Dripstone Middle School Newsletter | SEMESTER 1 BONANZA 2025

Dripstone CDU Health Academy in Full Swing

We’re proud to share that Dripstone Middle School’s CDU Health Academy has been making headlines — recently featured in the NT News, Teacher Magazine and Education Matters Magazine as a groundbreaking initiative for student learning and future career pathways. As the first program of its kind in the Northern Territory, the Health Academy is the result of a powerful collaboration between Charles Darwin University’s Faculty of Health and Dripstone Middle School, aiming to boost health literacy, connect classroom learning to real-world experiences, and inspire the next generation of health professionals.

This semester, the CDU Health Academy has been in full effect — offering our students a dynamic blend of hands-on learning, STEM innovation, and deep dives into the world of health and medical sciences.

CDU Health Academy Launches First Lesson at Dripstone

Dripstone’s Health Academy kicked off with an engaging session on the Australian healthcare system, where Year 9 students learned how to set up their own myGov accounts — building confidence and health literacy. As part of this exciting partnership with CDU, students will continue to explore pathways in medicine and allied health through hands-on workshops, university visits, and sessions led by CDU students. This innovative program is already opening doors to real-world learning and future opportunities in health.

CDU Health Academy STEM Workshops Spark Innovation at Dripstone

Throughout Term 2, Dripstone Middle School students participated in a dynamic series of STEM workshops as part of the CDU Health Academy, delivered in partnership with Charles Darwin University’s Radicle Centre.

Across four engaging sessions, students explored Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, engineering, and sports science through a mix of hands-on learning and thought-provoking discussion. In the opening workshop, students investigated the ethical challenges of autonomous vehicles and trained AI models using tools like Teachable Machine and Moral Machine. This was followed by a deep dive into VR racing simulations and LEGO car building, where students applied physics and engineering concepts such as aerodynamics and centre of gravity.

In Workshop 3, the focus turned to AI in sport, with students using PoseNet and Machine Learning to analyse cricket movements and consider the role of AI in performance improvement and decision-making. The final session brought together CDU, DXC Technology, and NT Cricket to guide students through building functional electrical circuits, culminating in glowing wristbands that showcased their creativity and teamwork.

These workshops provided an exciting bridge between classroom theory and real-world technology — building confidence, curiosity, and key STEM skills in our future innovators.

HARMONY WEEK 2025

In Term 1, we celebrated Harmony Day and the incredible diversity of our school community! Students proudly showcased their cultures by wearing their cultural attire and enjoyed a range of fun lunchtime activities, including a mall concert, smoothie stall, cultural foods, face painting, and a free sausage sizzle, which was put on by the Wellbeing and Admin team!

A huge shoutout to our amazing staff who helped bring this event to life, making it a truly memorable day for our students! Many staff also joined in the fun, dressing up in their own cultural attire to celebrate the day.

A special thank you to Oly Carlson MLA - Member for Wanguri and Khoda Patel MLA - Member for Casuarina for their generous prize donations for our Harmony Day raffle. Congratulations to Isabella, Kai and Lara on their winning tickets!

Dripstone Shines at the 2025 Top End All Youth Conference!

On Friday 4th of April, a group of enthusiastic Year 8 and 9 Dripstone Ambassadors had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Top End All Youth Conference—and the Dripstone spirit was well and truly alive throughout the day!

Hosted by Festivals of Youth NT, the event brought together hundreds of young people from across the region for a day packed with inspiration, creativity, and connection. A huge congratulations to the entire Youth NT team—especially Dripstone’s very own Ms Shanae Kuo, who was one of the event leaders—for putting on such a vibrant and empowering conference!

From the main stage to behind the scenes, Dripstone students past and present played a huge role in making the day unforgettable – well done to those students who played a role in organising the event or emceeing on the day! We were also thrilled to see Nat Kelly, a proud former Dripstone student and now ABC BTN Reporter, deliver a keynote address that left the room buzzing with inspiration. Nat is also a former Dripstone classmate of Mr Rose and Ms Koulla (Dripstone Class of 2012).

The mini-stage came alive with performances from talented Dripstone performers Calista and Carley (Year 9), and former Dripstone student Lana (Class of 2023). The energy was next-level!

