School. I am extremely lucky to work with the amazing students at Henbury School.”

Finally, please enjoy our newsletter with highlights from School Camp and Kids Teaching Kids Science day events. A huge thank you to the staff involved in these amazing events and opportunities for our students.

HI FROM THE PURPLE 5 BOYS

(Callum, Jacky, Jordan, Ryan and Zac)

In week 8 Henbury hosted students from several Darwin schools to participate in Kids Teaching Kids teaching and learning experiences. As a part of this fun day, our Purple 5 boys spent the morning teaching small groups of visiting students on how to program and operate a range of small robots. They started each session with a 5 minute presentation on the growing use and benefits of robotics and automation in the Australian agricultural industry. Next, they worked with small groups of our guests, modelling and supporting them on how to program and use each mini robot. The boys improved in confidence and in the way that they communicated and supported their visiting students with each rotation.

Here is some more information about Kids Teaching Kids direct from their website -

The Kids Teaching Kids Program promotes positive wellbeing and helps build resilience in young people. It raises awareness and drives action on local and global environmental issues, bringing communities together to solve common challenges and help the next generation of leaders who will take collective responsibility for our future. We connect and challenge students with real world issues, inspiring them to want to know more. By giving students the opportunity to present a workshop to others during Kids Teaching Kids Week or at one of the Kids Conferences, students see that they can have a positive impact on the world, starting in their own communities. They are given tools to manage their own learning and become confident, caring and informed citizens ready to take on new challenges.

BLUE 1 & 2

Big Wheels on Campus

This term Blue 9 have been so busy focusing on their T/EAP and NTCETM certificates.

We have been using structured teaching tools and PECS to help make choices, to show preferences and to create engaging and accessible activities for the whole class. Together we have been investigating and exploring new switch games and IPad apps that allow the students to explore cause and effect programs and encourage problem solving. Blue 9 has also focused on numbers 0 to 5 in meaningful math lesson, using audio, visual and tactile resources for inclusive lessons. Lots of fun has been had with sensory play, as well as discos and good times. Looking forward to a fun filled Term 4.

BLUE 3

On Thursday’s this term, Dale has been coming in for Aboriginal cultural lessons with some of the Blue 3/4 boys.

On September 9th Jerome wrote this recount:

Down at the tree that is kind of nearby the basketball court we cooked up magpie goose with Dale. He showed us how to cook the magpie goose and how to clean out the guts. The first thing before we cooked it, we had to take off the feathers from the body and some seeds out of the throat. We also cooked the heart and the stomach. Dale cooked it up on the fire and we were talking and eating. We had fun. Dale even taught us how to make a fan out of the wings, it was so cool. The magpie goose was delicious, we all said thanks Dale!

Jerome.

DARWIN HIGH

DHS Outreach students are busy busy busy as per usual. Ashley is doing Auto on Tuesdays with Willis. He is also attending two mainstream classes. Tiler has joined Ashley in attending Science mainstream class. Ashley has horticulture on Thursdays and Tiler works at Henbury on Aralia.

John goes to several places for Work Experience and is gaining lots of skills ready for leaving at the end of this year. Willis too will leave us at the end of 2021 and he has had work experience at the Laundry for a semester now. He really enjoys the work. John and Willis have been doing lots of work to get ready for next year. Both young men gained their NTCET certificate last year. Willis loves his woodworking on Thursdays.

Moise has worked really hard on his literacy and is enjoying his increased skills in this area. He finished his Auto skill sets. Fridays are now the only times we will have all of us in the one place at the one time.

Although we have finished our task which involved fitness, we continue to do exercises in our classroom. We keep our hospitality skills current by getting involved in Henbury events like Harmony day and working on the Crewz’n Brew trailer when we can. We have the best of two worlds here by working at Darwin High and still being a valued part of Henbury. Thank you to everyone who always make us feel welcome when we are at Henbury.

COVID VACCINATIONS IN SCHOOLS

There has been a change of dates for Covid vaccinations for Henbury students. The NTG would like to encourage all Territorians including students aged 12 years and over to receive at least the first dose of the Covid vaccine by the end of October as a person is not considered fully vaccinated until they have received 2 doses of the vaccine. Dates have been brought forward in order for students to be fully vaccinated in a shorter timeframe.

