Term 4, 2014 Newsletter - Ngurra Jirrama Foundation

Ngurra Jirrama Foundation
Term 4 , 2014 Newsletter
Term 4 was another successful term for the Ti Tree girls and the Ngurra Jirrama Foundation. It was busy
but rewarding as the girls all experienced success in at least one aspect of school life.
Firstly, a huge congratulations to our volunteer carers, Brett and Ellie, on their marriage. All the girls attended what was a fantastic celebration. Quinny’s participation in Elevate Dance was clearly evident. She
held the crowd in the palm of her hand as she tore up the dance floor!
Anthea continued to set high standard and set a great example for others. She has now completed a term of
Year 12. She will be the first female to complete a high school education from the Ti Tree community.
This is an outstanding achievement and one which is truly inspiring. Anthea was interviewed on ABC
radio live from Darwin and explained how important it is for her to gain an education. She was also
awarded her Bronze Award for achievement in sport throughout her time at Meriden. Anthea can really
belt a softball!
Leah received The Karen Cheung Prefect Prize at speech day. It is awarded by the prefects to one girl in
each year, 7-10. It is presented to the girl they consider to best represent the ethos and values of the
School. This was presented to her by the special guest, Ms Gladys Berejiklian, the NSW Minister for
Transport. Well done Leah on this fantastic achievement!
Leah had the opportunity to meet her role model – Jessica Mauboy. There were approximately 20 people
in a studio for a live performance and after they were given the chance to mingle. Leah was nervous so she
waited until the end to speak to her but it was totally worth it! Jessica understood how hard it is to move
away from home. She spoke to Leah about the importance of staying true to herself and never forgetting
who she is and where she comes from. She also encouraged her to be strong and take up new opportunities
to grow and learn.
Elisha’a mum, April, visited Sydney for a week and stayed at the Trinity Boarding House. She was the
artist in residence at Trinity for the week, with the aim of raising funds to support their Indigenous Program. Elisha enjoyed the shopping trips and having her mum in town. April met with the Meriden staff
and was able to discuss Elisha’s excellent progress over the Term. Well done Elisha!
Syanthia proved to be an extraordinary talent on the touch footy field. Her evasiveness, quick footwork
and ball skills make her an outstanding prospect. Well done Sy!
Quinny’s dad, Nash, and Brother, Eric, travelled to Sydney for a visit. They had the opportunity to see
Meriden School, meet with the teachers, attend assembly and participate in organised activities. They also
went on a weekend outing with the girls to Luna Park.
In preparation for Eric’s enrolment in 2015, Nash and Eric also visited The Scots School, Bathurst. They
attended the Remembrance Day service which was a stunning event, especially with the School Pipe band.
They ate their meals at the boarding house, went to the weekly boarders meeting, toured the school, spent
break time with the boarders and met with the Headmaster, Mr David Gates. Nash commented on the
friendly staff and the beautiful school grounds. They also managed to sneak in a hot lap of Mount Panorama!
Meriden held their annual trip to Ti Tree where a group of year 9 girls camped at Ti Tree School and
helped around the school as well as going on bush trips. This camp has been organised and run by Meriden School for 6 years now. The camp helps to strengthen the relationship between the two schools and
fosters a greater understanding at Meriden of where their Aboriginal girls are coming from. It gives the
families in Ti Tree the opportunity to meet many of the Meriden girls and staff, and largely contributes to
the success of this program.
Leah meets Jessica Mauboy
The girls at Ellie and Brett’s wedding
Quinny enjoying Luna Park with brother, Eric, and dad, Nash.
Anthea receiving her Bronze Award for
achievement in sport at Meriden.
The success of this program would not be possible without the work of the following people. These people are volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the program. They donate their
own time and expect nothing in return. They are truly outstanding people.
- Elise and Brett Hona for all the washing, cooking, cleaning, homework support, transportation of the
girls and general caring of the girls. Elise and Brett will be greatly missed in the house by the girls, but
we wish them all the best in their new house and as they embark on a bright future together.
- Tom Butt for all his work behind the scenes. His positive and calm manner is huge asset.
- Evelyn Chan who took the girls on weekend outings including Luna Park and the movies. She also took
Leah to meet Jessica Mauboy.
- Kate Stevens who took the girls for a weekend to Bundeena where the girls were able to enjoy the beach
and one weekend to stay in the middle of the city where they were able to see Bangarra Dance Company
perform.
- Elizabeth Stevens for helping out with airport transportation
- Mrs Athena Pappas and Mrs Eleni Saville for helping out on weekends throughout the term
- Suzie and Criag Laundy for having the girls for dinner
- Jenny Greenhalgh for transporting Quinny to Elevate Dance
- Rowena Hau for her help with supporting the girls in their extra-curricular activities.
- Zania Liddle for her on-going support and helpful advice
- Ti Tree School staff for their continued support
- Central Desert Shire council for the use of their board room
- Noel Pearson for his continued support and interest in the program
- Centrecorp for their generous support of the program. Their continued involvement ensures the success
of this program.
- Pymble Probus Group for their donation
- Meriden coaches and families for helping for Saturday morning transport to sport.
- Mrs Mangioni for running homework help in the library for the Ti Tree girls two afternoons per week.
Leah receiving her
award at
speech
day (left)
The girls enjoying their weekend at Bundeena
Erin and Hugh Hunter took their children out to Ti Tree in early December. They had a positive trip to the
community which involved a meeting with parents and community members at the Central Desert Council office in Ti Tree. Community members had the opportunity to discuss the program. It was pleasing to
see the parents are still the driving force behind this program. Erin also met with Ti Tree School, another
stakeholder in this program. With the convenience of emails and mobiles it can be easy to forget the importance of face-to-face interactions, but after meeting with community members and with the school
staff, they were quick to remember the importance of seeing each other. As Erin stated “Seeing the families, having a yarn and catching up with the kids is one of the greatest parts about being involved in the
program. We value relationships with the community – that is what this program is built upon”.
Term 4 has been another successful Term for the Ti Tree girls and one for which they can be proud. We
look forward to seeing all the girls back at the beginning of 2015! Bravo girls!
Moni gives Ella a cuddle in Ti Tree
The girls try on their Christmas gift from Ellie and Brett
Support Ngurra Jirrama Foundation
Ngurra Jirrama Foundation can only be successful with
the assistance of partners willing to provide funding
and assistance to help the children throughout their
education experience.
All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible and
receipts will be issued for all donations.
Visit: www.ngurrajirrama.org.au/how-to-make-adonation
Anthea starts Year 12