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Oceanography and Earth & Environmental Science students
on the Batemans Bay excursion
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In this issue:
Upcoming Events
Principal's Report
Student Notification
Enrolments for 2023
Information Night for Year 11 2023
Reconciliation Day
Capital Chemist Awards
Arts News
NRL School to Work Raiders Jersey and Youth Summit 2022
School Sports News
Careers News
Oceanography and Earth & Environmental Science
Guest Speaker Global Studies
Library News
Indigenous Cultures and Languages Guest Speakers
Textiles and Fashion News
Student Engagement Support
School Photos Collection
QCity Bus Cards
Death Cap Mushroom Warning
Career Planning for Teenagers
DC Hoodies and T-Shirts
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Upcoming Events:
25 May, Wednesday - Pupil Free Day (Staff Report Writing and Planning)
26 May, Thursday - Online Information Night for 2023 Enrolments (6:00pm - 8:00pm, please visit website for details)
30 May, Monday - Reconciliation Day Public Holiday
31 May, Tuesday - School Assembly (11:45am-12:25pm)
7 June, Tuesday - Pupil Free Day (Staff Report Writing and Planning)
13 June, Monday - Queen's Birthday Public Holiday
21 June, Tuesday - Last Day of Classes
21 June to 24 June, Tuesday to Friday - Exams
28 June, Tuesday - Assessment 'Handback Day'
1 July, Friday - Reports Emailed to students and families
1 July, Friday - Last day of Term 2
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Principal's Report
By Craig Edwards
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Yuma students and families,
It has been great to see students back onsite this term and wonderful to hear and see all the things that students are doing in and out of the classroom. Term 2 is always busy in schools and in colleges it can become the business end of the semester in relation to assessment. We have a range of supports available to students, and I encourage you to reach out to classroom teachers and our Student Engagement team should you need additional support from the College. As the COVID pandemic continues to effect schools, and staff workload, knowing about an issue affecting a student sooner rather than later, puts everyone in a better position to resolve it positively.
You would be aware that COVID restrictions in ACT Public Schools and Early Educational Settings changed on Monday 9 May. Please be assured that Dickson college continues to follow COVID safety guidelines, including encouraging students to wear a face mask if they choose to. The College will continue to have a supply of masks available to students. As an addition precaution staff may ask students to wear a face mask in particular situations. Students are asked to be respectful and listen to the reasons staff give when asking students to wear a mask. Students that are household contacts must wear a mask to college. Staff and students have been asked to continue to follow the ACT Health Guidelines while onsite at college or attending face-to-face classes, continue to monitor for symptoms and to not attend college if not feeling well.
Dickson College is progressing it’s School Improvement relating to the 21st Century skills (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity). As a college we developed our Graduate Profile (DC 5Cs see below) over 2021. This year DC is taking steps to define and build a shared understanding of the skills prioritised in our Graduate Profile with teachers and students. Part of this work includes involving students in relation to an online portfolio tool called the Mastery Transcript. The Mastery Transcript Consortium® (MTC) is a growing network of public and private schools, including Dickson College, who are introducing a digital school transcript that opens up opportunity for each and every student — from all backgrounds, locations, and types of schools — to have their unique strengths, abilities, interests, and histories fostered, understood, and celebrated.
We have approximately 70 students that have indicated they are interested in the second phase of the DC Mastery Transcript trial here at Dickson this year. Invitations to login into the MTC platform were sent to interested students this week. Students wishing to get involved should join the Google classroom (code: cbt4t6j), it is not too late.
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As part of the ACT Education Directorates term 2, 2022, workload reduction strategies for schools, Dickson College will be pupil free on the following days to allow staff additional time to plan and prepare for lessons:
- Pupil Free day 1 – Wednesday 25 May, Week 5
- Pupil Free day 2 – Tuesday 7 June, Week 7
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Enrolment in ACT Public Schools for 2023 has opened. This will be the second year that Dickson will have shared zone arrangements with Gungahlin College. Dickson College has already commenced transition visits at feeder schools, and will be visiting Lyneham and Campbell High Schools, and Harrison School over term 2.
Be sure to tune into The Voice this week as Year 12 student Xanthe Campbell continues on the show.
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Student Notification
Please be aware that a member of the Dickson Community has a life threatening anaphylactic reaction to aerosol deodorants. Please ensure aerosols are not brought to school, roll-ons are acceptable if deodorant is needed.
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Enrolments for 2023
Enrolments opened 26 April 2022. To receive an offer from 25 July 2022, please enrol by 3 June 2022 via the Education Directorate website where you will also find further information regarding the enrolment process.
https://www.education.act.gov.au/public-school-life/enrolling-in-a-public-school
We look forward to you joining the Dickson College Community.