Among the crowd, two of our entrepreneurial young stars launched their own ventures at the NextGen Nook:

• Ananiya (Year 9) debuted her business, Ana’s Henna Designs
• Jordyn (Class of 2024) launched her handmade earring brand, Jordyn’s Jingles

We couldn’t be prouder of these young businesswomen for their creativity, courage and passion!

Throughout the day, students had the chance to engage with a wide range of local organisations, explore future career opportunities, and hear from an inspirational Careers Youth Panel and a group of passionate Young Entrepreneurs who generously shared their journeys.

The event wrapped up with show-stopping performances from some of the Territory’s rising stars, including Yung Milla, Jimmy Rambles, Phil the Beat, Abbey Rapkins and Lord Ndoro—bringing music, energy and unity to a powerful finish.

ANZAC DAY 2025

We held our annual ANZAC Day Commemorative Assembly on Thursday the 24th of April 2025.

Our school community came together to honour and remember those who bravely fought and sacrificed their lives for the safety of others.

The assembly had a focus of Remembering Gallipoli: 110 Years On, and students continued learning on this topic in Personal Learning that week.

Thank you to our special guests, Oly Carlson MLA and Khoda Patel MLA, as well as the service men and women and families who were able to join us. A special thanks also to Corporal Paul Witt for delivering a moving commemorative address.

We are incredibly proud of our students who led the service, and to the Army and Airforce Cadets who took part in creating a respectful and reflective ceremony. A big thank you to Ms Conroy for organising and guiding such a meaningful event.

Lest We Forget.

VIDEO: Anzac Day 2025 - Remembering Gallipoli: 110 Years On

NIGHTCLIFF SEABREEZE FESTIVAL 2025

In May, Dripstone Middle School was proud to be part of the vibrant Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival — a celebration of creativity, culture, and community spirit. Our students lit up both the stage and the visual art space with outstanding performances and displays that truly showcased their talent and hard work.

On the Banyan Stage, our talented music students delivered a series of energetic and heartfelt performances that had the crowd cheering. From vocal showcases to instrumental ensembles, the evening was a testament to the dedication and passion of our young performers. Huge appreciation to Mr Webb for his tireless work behind the scenes, and to Ms Kuo, who kept the vibe high as our amazing emcee. And of course, a big thanks to Nightcliff Seabreeze for giving our students the chance to shine on such a vibrant community stage.

Meanwhile, in the art exhibition, Dripstone presented a stunning collaborative project featuring embossed metal artworks of native sea life found in Northern Territory waters. This school-wide creation involved students from every year level and beautifully highlighted their creativity and craftsmanship. In addition to the group piece, individual student artworks were also proudly displayed, capturing a diverse range of styles, subjects, and artistic voices.

Students Reel In National Recognition with ‘Biolures’ Project

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Year 9 students Khadim, Kian, and Tye, whose groundbreaking project Biolures has won the Grand Award in the Agriculture, Fisheries & Food category at the prestigious ASTA i3 National Science Awards!

Their innovative project tackles a major environmental issue—plastic pollution in our oceans. Traditional soft plastic fishing lures never fully degrade, posing a long-term threat to marine life. In response, these young scientists developed a biodegradable fishing lure using just four natural ingredients, designed to mimic the function and flexibility of conventional lures without harming the environment.

Biolures has made waves not only in the science community but also in the media, recently being featured in The NT News and even earning a spot on ABC Radio Darwin, where the trio shared their journey and exciting plans for the future.

This national recognition is a testament to their creativity, collaboration, and commitment to sustainability.

Read more about the project - https://i3awards.org.au/i3-virtual-fair/project/p9jln/

Dripstone Middle School Joins Native Planting Pilot Program

Exciting news for our school community! Dripstone Middle School has been selected to participate in the Native Planting Pilot Program. This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainability and supports the 2024 School Water Efficiency Program Pilot. Through this program, our school will receive a fully funded and installed native garden, enhancing our environment and providing a valuable learning space for students.

Year 7 students will learn how to care for the garden and save water during their water in the world unit in Humanities, and it will run alongside our Edible Garden. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this green space to life!

AROSE Leads the Way at Dripstone

In Term 2, students were treated to an inspiring presentation from the AVISTA School Pathways Program!

Delivered by AROSE and supported by the Department of Defence’s School Pathways Program, AVISTA brings the world of STEM to life — from robotics and AI to aviation and autonomous systems.

