ESSINGTON EDITION VOL. 9 | JUNE 2021
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VOL. 9 | JUNE 2021
V O L. 9
ESSINGTON EDITION
Fortnightly updates for The Essington School Community
WHAT TO
EXPECT:
In Vol. 9 we are focusing
on Health and Physical
Education at Essington.
We also have a number
of updates from the
wider school community!
PA G E 1
JUNE 2 0 2 1 V O L. 9
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Mr Brian Kennelly
Early in Term 3, parents, staff and students will be asked to take part
in the Essington 2021 LEAD School Effectiveness Surveys. This full
school survey follows on from the last one held at the end of 2019.
The data from that last survey initiated whole school changes which
have been very effective to date.
It is now time to do another to assess the progress we have made
and to guide our future improvement strategies. The Parent
Satisfaction survey seeks your opinion to understand your
perceptions regarding the quality of your child’s educational
experience at Essington. The information obtained will be used to
further improve the quality of education at Essington and to
enhance our overall operational efficiencies.
The survey will take approximately 15 - 20 minutes to complete and is conducted by Independent
Schools Victoria. To ensure we receive a full understanding of Essington all responses are
completely anonymous.
Please watch out for further information early next Term. I look forward to receiving your
feedback.
In closing I thank you for your support over Term 2 in ensuring an Essington education offers
each child an opportunity to shine.
PA G E 2
JUNE 2 0 2 1 V O L. 9
SENIOR COLLEGE
Mr Peter Moore - Head of Senior College
At the Senior College we offer several Physical Education and
Health subjects. The summary below highlights what has been
happening in each subject this semester.
Stage 2 Health and Well Being
Health and Wellbeing students have been investigating the health
issues affecting Indigenous Australians and looked at whether the
Closing the Gap Health strategies implemented by the Government
over the last 20 years have been effective. Students also undertook
a personal health initiative in which they committed to improving
an aspect of their own health over a four-week period. Students
have also been working collaboratively to investigate a health and
wellbeing issue that is relevant to their age group, culminating in
the students inviting experts into the school from a range of health service providers and doing a
joint presentation to their peers. This Health Expo was a great success with all Senior College
students having the opportunity to learn about a variety of subjects, ranging from harm,
minimisation of drug and alcohol use, consent and sexual abuse, body image, as well as
strategies to cope with anxiety and OCD.
Stage 1 Health and Well Being
Health Stage 1 students are
exploring their personal
wellbeing as well as Health
Promotion to improve
health and wellbeing in
adolescents. Mental fitness
was at centre stage during
Term 1 and students looked
at ways to improve mental
fitness, through both
physical and mental
activities in a practical and
reflective assessment.
PA G E 3
JUNE 2 0 2 1 V O L. 9
The feedback, suggestions and research displayed their insights and how they value the
importance of their own wellbeing. Students also investigated the determinants of health and
those of specific groups that might be more disadvantaged. As adolescents the students dove
into healthy eating habits, discovering the effects of sugar, gym supplements, too much
processed foods in their diet as well as the trends towards vegetarianism and veganism. They
collaborated with Ms Anemie Ponelis, a Life Science teacher from Woodlands International
College in Johannesburg, South Africa who answered questions on the effects of a vegan lifestyle
both physically and mentally.
Stage 1 and 2 Outdoor Education
It has been a very busy semester in the Senior Outdoor Education program. In Week 2 our Stage
2 students had their first journey for the year when they travelled to Litchfield National Park. On
the way to Litchfield, they rode the Charles Darwin National Park Mountain bike trails, once
reaching Litchfield they set up camp and went for an afternoon swim at Buley Rockhole. The next
day involved a long mountain bike ride along the old Adelaide River – Darwin railway line and
then a relaxing swim at Florence Falls. On the final day we completed some more mountain
biking around Howard Springs Pine Forest.
Stage 1 students have recently returned from Kakadu National Park where they completed a fully
self-sufficient 4 day, 3 night bushwalk in the Kubara region. Students had spent weeks preparing
for this journey and they all completed it with a smile on their face and the discovery of some
new muscles in their bodies. Students had to trek with their pack on over some steep, wet and
slippery terrain to get to their campsites, but were rewarded with some excellent views,
indigenous rock art and the feeling of been completely away from the rest of the world.
PA G E 4
JUNE 2 0 2 1 V O L. 9
Stage 1 Physical Education
After completing a Squash and Touch Rugby unit earlier in the year, the Stage 1 Physical
Education class has recently begun their 8-week fitness unit. Students have conducted a range of
fitness tests of their choosing, identified specific components of fitness they want to improve,
designed training programs to address these components and have just this week begun
practical gym sessions.
