Wellbeing Week 2024
In what was an exciting week to start Term 1A, Wellbeing Week had the School community buzzing in Week 6. Highlights included:
- Full day workshops across Middle and Senior School – Love Bites Consent and Respectful Relationships; Man Cave and Flourish Journey – challenging and encouraging our students to explore their personal and broader societal ideas on identity, values, and relationships with self and others
- Colourful and beautiful Senior School chalk art, celebrating the School Song and our theme for the week, ‘Every Student Matters Every Day’
- Offsite activities including: ‘Smash it’, Leanyer Water Park, Darwin Waterfront, and the highly successful beach cleanup
- Social justice initiatives: Happy Boxes and Aunty’s Free Feeds, which saw our Year 9 cohort working enthusiastically to prepare food and personal hygiene boxes to be shared in the broader community
- The Year 12 Dance-off was a huge success with instructors from Tracks Dance Company teaching four different styles and the students quickly looking like experts in high energy performances
- Rotational activities – 14 in total – that the Middle School students embraced with energy and excitement
- Rotational activities in the Junior School saw students create beautiful calico bags, lava lamps, stress balls, and nature bracelets; learn yoga, and reflect on the world around them and their place within it
- Water play and pyjama day on Friday was a huge hit with the Junior School students, topped off with a sausage sizzle
- The ELC had a disco and a water play day, where they were able to connect, laugh, and play together
- Local external providers, including: Red Frogs Party Safe & Identities; Catholic Care; Headspace; Dolly’s Dream; St John’s Ambulance; and Road Safety NT, all presented valuable sessions on health, wellbeing, and safety across the School. We thank them for their contributions.
The week saw an enormous effort from our staff to be organised, energised, and flexible to engage with all students as they embraced the challenges, fun, and contemplation that the activities created. We thank everyone for their support and efforts.
Feedback surveys are currently being distributed to capture staff, student, and community voice on Wellbeing Week 2024. Parents are encouraged to visit the survey here to contribute: https://forms.office.com/r/UnUCT3k667
Wendy Pickering-Tyers
Deputy Principal – Wellbeing
Kate Haigh
Head of Student Wellbeing Programs
Food for thought
This week, our Year 8 Food Tech students had an engaging and educational session as they embarked on their journey into the world of food technology. The lesson began with an introduction to the basic principles of Food Tech, including an overview of classroom routines and essential safety procedures to ensure a secure and efficient working environment.
Students practiced a variety of cutting techniques, emphasizing precision and safety, to prepare a vibrant and healthy dip platter. The meal featured fresh and nutritious ingredients, including celery, apple, cucumber, capsicum, and carrots, highlighting the importance of balanced eating habits.
This hands-on activity not only introduced students to foundational food preparation techniques but also encouraged them to appreciate the value of fresh produce and the joys of creating wholesome meals. The enthusiasm and cooperation displayed by the students were commendable, setting a positive tone for the exciting culinary adventures that lie ahead in their Food Tech journey.
Bronwyn Cruse, Yanni Huang and Lei Shangguan
Food Technology Teachers
That's a wrap!
We finish 2024 with our annual Swimming Carnival, a brilliant day with participation from students continuing to grow and the House spirit in full swing. We had staff v Year 12 relay races, novelty events, and a midday karaoke/dance-off to add further excitement to the day.
A big thank you to all the students who participated and the new Year 12 House Captains who really stepped up and showed wonderful leadership.
It was a successful day for Baru who walked away as Middle / Senior School House Swimming Champions.
These events wouldn't run without the fantastic HRS community who all come together to make House events such a success. Thank you to everyone.
Sophie Carter
Year 7 Coordinator & PE Teacher
Year 2 Gold Shines at the Junior School Assembly
The Year 2 Gold class delighted the audience with their musical performance at the Junior School Assembly. Since the beginning of Term 3, these students have been learning to play a string instrument, embracing the challenge of mastering proper technique and showing a remarkable growth mindset in improving their skills.
Their enthusiasm during weekly Music classes is truly admirable, and their passion for sharing their music-making is inspiring. Year 2 Gold has shown us that, regardless of their level, everyone can find joy in the beautiful journey of music.
Excitingly, some students have now begun individual instrumental lessons at school. We look forward to many more wonderful performances from these young musicians in the future!
Wan-Ling Chang
Music Teacher
Ochre Students Visit HMAS Arunta
On Monday, eight Ochre students had the incredible opportunity to tour the HMAS Arunta while it was docked in Darwin. This unique experience was made possible thanks to Sub Lieutenant Gus Coleman (OHA 2019), who extended the invitation and guided us on a fascinating tour of the ship.
During the visit, students gained insight into the many roles that help keep a Navy ship running smoothly. They explored the ship’s kitchen, climbed numerous ladders, visited the bridge, and saw the helipad. The hands-on experience continued with students testing some of the ship’s equipment and competing to see who could gear up the fastest in firefighting equipment.
The group also learned about shipboard protocols, such as saluting when boarding and disembarking, and explored what a typical day in the life of a Navy crew member might involve. It was an engaging and educational day that provided our students with a deeper appreciation for life at sea and the teamwork required in the Navy.
Daniella de Koster-Hill
Head of Ochre
Dancing all the way
We love celebrating student achievements. A special shout-out to Eloise in Year 1, who competed in three dance competitions this year, winning the overall highest score in all three events. Congratulations, Eloise, on this fantastic achievement, and we wish you continued success in your dancing journey!