Consenting for students to receive the Covid vaccine at School remains voluntary. Please see below date changes.

Henbury

Dose 1 = 19th October 21 – Yr 12,11,10,9,8,7
Dose 2 = 9th November 21

Dripstone MS

Dose 1 = 19th October 21 – Yr 9,8,7
Dose 2 = 9th November 21

DHS

Dose 1 = 22,23 & 24th Sept 21 – Yr 12,11,10
Dose 2 = 20 October 21

CSC

Dose 1 = 15th & 16th Sept 21- Yr 12,11,10
Dose 2 = 13th October

NMS

Dose 1 = 21st October 21 - Yrs 9,8,7
Dose 2 = 11 November 21

SMS

Dose 1 = 20th October 21 - Yr 9,8,7
Dose 2 = 10th November 21

Janine Kelsey
Health Promoting School Nurse

SEMESTER 2 SPORTS VOUCHERS

Under the Sport Voucher Scheme, every child enrolled in an urban school across the Territory is entitled to a $100 Sport Voucher every six months. Vouchers are available from the commencement of each school semester. A letter has been sent home with instructions on how to apply. Go to the link below to apply or call 1800 817 860.

Families who are unable to access the internet at home can ask for assistance by calling the front office on 89977077.

HENBURY KIDS TEACHING KIDS EVENT

On the 8th of September Henbury School played host to Nakara, Mimik-ga, Humpty Doo, Forrest Parade, Woodroffe, Wulagi and Wanguri primary schools for a Kids teaching Kids, Science day extravaganza. Our classes ran 2 sessions in the morning and then a session in the afternoon in to the evening. As the day progressed, our students gained confidence and ended up doing some fantastic presentations for the visitors.

Yellow 2 presented Hydraulics-The Power of Liquids
Yellow 3 – Soft Plastics/Ice-cream making with dry ice
Yellow 5 – Hydroponics

Purple 4– Sugar in foods
Purple 5 – Farmer needs a robot
Purple 2&3 and Blue 1&2 – Bubble and Snow

Blue 3 – Bush Tucker tasting and Damper making
Blue 3 & DMS2 – Watermelon Challenge

DMS1&2 – Balloon boats, Submarines and Egg strength

NMS- Electrical Energy and Smoothie bikes

Green 1&2 – Fizz inflators and Tornado in a bottle
Green 3&4 – Volcano and Foaming monsters

The Magical Petting zoo was a hit with many students.

The third session was open to the Henbury School community. A big thank you to our student presenters for giving up their afternoon and evenings. More science experiments, plus a BBQ, Disco and Star Gazing happened in this session.

A lucky few got to view the rings around Saturn and send air rockets into the sky.

“The exploding watermelon was the BEST” (Chloe – DMS)

Congratulations to the two Hayley’s who guessed the closest number to the number of rubber bands it would take before the watermelon exploded.

We had many contributors to make this day the success it was. Thank you to the following people for donating their time;

Peter Ramsey - Star Gazing
Anna Day - NT Farmers
Ashley Murdoch – Rocket Man
Will Corry – Bush Tucker Tasting.

Finally, thank you to Inspired NT for supporting this event. A great day was had by all.

SCHOOL CAMP

Henbury School was extremely fortunate to attend camp this term. This event facilitates social and emotional development in our students, and is an essential part of our school curriculum.

This year camp was held from 1-3 September at Batchelor outdoor education unit. 70 students and 30 adults attended the three-day event.

Students were engaged in activities such as mountain bike riding, archery, high ropes, rock climbing, bush survival skills and damper making.

SRA @ Henbury

SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES – SRA @ Henbury

Henbury School runs an afternoon activity program (SRA@Henbury) and Vacation Care Program. Spots are now available if you would like your child to attend. We are a NDIS approved program. If you would like more information call Sam Rayner on 89977077 or 0408147876.

TERM 3 ASSEMBLY

GOOD ON YOU AWARDS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to the following students that celebrate their birthdays in September:

Honor – 3rd
Anastasios – 3rd
Marcus – 7th
Nick – 7th
Koda – 13th
Brodie – 14th
Alex J – 19th
Flynn – 21st
Heidi – 21st
Xyalliaih – 22nd
Leo – 25th

UPCOMING EVENTS – Term 4

COMMUNITY NOTICES