Stage 2 Physical Education
After a busy Term 1 completing their Squash unit, the Stage 2 Physical Education students have
now almost completed their major task for 2021 – Building a Functional Team. Each student has
been assigned a coaching role, such as fitness or motivational coach, and together with a group
has been tasked with running practical sessions for the class with a focus on improving the
groups skills and abilities. Students have undertaken a range of responsibilities, with a general
focus on building teamwork concepts such as communication and collaborative skills.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Semester 1 update 2021
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award plays an
important part of the school’s co-curricular program. We have
over 180 students from Year 9 to Year 12 involved in the award.
Our students complete some amazing activities as part of the
award. They need to volunteer, be physically active and either
learn a new skill or continue to develop an existing one. There
are three levels to the award Bronze, Silver and Gold. Gold is
extremely challenging to complete with only 5-10 students in
the Northern Territory each year completing this level. Daniel
Sales (current Year 12 student) has recently completed his
Gold Award, becoming the first student to do so this year. It is
a remarkable effort from Daniel, he has been consistent with
his effort to achieve this and is congratulated for all the hours
he has spent in achieving this award. The award is open to all
Year 9-12 students and if you are not already part of the award
and would like to please get in contact with Mr Harvey.
PA G E 5
JUNE 2 0 2 1 V O L. 9
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mrs Joan Judd - Head of Middle School
I am lucky enough to have a wonderful vantage point from both
my classroom and office here at the Middle School, where every
day I see the learning enjoyed by our students in PE/Health. From
Javelin, Golf, Cricket, Tennis, Skipping, the list goes on and on. Our
students are incredibly lucky with the wide array of opportunities
provided to them by our PE faculty and the specialist programs
they deliver.
We understand the importance of a well-balanced Health and
Physical Education Program and believe that our program
provides the following benefits.
Improved physical fitness and education around the long-term
benefits of being active and looking after ourselves. Creating
and maintaining these healthy habits from a young age will
reap benefits in later life.
Teaches and promotes self-discipline, a skill which is
transferable to other areas of development and learning.
Improves leadership skills and goal setting, again crucial
preparation for their future in the world of work. Alongside this
comes communication skills, goal setting and working as a
team.
An outlet for stress – encouraging fun and activity in a sports
related environment is a key way in which to help keep young
minds healthy and positive.
An ideal avenue for teaching respect. This includes respect for
students’ own personal physical and mental health as well as
their class/teammates.
As always, I welcome all feedback and encourage you to contact
me with any questions, queries, or suggestions you may have.
PA G E 6
JUNE 2 0 2 1 V O L. 9
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Mrs Renee Schultz - Head of Junior School
Upon reflection on a term of awesome programs and opportunities
for our students it is lovely to be able to reflect upon a program
that has only gone from strength to strength within not only our
Junior School but the wider school. In our MMG sentiment survey
of 2019 it was clearly communicated that, comparatively, our PE
and Sports Programs needed our attention. With this valuable
data we looked to reshape the offerings to our students and to
connect our students through their school based PE and House
Sport with opportunities to experience so much more. Our PE and
House Sports team, led by Allison Harvey, have provided an
exceptional program so far this year and I have asked Annika, our
PE teacher extraordinaire, to share with you.
Over the past 18 months I have aimed to develop Junior School PE at Essington by encouraging
every child to learn new skills, participate in a range of movement activities and to develop a
lifelong enjoyment of playing games and staying active.
Research suggests that games and sports participation have not only a positive impact on
students physical, social and emotional wellbeing, but it also assists the development of
cognitive function.
In the Junior School we like to play with purpose and have fun. Our PE program is built on
Fundamental Movement Skills, Sportsmanship, and modified games.
Semester 1 2021 has been a blast and very busy. Students from Transition to Year 6 have been
able to participate in a range of sports focussing on ball skills, Athletics and striking.
We have had coaches visit from Tennis, Baseball, Golf, Cricket and Rugby NT. Students have had
opportunities to build on and learn new skills, as well as play games that implement these skills
and allow students to develop strategies and team building.
Students have had the chance to participate in our annual Athletics carnivals, held at Marrara or
on our school oval. The sportsmanship and participation at these events were outstanding and it
was incredible to see every student strive to achieve and do their best on the day!
Semester 2 looks to be just as hectic and hopefully just as much fun.
~ Mrs Annika Mighall, Junior and Middle School Physical Education Teacher
PA G E 7
JUNE 2 0 2 1 ART V O L. 9
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Ms Marita Smith
Head of Arts, Creative Arts and Drama Teacher
Semester One Music Recital Friday June 18th
This semester’s music recital coordinated and
hosted by Mr Ambrose was well supported and
attended by parents, guardians, and friends. The
late afternoon, early evening dry season air
around the auditorium was filled with the sounds
of accomplished performances. Students across
the school demonstrated their skill, commitment,
and dedication to their music studies.