This exciting, free and curriculum-linked initiative gave students across all year levels a glimpse into the future of high-tech careers in the defence and STEAM industries — leading the pathway to STEAM at Dripstone.

LIFE CHOICES FOUNDATION

Dripstone welcomed back Andrew Fisher from the Life Choices Foundation — Touring Car Masters race car driver and inspirational speaker — for another powerful session with our Year 9 cohort!

Andrew, known as “Fishtail,” has competed at the highest levels of Australian motorsport, racing in V8 Supercars, V8 Utes, Porsches, and currently an SLR 5000 in the Touring Car Masters Series. While he’s celebrated many victories on the track, his greatest impact has been off it — sharing his story with over 350,000 high school students and countless inmates in prisons and detention centres across the country.

His presentation, drawn from personal experience and evidence-informed insights, encouraged our students to make strong, positive life choices. Topics included happiness and wellbeing, self-image, social media, relationships, vaping, alcohol, self-control, and road safety.

The GUT and BRAIN Program

We’re excited to share that all students recently took part in the GUT and BRAIN Program, hosted by Linda Conder Gut Health Specialist.

This engaging and interactive program explored the powerful connection between gut health and brain function—helping students understand how what we eat can affect our mood, memory, and overall wellbeing.

Throughout the program, students:

• Explored how the brain and body work together
• Learned about the importance of good gut bacteria
• Practiced preparing healthy meals

It was a fantastic opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of health and science in a fun and meaningful way.

Linda also hosted a professional development session for teachers and staff. This session focused not only on how to support student wellbeing, but also to address teachers' own stress, mental health and emotional resilience.

A Day to Remember at the V8 Supercars

Four of our Year 7 students had the exciting opportunity to attend the Chief Minister’s Classic Marquee at the 2025 Darwin Triple Crown Supercars at Hidden Valley Raceway with Ms Nektaria Pikoulos.

Invited by the Honourable Lia Finocchiaro MLA, our students enjoyed a special luncheon, face painting, delicious nibbles, and even got up close with some reptiles! They also had the opportunity to meet Susan Bowden, Chief Executive of the Department of Education and Training, who is pictured with the group. Of course, the highlight was watching the thrilling V8 Supercars in action!

HEALTH FORUM

Thank you to School Nurse Mary for organising a Health and Wellbeing Open Forum for students in Term 2!

Students from across all year levels were able to hear from various service providers, that they have access to for free support, and ask questions about their programs and services.

Thank you to these providers for a very informative forum:

• DAISY – Drug and Alcohol Intensive Support for Youth
• DonateLife – Organ Transplant Awareness
• Headspace – Youth Mental Health Support
• Amity – Gaming and Addiction Awareness
• Cancer Foundation – Sun Protection, Canteen and Cancer Support
• Nutrition Experts – Healthy Eating and Gut Health
• Health Agency – Wound Care, Dental, Immunisation and Breast Screening
• Defence – Cadet Programs and Health Careers in the Armed Forces

HUMANITIES NEWS

There were many exciting things happening within our Humanities Faculty this semester!

Exploring Erosion: Geography in Action

The Geography unit was in full swing in Ms Gent's Year 8 Humanities class, with students actively engaging in hands-on learning about landscapes, landforms, and the impact of erosion. As part of their studies, students conducted an erosion investigation around the school grounds, identifying vulnerable areas and analysing the role of water drainage systems in erosion. This practical exploration has helped students understand real-world environmental challenges and the importance of sustainable land management.

Real-World thinking in Year 8 Humanities!

Ms Hughes' Year 8 Humanities students tackled the complex issue of population decline, exploring how it impacts different generations. Through research, discussion, and problem-solving, they developed a deeper understanding of global challenges — all while sharpening their analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Year 9 Students Step into the Courtroom

Ms Pikoulos’ Year 9 Humanities students recently brought their legal studies to life with a dynamic roleplay of the Australian Court System. Transforming into judges, jurors, lawyers, and court officers, students reenacted courtroom proceedings in both the Supreme and Magistrates' courts. This interactive experience deepened their understanding of how justice is served in Australia while making learning both engaging and memorable.