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Dickson College Information Night for Year 11 2023
Dickson College will be hosting its Information Night online on, Thursday 26 May, 2022 at 6:00pm. This will be a great opportunity to hear from the Principal, key staff, and current students, who can answer the questions you may have about academic subjects, student support, extra-curricular activities and life within our thriving school community.
The night will be hosted on the Webex platform. To ensure a smooth user experience, including access to our promotional videos and virtual tours, please register for the event on the link below:
https://actgov-events.webex.com/actgov-events/j.php?RGID=radd93ce2c38dfe42c6a090853a69d4b5
Students attending Lyneham, Campbell and Harrison Schools will participate in transition visits (including a College tour) later in the year. Any student that resides in our PEA (Priority Enrolment Area) requiring additional assistance to transition to College, should contact the school.
There will be an Information Session for students with a disability immediately after the Principal’s presentation and Q&A. These families are encouraged to contact the College to organise a transition visit as soon as possible after the Information Night.
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The fifth annual Reconciliation Day in Canberra will be celebrated on Monday 30 May 2022 at the National Arboretum Canberra, 10am - 3pm.
Reconciliation Day is part of National Reconciliation Week and is a time for all Canberrans to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievement, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
This year’s theme for Reconciliation Day is: Be Brave, Make Change. Join us for a family friendly event designed to promote conversations and foster a deeper understanding of our national story and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Learn more at: https://events.canberra.com.au/reconciliation-day#:~:text=The%20fifth%20annual%20Reconciliation%20Day,Arboretum%20Canberra%2C%2010am%20%2D%203pm
Details of Dickson’s Reconciliation Week Celebrations coming soon…
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Congratulations to Amalia Camille Socha, winner of the Citzenship Award
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Congratulations to Nu Par NU PAR, winner of the Capital Chemist Award
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Congratulations to Isaac Watkins, winner of the Academic Excellence Award
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Congratulations to year 12 student Xanthe Campbell who at the time of writing has just passed her Blind Audition on the Voice. In her first appearance on the show, she wowed the judges with her performance. Make sure you tune in to watch Xanthe on her journey through the show. She has joined Rita’s team and we can’t wait to see how she goes with her future performances. Good luck Xanthe.
Rod Harding - Executive Teacher, Arts and Events
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NRL School to Work Raiders Jersey and Youth Summit 2022
The School to Work Program (S2W) is an education and employment program that utilises the positive profile of the game of Rugby League to support and encourage young Indigenous Australians to complete their schooling and successfully transition into further education or employment. The NRL School to Work program have worked with our First Nations students at Dickson College for over 5 years now, supporting students through their chosen aspirations and pathways.
This year two DC year 11 students have been chosen to represent the Raiders clubs and ACT NRL S2W program at the National Indigenous Youth Summit. Congratulations to Georgia James and Poppy Chalmers who will be heading off to Sydney later this term for this amazing leadership opportunity. This year we also want to congratulate recent DC graduate, Georgie Jaques, who was involved in the creation of the artwork for the Indigenous Round Raiders Jersey.
Well done everyone!
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Elinor Archer - Indigenous Cultures and Languages Teacher
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Sport is underway for 2022
The beach volleyball tournament at the end of term 1 saw the beginning of intercollege sport for 2022. It’s been a while since we were able to get out and play against other colleges. 30 players from Dickson College entered into 2 person or 4 person teams with several teams making the finals. It was great to see everyone having a good day, enjoying the nice weather and friendly competition with the other colleges.
Intercollege futsal has kicked off on Thursday afternoons with a yr 11 and yr 12 team entered. Both teams look promising displaying some excellent skills and will continue to play each Thursday afternoon throughout the term.
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Rod Harding - Executive Teacher, Arts and Events
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Oceanography and Earth & Environmental Science
Oceanography and Earth & Environmental Science students had an amazing day on the Batemans Bay excursion on Thursday, Week 2. The weather held, the beach was beautiful, rocky pools were swarming with life to investigate, and rocky cliffs proved a source of inspiration for the geologists.
It was a delight to see students pulling together to gather data while exploring a very special marine environment. Most students managed a quick stroll along the stunning Depot Beach before we headed into 'The Bay' for a late lunch, where the famous Inne's Boatshed proved a popular stop.
A big thankyou to staff Tara Goodsell, Tania Balind and Andrew Mahoney, and to DC Science students for making this trip a magical experience. We all appreciated having such a successful excursion after the COVID-hiatus.
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Tara Goodsell - Science Teacher
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Guest Speaker for Global Studies
On Wednesday 27th April year 11 and 12 Global Studies students were lucky enough to hear from the ambassador to Estonia, Kersti Eesma (who is also a parent within our community) on the topic of the war in Ukraine and the broader implications this conflict poses to global security. It was fantastic to see how the theories and abstract concepts we have been discussing in class are actually used by government actors and diplomats such as Kersti, to form policies and adopt approaches to deal with real world issues. Kersti was impressed with the knowledge base and interest of the students, which is a reflection of their curiosity about our world and willingness to engage with and think about complex matters. Thank you very much to Kersti for giving up her time to provide such a fantastic experience for our students.