Congratulations to all involved!
Darwin Festival Launch 2021
The launch of the Darwin Festival, held at the Deckchair Cinema on Thursday June 17 was a huge
success. Essington teachers Putu Warti and Marita Smith and Librarian Kathy Ryan were in
attendance creating connections for our school and our students. Miss Smith is also a member of
the Festival’s Education Advisory Panel. The Festival provides an excellent opportunity for our
students to engage with local and interstate artists, and experience live performances,
exhibitions, and workshops.
Many of our students will be on excursions to Darwin
Festival events as part of their Arts studies next term.
Miss Boot’s students also have work included in the
Festival’s Flag project, ‘Fly Me Up to Where You Are’ a
huge installation at the Darwin Waterfront from the 5th
to the 22nd of August.
PA G E 8
JUNE 2 0 2 1 ART V O L. 9
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Middle School Visual Arts and Design Students
As we see the end of the semester closing in, Year 8 and 9 Visual Arts students have been busy
working on finishing their 3D clay sculptures and Individual Projects. Also, and a final fun activity,
we have celebrated our artistic achievements by having an Arty Party, which involved using
biscuits as our canvasses, and icing as our paint! Year 7 Visual Arts students have shown their own
unique creativity and style while forming and decorating their own 3D paper mache sculptures.
Year 7 & 8 Creative Arts
The Year 7 & 8 Creative Arts elective students presented their assessment pieces on Tuesday night
to family and friends. The Year 7’s task was to extrapolate their English shoe design assignment
and translate their personal weaknesses and strengths through dance and drama. They put on an
entertaining catwalk show and demonstrated great creativity in expressing their personal
character traits.
After exploring the physicality of expressing emotions whilst wearing masks, the Year 8’s were
required to select an emotion and express this through dance and/or drama. To assist this process
they sought inspiration through poetry, quotes, music, art work and dances. The Year 8’s explored
the concept that often we hide our true feelings and so they used the performance opportunity to
communicate that it’s ok to show that sometimes you’re not ok.
~ Ms Lisa Svara, Middle School Creative Arts Teacher
PA G E 9
JUNE 2 0 2 1 PHYSICAL EDUCATION V O L. 9
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Mrs Allison Harvey
Head of Faculty - Health, Physical Education and Outdoor Education
Semester 1 Review
Wow, what a marathon this semester has been for the HPE faculty. In 2021 one of the HPE faculty
goals is to link every student into an organised sport which is why we have worked so closely with
local sporting organisations to offer a wide variety of experiences across a range of sports.
The reason for this goal is that statistically students involved in an organised sport club are;
92% less likely to get involved with illicit drugs
3 times more likely to graduate high school (96% of early school leavers were not
participating in a sport)
Create a network of support and role models
And of course, just being active and learning new skills is great for our development
To really highlight just how many programs and activities have occurred within the faculty this
semester, I have reverted to crunching some numbers:
61 days of welcoming visiting coaches within the school for golf, cricket, tennis, baseball,
skipping, rugby, along with two Paralympians who taught us how to play goal ball
Three days of headspace visits in Health classrooms
We have had 4521 individual student sessions with external coaches and professional sports
people
2500 student visits to the fitness centre
3 athletics carnivals
School sport teams
11 school camps
One boomerang and spear throwing workshop
PA G E 1 0JUNE 2 0 2 1 PHYSICAL EDUCATION V O L. 9
AROUND THE SCHOOL
A few firsts for this term;
We ran after school golf at both Middle School and
Junior School level.
We’ve had our baseball students train in the afternoons
and compete in the weekend competition thanks to
very generous assistance from Baseball NT, Gemma
Scales and the Nightcliff Tigers, a very big thank you to
Mr Roth who volunteered to assist coaching and
managing this team.
We added a ball launching machine to our sports gear
to assist students in further developing their striking
skills.
Term 3 is looking to be another blockbuster term which is filling up fast, we will have:
We will have the first dedicated Sports Assembly on Friday Week 2, Athletics awards will be
presented and we will have 4 local athletes who succeeded in their field against the odds
present to students.
AFLNT will be running an Australian Rules clinic during some PE lessons during Weeks 3
and 4
The Rugby League Stars program will once again be running afterschool for six weeks
We will be hosting a free women’s rugby union program after school for 6 weeks
We will continue running after school golf and are aiming to get sufficient numbers to get
an after school tennis club running too
On the 3rd September, we will once again celebrate HPE Day which is a nationally
celebrated day. This year we will build upon what we started last year and have a host of
activities. Covid-19 permitting, it will be a roadshow for sporting bodies to share information
and demonstrations so you can experience new sports. We will also have sports, games and
competitions like last year along with lots of sporty prizes available.
This semester has been one of the most successful, and busiest, semesters in the HPE faculty.