The Science of Soils: A Sweet Approach to Learning

In Ms Leash's Year 9 Humanities class, students explored the important role soils play in land degradation and the potential effects on future food security, as part of their Geography unit. After learning about how essential soils are for the health and wellbeing of all living things, students recreated the different soil layers, from bedrock to organic material. To make the activity even more engaging, they used sweets to represent each layer. This hands-on task not only helps students better understand the science behind soils but also made learning fun and delicious!

Year 9 Geography Coastal Adventure

Ms. Leash and Ms. Jakobson's Year 9 Humanities classes took learning beyond the classroom with an exciting excursion to Casuarina Coastal Reserve! Students explored the dynamic coastal environment, diving into key geographical processes like erosion, deposition, and human impacts on our coastal systems.

Through hands-on fieldwork—collecting data, mapping, and making observations—our students gained valuable insight into coastal management strategies and environmental sustainability. It was an incredible opportunity to bring textbook concepts to life in one of the Northern Territory’s most stunning natural reserves.

Mega Bake Sale Success

A huge congratulations to Ms. Leash’s Year 9 Humanities class for hosting a record-breaking Mega Bake Sale in Term 2!

Together, they raised over $900 to support their amazing Edible Garden Project!

A heartfelt thank you to all the students, parents, carers, and staff who baked, donated, and supported this sweet initiative – they couldn’t have done it without you!

SCIENCE NEWS

Our Science faculty continues to spark curiosity and a love for learning among students!

Dripstone Students Dive into Science at CDU!

Dripstone students had the opportunity to attend the Charles Darwin University Science Experience — a dynamic, hands-on event designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals!

We caught up with our students during their time at Berrimah Farm, where they participated in the Amazing Science Race, exploring areas like fisheries, plant pathology, biosecurity, and entomology.

We also watched them step into the shoes of paramedics, working inside a real CDU Ambulance and learning life-saving techniques that could one day make a difference in our community.

Throughout the three-day event, students explored a wide range of STEM activities:

• Solving oil spill problems as Environmental Engineers
• Investigating germs in Nursing and Midwifery, including trying on a pregnancy simulation suit!
• Viewing their own DNA in Biomedical Science
• Discovering microscopic life in Environmental Science
• Testing reactions, cracking codes, and playing with robots in Radicle STEM Pathways

We’re so proud of our Dripstone students for making the most of this incredible opportunity and can’t wait to see where their curiosity takes them next!

Year 8: Cooking with Chemistry!

Year 8 students took science out of the lab and into the kitchen with a deliciously fun Cooking with Chemistry lesson!

Through baking cookies, students explored real-life examples of chemical and physical changes—watching ingredients transform through mixing, heating, and cooling. Along the way, they put their science knowledge, cooking skills, teamwork, and safety awareness to the test.

From dough to delicious, it was a sweet success!

Year 9 Science Gets Eye-Opening!

CONTENT WARNING: Cow Eye Dissection

Our Year 9 students dove into the fascinating world of vision with a hands-on cow eye dissection!

They explored the complex structure of the eye—lens, retina, optic nerve and more—discovering how each part works together to power the way we see.

MATHS NEWS

Year 7 Students Explore Volume with Hands-On Math Activity

As part of their unit on 3D shapes and volume, our Year 7 students recently took part in an engaging, hands-on Maths lesson using cubic blocks. This interactive approach helped students visualise how volume is calculated and applied, aligning with the Australian Curriculum’s focus on conceptual understanding.

The lesson sparked curiosity and participation, with students actively constructing shapes and solving real-world volume problems. It was a fantastic way to bring mathematical concepts to life through tactile learning!

Empowering Year 9s with Real-World Money Skills

Our Year 9 students recently had the opportunity to take part in a practical and engaging financial literacy session, Making Money Work, presented by Chantelle from Talk Money with Ecstra Foundation.

The presentation covered a range of essential money topics, from understanding payslips and tax to superannuation and workplace rights. Students walked away with a stronger understanding of how to manage money and make informed financial decisions—skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.

A big thank you to Chantelle for delivering such a valuable session, and to our dedicated Maths Faculty for organising this important learning experience!

‘TAX, SUPER + YOU’ Competition!

The Maths Faculty invite students to participate in the Australian Tax Office ‘TAX, SUPER + YOU’ Competition!

The entry topic for Years 7-9 students is “When it comes to tax and super, what do I need to do when I’m ready to start my first job?”

The competition is a fun and creative way for students to learn about tax and super, the sky’s the limit with the types of entries students can submit! The ATO is offering prizes for the winners of $1,000 for each student and an additional $1,000 for their school.

