Dripstone Middle School Newsletter | Term 3 WRAP-UP 2025

Dripstone Science Fair 2025: Unveiling the Mysteries of Earth and Beyond!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the Dripstone Science Fair 2025 — an unforgettable evening of learning, curiosity, and community spirit.

With this year’s theme, “Unveiling the Mysteries of Earth and Beyond,” our students amazed us all with their scientific insights, creative presentations, and infectious enthusiasm. From hands-on experiments to thought-provoking displays, their work truly showcased the bright future of science in our school. Well done to all our students — we couldn’t be prouder!

We were honoured to welcome our local members, Hon. Khoda Patel MLA (Member for Casuarina) and Hon. Oly Carlson MLA (Member for Wanguri), whose support made the evening even more special.

A special thank you also goes out to our incredible community partners, who brought real-world science into the Fair and enriched the experience for all who attended:

• Inspired NT
• CDU Radicle Centre
• CDU Faculty of Health
• CDU Faculty of Arts and Society
• Power and Water
• NT Police Forensic Science
• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
• Linda Conder, Gut Health Specialist

Finally, we would like to recognise the hard work and leadership of our Dripstone Science Faculty, led by Ms Roopa Bandi, whose dedication was instrumental in bringing this event to life. Thank you also to all the Dripstone staff who supported our students in their preparations — your guidance helped them shine.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

We’re thrilled to also announce the winners of this year’s Dripstone Science Fair People's Choice Awards! These awards were chosen by visitors to the fair — students, parents/carers, and guests all had the chance to scan and vote for their favourite projects.

• 1st Place: Hydrogen Fuel – Jack, Lachlan, Benjamin & Hudson (Year 9)
• 2nd Place: Vertical Farming – Vhanna, Satine, Cai-Zhen & Mia (Year 8)
• 3rd Place: The Mystery of Black Holes – Jake, George & Matthew (Year 7)
• Class Award: Unravelling the Mysteries of Bees – Ms Fisher’s 8.7 Science Class

A huge thank you to Hon. Oly Carlson MLA for donating prizes and supporting the Dripstone Science Fair!

Welcome, Kibi Cho!

In Week 5, Dripstone Middle School proudly hosted students from our Japanese sister school, Kibi Cho Junior High, as part of our ongoing cultural exchange program.

During their visit, the Kibi Cho students experienced life at Dripstone by joining a variety of classes alongside our students. They also had the opportunity to explore some of the Top End’s most iconic attractions, including the Territory Wildlife Park, Aquascene Fish Feeding, and the Darwin Military Museum.

A significant moment of the week was the re-signing of our Memorandum of Understanding with Kibi Cho — a reaffirmation of our strong and enduring partnership, and our shared commitment to continuing this unique educational and cultural exchange for years to come.

We officially welcomed the visiting students with a special assembly, where they introduced themselves and shared insights into their culture and school life in Japan — a wonderful and respectful beginning to their time with us.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Dripstone families who welcomed the Kibi Cho students into their homes, providing warm hospitality and cultural exchange beyond the classroom.

Finally, a very special thank you to Ms Fisher for her incredible effort in coordinating every detail of the visit. Her dedication ensured a smooth, enriching, and unforgettable experience for both our students and our guests.

Dripstone Hosts Tournament of Minds NT Finals

Dripstone Middle School was proud to once again host the Tournament of Minds NT Finals at the end of August — a fantastic event that brought together some of the Territory’s most talented and creative students for a day of problem-solving and innovation.

Our school entered seven teams across all secondary divisions, and we are delighted to share their outstanding results.

Congratulations to our Social Science (Group 1) and The Arts teams, who achieved first place in their categories! These teams will travel to Sydney in late October to represent the Northern Territory at the International Finals — an exciting opportunity to compete on the national stage.

Special mention also goes to our Language & Literature (Group 1) and Year 9 STEM teams, who received Highly Commended awards — a well-deserved recognition of their creativity, teamwork, and dedication.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated TOMs facilitators — Ms White, Ms Kuo, Ms Koulakis, and Mr Uddon — for their tireless efforts in preparing the teams over the past few months and for their support on competition day.

YEAR 8 SYDNEY AND CANBERRA TRIP

A group of almost 40 Year 8 students recently returned from an unforgettable educational excursion, taking in the very best of Sydney and Canberra. Over the course of the trip, students engaged in a wide range of cultural, historical, and recreational experiences — building friendships, deepening their knowledge, and making lifelong memories along the way.

The journey kicked off with a fun-filled weekend in Sydney, where students explored The Rocks and admired the stunning views of Circular Quay. Highlights included the Wild Ropes Treetop Adventure at Taronga Zoo, a visit to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and a trip to the iconic Luna Park.

The excitement continued as the group travelled to Canberra for the next leg of their learning adventure. In the nation’s capital, students visited some of Australia's most important institutions, including Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD), the Electoral Commission, and Old Parliament House. These visits gave students valuable insights into Australian civics, history, and democracy in action.

To cap off the trip, students braved the elements for an unforgettable day in the snow. Despite the rain, spirits remained high as everyone hit the slopes and made the most of a wintery adventure.

A big thank you to the staff who supported this trip — Ms. Irini Pikoulos, Mr. Petros Gerakios, Ms. Karen Newman, and School Nurse, Ms. Mary Burnell — for helping create such a rewarding and memorable experience for our students.