Every ounce of effort dedicated by the 9 faculty staff has been reflected in student skills,
involvement, sportsmanship. I wish to extend my appreciation to all HPE staff for their efforts and
sacrifices over the semester and pass on my best wishes to all staff and students for a relaxing
and well-deserved break for these holidays.
~Allison Harvey
PA G E 1 1JUNE 2 0 2 1 PHYSICAL EDUCATION V O L. 9
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Camps
This year Essington has established a partnership with Overland Oz Ltd. through our middle
school camp program.
In its first year this has resulted in our Year 7-8 students (Year 9’s to follow) explore waterholes
such as Edith Falls, Motorcar Falls and Maguk and see significant sites such as Nourlangie,
Nawurlanja and visit the Waradjan Culture Centre. We have been fortunate enough to experience
the Guluyambi boat cruise and step onto Arnhem Land listening to stories from people of Kakadu
and Arnhem Land origin to build an appreciation for their traditions and history.
Our guides Ringer, Madi, Matt and Niall have given students an introduction into the complex
kinship system, history of rock art, Dreamtime stories and song lines.
In future camps we hope to build on these experiences with more challenging and rewarding
opportunities such as community projects within Indigenous communities.
~Kyle Lomas-Budd, Sports, Excursions and Camps Coordinator
PA G E 1 2JUNE 2 0 2 1 PHYSICAL EDUCATION V O L. 9
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Staff V Student Golf
The Middle School staff took on the students in a Students V’s Teachers golf game this week.
Points were gained for accuracy and distance shots. Mr Steve got the closest to the pin, landing a
ball about 30cm from the pin. Miss Duncan has got the biggest slice I’ve seen outside of a New
York city Pizza shop, but she used that to her advantage! Teachers were the convincing winners
on 140 points against the students on 105 points.
Lacrosse
This week concludes a 4 week Lacrosse unit for all our Year 8 students. Classes have participated
in the slightly modified version called Softcrosse. It is played by two teams each with a stick
containing a ball cage on the top and takes a lot of practice to learn how to control passes.
PA G E 1 3JUNE 2 0 2 1 SCHOOL COUNSELLOR V O L. 9
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Ms Emma Puddy
School Counsellor
Moving on Up!
Physical exercise can have a profound impact on
our mental health. We have so many beautiful
locations on our doorstep in the Territory –
whether it’s hiking in Kakadu, swimming in a
Litchfield waterhole or bike-riding along the
Nightcliff Foreshore – getting up and moving is a
pivotal step in supporting our health and
wellbeing.
Team sports and activities are also great for
boosting our mood, as they promote teamwork,
give us a sense of achievement and are a whole
lot of fun.
Unfortunately, when we are feeling our lowest,
the idea of getting out and about and moving
our bodies can feel far too unachievable. In these
moments, even forcing yourself to walk around
the block can have a significant impact on your
mood. Take the time to walk mindfully –
appreciating all the flowers, people, houses and
cute dogs that you see along the way. Getting
some fresh air and moving muscles can
sometimes be all it takes to start to shift negative
thoughts and get the endorphins going.
PA G E 1 4JUNE 2 0 2 1
STUDENT UPDATES V O L. 9
Pitch Perfect Competition, 5 Essington students in the Top 10
Congratulations to the following students on being named as Top 10 finalists for the Pitch Perfect
Competition.
Matthew Hogan
Phoebe Chan
Ghalia Sabri
Lumbini Bandara
Hanna Vardy
Our finalists will be performing this Saturday 09.30am - 12:00pm at Casuarina Shopping Square in
the Grand Final.
The competition receives the following prize:
$3000 donation to the winning school’s music department
Winner’s Trophy
The Opportunity to sing at VIP events throughout the Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival
Congratulations to all finalists, we wish you luck in the Grand Final this weekend!
PA G E 1 5JUNE 2 0 2 1
COMMUNITY V O L. 9
NOTICE BOARD
UNIFORM SHOP - HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS
PA G E 1 6JUNE 2 0 2 1
COMMUNITY V O L. 9
NOTICE BOARD
MEDIA PERMISSIONS FORM
REMINDER
Please complete your Student Media Permissions form HERE.
We ask for any outstanding forms to be completed online and
returned ASAP. Please submit a separate form for each child.
PARENTS & FRIENDS
The Essington School's website now includes a dedicated P&F page,
where all Meeting Agenda's and Minutes will be accessible for any
interested parties.
www.essington.nt.edu.au/parents-and-friends
NEXT MEETING: Monday 9 August - 5pm – 6pm
SUNSMART REMINDER
A reminder for all students and staff to be SunSmart
when playing outside.
For more information please click HERE.
Have a safe holidays, see you all
back on Tuesday, 20 July!
PA G E 1 7You can also read