If students would like to take part in the competition, we encourage them to speak with their Maths teacher.

ART NEWS

Creative Creatures in Year 7 Art!

Ms Boardman’s Year 7 Art class has been hard at work bringing myth and imagination to life! Using clay hand-building techniques, students sculpted their own detailed mythological creatures, carefully shaping each part by hand and adding textures to enhance their designs.

Their sculptures were so well-constructed that no gluing was needed—allowing students to glaze their creations for an extra professional finish! Amazing effort, Year 7 artists!

Year 8 Ceramics Houses

Year 8 students have been hard at work creating a series of stunning ceramic houses — and the results are nothing short of impressive!

Using the slab building method, students carefully constructed the structures by hand, demonstrating patience, precision, and an eye for design. They then explored the technique of sgraffito — carving intricate patterns and textures into the clay before adding a final layer of bold, vibrant glazes.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S PROGRAM

Ms. Kuo and Mr. Kondaridis' Duke of Edinburgh classes rolled up their sleeves and took on the challenge of making pasta from scratch! This hands-on exercise tested their patience, teamwork, and culinary creativity — and the results were as impressive as they were delicious.

After mastering the pasta, students returned to the kitchen to create their own pasta sauces, using a variety of ingredients and flavour profiles.

DRAMA NEWS

On Friday, 9th of May, a group of Drama students along with the Year 9 Stars girls attended Slide’s thought-provoking performance of Time. This impactful production explored the consequences of dangerous driving through powerful storytelling and dynamic performances by talented local young artists. The experience left a lasting impression on students, highlighting the importance of making safe choices and the power of performance in sharing important messages.

STEAM AND ICT NEWS

The 2025 The Array Learn Make Play Interschool E-Sports Competition was a blast! While we came in third place behind a strong performance from Nightcliff Middle School, our team showed great skill, teamwork, and determination.

Students had a great time, gained valuable experience, met new friends, and took their first steps into the world of competitive e-sports.

Well done to everyone involved!

WOODWORK NEWS

Year 8 Woodworkers Build Skills and Shelves

Year 8 students have been hard at work in Woodwork class, crafting their very own storage shelves! With patience and precision, they’ve put their skills to the test and created something truly impressive. Well done, students!

Creative Carvings

Well done to Year 9 Woodwork students, Salina and Sienna, who showcased their creativity and skill by using a wood burner to engrave detailed turtle designs into their projects. Their work is a fantastic example of artistic flair and precision in practical learning—great job, girls!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Ben Turns 3D Printing Passion into a Thriving Business

Shoutout to Ben from Year 9 for turning his passion for 3D printing into a thriving business—Ben’s 3D Prints!

Ben has undertaken the STEAM class at Dripstone, where he developed a passion for 3D printing. After receiving a basic 3D printer for his 13th birthday, he put his skills to work and, by July last year, had launched his own business, selling his creations at Malak Community Markets over the dry season. Since then, he has expanded his business, investing in high-end printers and a wider range of colours.

Now, Ben runs a market stall at Nightcliff Markets every two weeks. He also takes custom orders through his Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ben’s prints include dragons, crocodiles, and turtles, and he also designs and creates personalised items like nameplates and keyrings. His dedication and entrepreneurial spirit are truly inspiring!

Follow Ben’s journey and place an order:

• Facebook - Ben's 3D Prints
• Instagram - @ben_3d_print

Keep up the amazing work, Ben!

Kelsall Hits a High Note with Prestigious Music Program Offer

Congratulations to Kelsall (Year 7), who has been nominated by NT Music School and has received a Successful Offer to attend the Griffith University ConNecT – Darwin 2025 on Drum Kit!

Presented by Open Conservatorium Queensland Conservatorium, this prestigious program gives selected students the opportunity to work with renowned clinicians from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and collaborate with young musicians from across the Northern Territory.

This is an exciting step in Kelsall’s musical journey, and we can’t wait to see the skills, passion, and creativity that will flourish through this experience!

Caoimhe Shines at Pitch Perfect!

We are incredibly proud of Caoimhe (Keeva - Year 7), who took out first place at the 2025 Pitch Perfect Grand Final on June 14, held at Casuarina Shopping Centre!

