Now More Than Ever was the theme for National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2024.

Trinity Grammar School’s Reconciliation Breakfast was an opportunity for students, staff, families and the wider school community to acknowledge the importance and necessity of Reconciliation in Australia.

A 12 strong student leadership group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students shared personal stories of their reconciliation journey. It was a privilege to listen to their experiences and their confidence answering questions from the audience. It is heartwarming to know that Indigenous students have strong allies across all areas of their school.

The event was also an opportunity to officially launch the Trinity Grammar Indigenous sports jumpers co designed by MITS alumni Antwan, Zayne and Dwayne. The design that centres around the themes of connection, unity and heritage. We heard from students about the process used to create the jumper and also how proud all students were to wear them.

CGGS Reconcilation Week assembly, showcased the ELC students singing a song that Murrundindi had written with them, about listening to and caring for country.

Murrundindi also played three didgeridoos at once! MITS students’ connections with country were presented in a short video, and several of the school leaders spoke about what reconciliation means to them.

Emma and Hoanna create Penrite V8 Supercars livery

Year 9 students Emma and Hoanna were selected to create the livery design for the Penrite/Grove V8 Supercars team at the Darwin Triple Crown races in June. The girls created a stunning design which celebrated their cultures, families and communities, as well as their journey through MITS. Emma and Hoanna attended the race weekend in Darwin to see their artwork flying around Hidden Valley Racetrack! MITS has enjoyed this partnership with Grove Racing for the past three years, which helps raise donations for our boarding program.

A. G. Coombs Group

Several MITS staff attended a wonderful Mabo Day event, with dancers from Yarrabah (coping admirably with the Melbourne cold!), some inspiring story telling and a native ingredients morning tea.

MITS Pathways School Professional Learning Day – 5th June

Every year MITS organises a day of sharing and professional learning with Pathways Schools. This year we opened the day with lots of student voice – from Yidaki playing from Clancy, Jacob, Zaya and Ricky, to stories of home from Sam, PJ and Rumarlea. We were thrilled to also have Rumarlea’s Mum, Joyce, speak from a parent’s perspective about schooling away from home.

Schools shared their learnings and our very own Emma Puddy and Jye Strugnell presented on social-emotional wellbeing and curriculum differentiation. Parade College shared their VCE-VM program, a very practical approach with certificates and work experience embedded in the curriculum

Art at Kingswood College.

Rumarlea and Pauline in Year 12, creating a connection from their county.

Women’s Talk Health day – Nyarnn Gagko Mannkie

Nyarrn-Gakgo Mangkie Women's Talk Health Day (run by Weenthunga) aims to grow and nourish the First Nations health workforce. 15 MITS girls recently attended their Women’s Talk Health Day, where they visited the Royal Women’s Hospital and RMIT to listen to stories from an Indigenous nurse/Psychologist/healer and doctor. Approximately 45 Indigenous students from all over Victoria attended.

Swisse Careers Activity

Frankie, Matt and Nathan from Swisse did a wonderful job presenting to 12 students about a day in the life of work at Swisse. All students participated brilliantly – they were split into two teams and had to design a product and some fantastic ideas were generated.  Several students decided that product design and marketing might be for them! The judges were unable to pick a winner so all students will be given a voucher to Bounce. Thank you Swisse team for their generosity!

Kangan Institute

The Pathways team visited Kangan Institute's Cremorne campus to view the amazing courses on offer. The Cremorne campus is home to a range of innovative and exciting programs in fashion, fashion business, barbering, hairdressing, beauty, business, security and cyber security. Students from 16 years old and upwards, get the benefit of expert teachers, modern facilities and the chance to work on exciting projects as part of their course work.

Each year students are recognised locally, regionally, and country-wide for their skills, displaying their talents at events such as the Kangan fashion show, working for real world clients. Students also have the opportunity to enter WorldSkills competitions that showcase the skills and knowledge of trainees, apprentices and students every two years.

The benefit of the campus is not only in the range of courses but also the close proximity to MITS – just a 15 minute walk from boarding houses, so a great partner for the future.

Birthdays

Happy 18th Rumarlea, how great to be able to celebrate with your family!

Alumni News

Kaleb and Calvin have now completed 4 months of their electrical apprenticeship, with Appselec, currently working on the Footscray Hospital site.

John Minjin and younger brother Paitin visited Melbourne to catch up with Adam (in Year 12 at SKC) and former hosts Jacqueline and John Dinan and family. John returned to Ngamarriyanga after graduating from St Kevin’s College in 2021, and now works for BV Contractors who do earth-moving prior to housing construction..

Kenita (with Annie, Pathways Manager), visiting Melbourne for the Essendon v Richmond Dreamtime Match at the MCG.

Kenita is living in Darwin and doing a Community Service Certificate via Batchelor Institute. She is planning to do a Health Course via IYMP and plans to apply for part-time work with AFLNT, or a Ranger program.

MITS Family Newsletter 2024

Respect, Courage, Culture and Care

July · 22 Jul 2024

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