Stephanie Burns - Humanities Teacher
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Library News
The library has been a busy space, with students engaged in study, research, and learning
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Student book requests have seen some new titles and authors come into the library, and more are on their way! It is wonderful to have student contribution to our reading and resource collection.
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Last term saw the finalisation of the Big Bewitching Book Bazaar, and we are happy to report that the book sale contributions totalled $420! This donation to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation has been made, contributing to resources and literacy learning programs in remote communities. A big thank you to all who came to the sale and found a new home for so many books and donated to such a worthwhile Foundation!!
There are still some Year 11 ID cards waiting for collection. Students can come and collect from the library front counter if they have not done so yet.
Melinda Jenkins and Karinne Campbell - Teacher Librarians
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Indigenous Cultures and Languages Guest Speakers
As part of our Indigenous Cultures and Languages course here at DC, we are lucky enough to have some amazing First Nations speakers come and yarn to our students. This opportunity is open to all DC staff and students that are interested, but it is part of the core curriculum for students completing a minor or major in Indigenous Cultures and Languages where they are learning about the diversity of Aboriginal Australia and individual story.
In week 7 we had the privilege of listening to our acting Principal, and regular deputy Principal, Victoria Margrain. Victoria is a proud Wiradjuri woman with ties to Leeton NSW. She shared with the students her journey in teaching and leadership as well as her connection to Country, community and culture. Students were able to ask questions and delved into deep conversations on story and understanding identity.
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In week 8 our students heard from Dr David Spillman (Uncle Spilly), Karulkiyalu man and highly experienced university educator. Uncle Spilly spoke to the students about his life’s work in education and embedding Indigenous Ways of Knowing in the Australian education curriculum. He is a career educator, having worked in teaching and leadership positions in remote, rural, regional and urban NT and QLD. Uncle Spilly is now working in teacher education and school-based professional learning and research in ACT.
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Thank you so much to Victoria and Uncle Spilly for sharing their stories with our students and teachers.
Elinor Archer - Indigenous Cultures and Languages Teacher
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Textiles and Fashion
Students are working on upcycling wool textile items including a wool dog blanket, wool suit jackets from M J Bale, Anthony Squires and Versace! They are using wool in weaving, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, felting and sewing.
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The manikin is wearing a skirt made from a wool dog blanket and wool crocheted top with students from years 11 and 12. The table has a range of wool textile items for viewing.
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Students were set the challenge to wear wool to College on Friday 6 May. Rosie is wearing wool socks, pants, jumper and cardigan. Well done, Rosie.
Jill Pettifer - Textiles, Fashion & Art Teacher
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Student Engagement Support
Moving to college is a major transition for students. It is not uncommon for young people to experience mental health difficulties in this age group, often for the first time. Many students feel the pressure to succeed is stronger as they draw nearer to their post-school pathways in life, and the academic load is often more challenging and faster paced. Many students may also find it stressful to decide what they might do when they finish college.
Students are well supported at Dickson College, and it is important to be aware of any changes you may experience in your mood, ability to cope, physical health, habits (such as sleeping and eating) or ability to enjoy things you usually like. Changes to your academic performance and behaviours can be indicators that you would benefit from some extra support.
The school can help you with strategies if you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed and can provide advice even if you are dealing with an issue that is not related to your school performance.
The first person you could talk to is your teacher, particularly if it is an academic concern, not understanding the content or where to start with an assignment. You could also talk to your Transition teacher or the school librarians.
The second person you could talk to is your Engagement Advisor in the Student Engagement area. You can make an appointment in Student Engagement to see your Engagement Advisor, School Psychologist, Engagement Leader or Executive Teacher of Certification.
Types of support available at Dickson College includes:
▪ Engagement Advisors
▪ School Psychologist
▪ Transition Teachers
▪ Mentor Teachers
▪ Careers Advisors
▪ Teacher Librarian Study Support
▪ Maths and Science Study Support
▪ Executive Teacher Certification
▪ Learning Support Teachers
▪ ESL/IPS/RBP Staff
▪ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff
▪ Legal Aid
▪ Safe and Supportive Schools Officer (SASSCO)
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School Photos Collection
Please collect your school photos from the front office between 8:30am-4:00pm.
Front Office Team
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QCity Bus Cards
Please collect your QCity bus card from Student Engagement between 8:30am-4:00pm.
Student Engagement Team
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DC Hoodies and T-Shirts for sale!
Please visit the front office.
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The amazingly warm DC Hoodies are $60 and are ideal for the cooler Canberra days.
All sizes are now back in stock! XXS to 3XL.
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We have two new designs on our T Shirts.
They are $20 each or one of each design for $35.
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The old-style T Shirts will be sold for $5 - very limited stock remaining.
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