Up against 15 talented performers from middle and high schools across the NT, Caoimhe wowed the judges and audience alike – and was the youngest competitor in the entire competition!

As the winner of this event, Caoimhe will have the opportunity to perform at the 2025 Sportsbet Darwin Cup Gala Ball on August 2 at Mindil Beach Casino!

Caoimhe was also interviewed by Hot100 during their Local Music Monday segment on June 23rd! Well done, Caoimhe!

STAFF SHOUTOUTS

STAFF SOAR AWARDS

In Week 9 of each term, the Community Ambassadors host a Staff Shoutout stall in The Mall, giving students the chance to nominate staff members who exemplify our SOAR values of Safety, Ownership, Achievement, and Respect. Then, in Week 10 of each term, the Community Ambassadors present the Staff SOAR Award recipients at our Whole School Assembly.

Congratulations to Mr Liebich, Ms Tiffany and Ms Lauren who were the recipients of the Staff SOAR Awards for Term 1!

And well done to Ms Jones, Ms Kat and Ms Gent who were the recipients of the Staff SOAR Awards for Term 2!

CONGRATS, MS ROSE!

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Ms. Rose, who received a Certificate of Recognition at the Governor’s House for her dedicated 5 years of service with the Dukes Program. Congratulations, Ms Rose!

NURSING EXCELLENCE

A huge congratulations to our incredible Health Promoting School Nurse, Mary Burnell-Johnson, for being named a Finalist in the Charles Darwin University Excellence in Education Award category of the 2025 NT Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards!

Mary’s dedication, passion, and commitment to the health and wellbeing of students is truly inspiring. This recognition is a testament to her hard work in promoting healthier school communities.

NOTIFYING ABSENCES

SCHOOL EVENTS

2025 Yearbook Cover Design

Got a vision for the 2025 Yearbook cover? Here’s your chance to leave your mark! Submit your design by Week 10, Term 3, 2025 and your artwork could be the face of the 2025 Dripstone Yearbook! Don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your creativity to the whole school!

All entries can be emailed to Ms Koulla - koulla.tomazos1@education.nt.gov.au

DRIPSTONE BREAKFAST CLUB

Join us every school day from 8:00 AM – 8:20 AM for a FREE and delicious meal in the Cooking Room—open to all students!

Enjoy toasted sandwiches, cereal, juice, and toast with a variety of spreads.

CAR PARK SAFETY

A special shoutout to Chris Maddern and Pat from Top End Line Markers for taking the time to refresh the line marking at our 'Drop and Go' Carpark off Delamere Street! Your hard work helps keep our school community safe and traffic flowing smoothly.

A Friendly Reminder to help our students stay SAFE:

• Do not enter from the incorrect entry.
• Please follow the arrows in the carpark.
• The driveway closest to Tiwi Gardens Road is the ENTRY to the Drop and Go zone.
• The driveway closest to Trower Road is an EXIT ONLY.

We know that school drop-off and pick-up can be a busy time, so let’s all be patient, be considerate of others, follow the rules, and keep our community safe!

Thank you for your cooperation!

2025 YEARBOOK

Due to the popularity of last year’s edition, Dripstone Middle School is excited to once again produce a yearbook for 2025! This special keepsake will highlight our students' activities and achievements throughout the year, providing your family with lasting memories of your child/ren’s school journey.

Preorders for our 2025 Yearbook are now open through the Dripstone Bookroom. Yearbooks are $26.00 each, with full payment required at the time of ordering. Yearbooks are scheduled for delivery at the end of Term 4. Please call 08 8983 7777 to secure your copy.

DRIPSTONE ALUMNI STORIES

Meet Zachary Luis – a proud Class of 2014 graduate from Dripstone Middle School!

From his love for P.E. and English to unforgettable school events, Zac’s journey has taken him from drama class performances to a career in mentoring young people through YouthWorX NT.

We want to hear about how you have been making your mark on the world since leaving our Dripstone Community!

Be a part of our Dripstone Alumni Series that will showcase the achievements of former Dripstone Middle/High School students and to inspire the current and future generations of Dripstone students!

If you have an exciting and inspiring story to share, please email nektaria.pikoulos@education.nt.gov.au for more information on how to be a part of the Dripstone Alumni Series.

Communications

Stay in the loop on social media! Follow Dripstone Middle School on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and a glimpse into what's happening at our school!

