2023 Term 2 Week 10 Newsletter

Principal's Message

Hello Everyone

Twelve months ago, I was leaving Alyangula Area School with very fond memories after working in the role as Acting Principal for about four months. I was then pleasantly (and unexpectedly) surprised to be invited to return to AAS for the final two weeks of this semester. Once again, I have had the pleasure of working and engaging with wonderful staff, students and families during a very busy but productive time of the school year.

School reports have been distributed to families this week. The format is a new one that has been trialled in several schools throughout the NT and I know that staff have worked tirelessly to iron out some last-minute glitches. However, the important part of the report is the information prepared by the teachers that tries to summarise the efforts and achievements of your children. I congratulate all students on their successes so far this year and thank all staff for the work they put into the planning and implementation of highly meaningful and relevant programs.

I would also like to acknowledge those students who have been participating in the NT School of Distance Education program. Last week, I was fortunate to have been around when some of the students received their end of semester results for some of the subjects in which they were enrolled. It was great to witness the enthusiasm of the students when their grades were shared with them. Congratulations everyone – keep up the good work!!

The competition between the “Scorpions” and “Redbacks” sports teams is always a very lively and enthusiastic topic that generates high levels of excitement between all students and staff. This week’s swimming carnival was, once again, a wonderful event that motivated so many students to perform at their best and earn points for their team. Attendance at the carnival was a little lower this year as we were aware that some families might be leaving Eylandt for an early holiday departure. However, trying to negotiate an alternative date for early next term was somewhat problematic and we decided to stay with the originally advertised date. Everyone was anxiously awaiting the results and we were pleased to announce at assembly this week that the winning team was Scorpions. The final points tally was 232 for the Redbacks team and 593 for the Scorpions. CONGRATULATIONS SCORPIONS!!!! It was certainly a comprehensive win which was largely set up by the higher number of Scorpions who, at least, entered the water. It was also amazing how many records were broken during the day – some by over six seconds. Well done to all students and thanks to Mr Molnar for his amazing organisational skills to pull together such a big day.

We certainly do have some talented athletes at AAS. I am pleased to advise and congratulate the students who shall be representing our school at the Athletics Carnival in Darwin from 7 to 9 September. Congratulations and good luck to Yvette, Leonardo, Robert, Hugo, Cooper, Mathias, Dastan, Lewis, Luwina and Renz.

This week, we said “farewell” to several staff members (although some will be returning after their period of leave) – Ms Georgia Laidlaw, Ms Temira, Ms Dani, Ms Lee, Ms Kyleigh and, as of late yesterday, Ms Jane. All of these ladies have contributed significantly to the school and learning programs of the students, and, on behalf of our school community, I wish them well in their travels, study and new life experiences.

As usual, this week’s assembly recognised the achievements of many students who received awards for their efforts. Congratulations to all award recipients.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who welcomed me back into Alyangula School community, even for this short period of time. Once again, I have enjoyed the experience, valued my own learning opportunities and hopefully contributed to the ongoing priorities and needs of your wonderful school. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday or restful break and wish you all the best for the future.

Bert Beekhuizen

Award Winners

Swimming Carnaval

On Thursday, we held our annual AAS Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to the Scorpions team – winners over the Redbacks this year. The Redbacks won the trophy last year so it must have been the Scorpions’ turn. Congratulations to the Scorpions and the representatives of the team.

Stakeholders - Thank you

A huge Thank You to our stakeholders, these are the great businesses that are supported Alyangula Area School. 

Senoir Choir

With the Beat festival trip coming up in week 8 next term, the 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗿 is pleased to report another two very lucrative meat raffle fundraisers. We would not be able to make our BEAT trip successful without the help of our major sponsors- Malones Butchery Palmerston, the Alyangula Golf Club and Auriga Marine. 

Here is some photos of our last two winners, Mr Mitch Alwood and Miss Kobi Hastings and also our very own senior teacher Miss Abbey Heggen, all very happy to have won their amazing meat box for Malones Butchery Gateway Shopping centre, Palmerston!

The Senior Choir would like to thank the Groote community and all of our sponsors for all your support so far.

(Sponsors) Malone’s Butchery NT Auriga Marine Alyangula Golf Club CWA Groote Eylandt branch South32 and Detail King Groote Eylandt.

Community News!!