Dripstone Middle School uses the Compass Manager App to communicate important information, messages and newsletters to parents and families. Parents and carers can also report student absences, view reports and attendance, and contact teachers directly via the Compass app.

To set up your account, parents/carers should have received a notification via the email address supplied to the school. This notification contains your username and password. Download the Compass app and log in using the details listed, then follow the prompts. If you have changed your email address or phone number, please contact the school to update these details.

If you have any issues logging in, please be in touch with the Front Office on 8983 7777.

Parent Contributions

In 2023, we officially opened our brand-new STEAM Centre. This state-of-the-art space is utilised by our STEAM, Science, Technology, Art and Media classes.

In 2025, all money raised in Parent Voluntary Contributions will go towards the purchase of all new tech equipment to fit-out the STEAM Centre. We are aiming to raise a total of $20,000 in 2025. If you’d like to make a contribution, you can do so at our Bookroom, or by calling the Front Office on 8983 7777.

E-SCOOTERS

Electronic scooter (e-scooter) laws in the NT only allow approved hired e-scooters on footpaths, shared paths, bicycle lanes and public spaces. You must be at least 18 years old to ride a hired e-scooter.

Privately owned e-scooters can only be ridden on private property and cannot be used on:

• Roads,
• Footpaths or,
• Other public spaces, including schools.

People riding private e-scooters in public, including to and from school, risk being fined by Police for driving an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle.

To ensure students safety, e-scooters cannot be used as transport to or from school and cannot be stored on school grounds.

If a student brings an e-scooter onto Dripstone Middle School the e-scooter will be securely stored and their parent/carer will be contacted to make arrangements for the e-scooter to be collected.

Further information can be found at: Electric Scooter and Bikes | NT.GOV.AU

We thank you for your support in ensuring a safe school campus for our students and staff.

Early Departures

Just a reminder that permission for early departure will not be obtained unless the school has authorisation from a parent/caregiver. Parents/caregivers should notify the school, either through a note, Compass notification, email or telephone call to the school on 8983 7777. When students leave the school, they need to sign out at the Front Office before leaving the grounds.

Uniform Policy

As we start a new term, we just want to remind our community that all students should be wearing full school uniform. This consists of the Dripstone shirt and shorts. Black jackets with the school logo are available from our Front Office. If students are wearing alternative jackets or jumpers, they should be only black with no insignias/logos nor should they have hoods on them.

NEWS FOR DEFENCE FAMILIES

Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation supports young people aged 8-18 years, specifically developed to support children living in families impacted by mental illness. Kookaburra Kids programs and activities are designed to be engaging and innovative, to empower our young people with psychoeducation integrated with fun activities ensuring kids feel consistently supported. Activity days are delivered by a Program Co-ordinator and trained volunteer leaders. They offer Darwin-based activity days, camps and online, age-based connect sessions.

Mobile Phone Policy – Off and Away All Day

As you may already be aware student mobile phones are not permitted to be used in Northern Territory Government schools and are to be off and away all day. This policy applies to mobile phones, smart watches and all other devices that allow electronically based distractions.

At Dripstone Middle School students are not permitted to have mobile phones in their possession during the school day. Smart watches must be placed on flight mode so phone calls and messages cannot be sent or received during the school day.

Mobile phones owned by students at Dripstone Middle School are considered valuable items and are brought to school at the student’s or parent’s risk. Please note that Dripstone Middle School does not have accident insurance for accidental property damage or theft of personal items. Students and their parents are encouraged to obtain appropriate insurance for their personal items.

The only exemption that is available under this policy is if a student has a health condition and their phone is used to monitor it and the student has a medically approved documented Health Care Plan.

Please see our policy.

ATTENDING SCHOOL EVERY DAY

We have been working with the Attendance Team to ensure that all students are attending school every day, five days a week.

If your child is sick, they are to stay home. Please contact the school if your child will be LATE or ABSENT from school by calling the Home Liasion Officer, Mr Laqui Papalii on 8983 7758 or 0437 202 001; Ms Karen Newman the Aboriginal Education Officer on 8983 7759, Compass, email or text message. Please feel free to leave messages on our answer machine.

Please contact the school with the reason for their absence. If you child / student is sick for 3 days or more consecutively, the Department requires a medical certificate to cover the period of absence.

COMMUNITY NOTICES