ENGLISH NEWS

Bell Shakespeare Returns to Dripstone

Dripstone students were treated to a dynamic and engaging performance by Bell Shakespeare, one of Australia’s premier theatre companies.

The production, titled Such Sweet Sorrow, brought Shakespeare’s works to life through a fresh, modern narrative. Students were captivated as the performance explored key scenes and themes from Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Much Ado About Nothing.

This theatrical experience sparked lively discussion and gave students a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare’s timeless storytelling, language, and characters.

Dripstone Debating Team Success!

Our Dripstone debating teams have had an exciting start to the season, showing great determination, teamwork, and confident speaking skills.

In Round 1, both teams secured impressive wins at Haileybury Rendall School, kicking off the competition on a high note. Round 2 saw Dripstone 1 remain undefeated with a strong victory over Haileybury, while Dripstone 2 narrowly lost to Essington but stayed in contention for the finals.

Round 3 was a nail-biter, with both teams experiencing narrow one-point losses at Essington. Despite this, Dripstone 1 holds a solid 2-1 record, and Dripstone 2 remains competitive with one win and two losses.

Round 4 brought renewed success for Dripstone 1, who returned to the winners’ list with a win over Essington, while Dripstone 2 faced a close defeat against Haileybury.

Art Meets English

In Mr. Rose’s Year 8 English class, students recently explored the traditional Japanese art of Gyotaku — also known as fish printing — in a unique and engaging lesson that blended visual art with literacy.

Originally developed by Japanese fishermen to record their catches, Gyotaku became the perfect springboard for students to explore visual language, descriptive writing, and intercultural understanding.

Through hands-on art-making, students created striking fish prints while also analysing visual texts, experimenting with poetic and descriptive language, and reflecting on how different cultures shape the way stories are told.

The result was a colourful, creative, and culturally rich English lesson — one that brought tradition and storytelling to life in the classroom.

Literacy Week 2025

In Week 6, Dripstone came alive with stories, characters, and a love for reading as we celebrated Literacy Week across the school!

Students and staff engaged in a range of fun and educational activities designed to promote literacy, imagination, and creativity. One of the highlights was our Literacy Character Dress-Up Day, where the school was filled with colourful costumes inspired by beloved book characters.

It was wonderful to see our school community come together to celebrate the power of reading and storytelling. A big thank you to all who participated and helped make Literacy Week such a memorable event!

HUMANITIES NEWS

Cookie Excavation: Unearthing the Past, One Choc Chip at a Time!

In this fun and hands-on Year 7 History activity, students became archaeologists for the day by carefully excavating chocolate chips from cookies! Using a bamboo skewer as their tool, they discovered just how delicate and detailed real archaeological work can be.

This activity helped students understand key concepts such as preservation, careful excavation, and the challenges of interpreting the past from limited evidence. By the end, they had a deeper appreciation for the patience and precision needed in archaeology – and a sweet reward for their hard work!

Year 7s Take Action on NT Water Future

Ms Hughes' Year 7 Humanities class put their learning into action by writing to the Minister for Water Resources as part of the Power and Water Challenge!

Combining their civics and geography studies, students used their understanding of democratic participation and water scarcity to make a powerful case for a desalination plant in the Northern Territory.

Their thoughtful letters highlight how young people can meaningfully engage with real-world issues—and take an active role in shaping the future of water in a growing Darwin.

Edible Garden Harvest

Our Year 9 students have been hard at work in the Edible Garden, and their efforts have truly paid off!

Check out this amazing harvest – fresh zucchini, eggplants, tomatoes, corn, plus a variety of lettuces and herbs!

It’s fantastic to see students learning hands-on about sustainability, healthy eating, and the rewards of growing your own food. Great work, Year 9!

Year 7 Humanities Connect with History at MAGNT

Ms Hughes' Year 7 Humanities class stepped back in time during their visit to the Cyclone Tracy exhibit at MAGNT!

Through powerful stories and interactive displays, students explored the impact of the cyclone, the incredible resilience of Darwin’s community, and how science and history help us understand natural disasters.

A moving and meaningful experience that connected the class with the strength and determination of those who endured and rebuilt.

Journey to the Stone Age!

Year 7 Humanities students have travelled way back in time as part of their history unit on the Stone Age and Deep Time Australia!

Using traditional materials like ochre, charcoal, sticks, and water, they created their very own cave paintings on canvas, getting hands-on with ancient art techniques.

This creative challenge helped them understand the effort and meaning behind the original cave artworks found around the world — and how art has always played a role in connection, communication, and culture.

MATHS NEWS

Congratulations Elijah – NT Winner of the ESSI Money Challenge!

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Elijah from Year 7, who has been named the highest scoring student in the Northern Territory for his age group in the 2025 Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge!

The ESSI Money Challenge, hosted by the Financial Basics Foundation and supported by Suncorp Bank, is a nationwide competition designed to help secondary school students develop essential financial literacy skills. Through interactive, real-life money management scenarios, students gain hands-on experience in budgeting, saving, investing, and smart financial decision-making.

Elijah stood out among this huge pool of participants, demonstrating exceptional skill, strategic thinking, and financial savvy.

As the top-performing student in the Northern Territory for his age group, Elijah will receive a $250 pre-paid gift card — a well-deserved reward for his outstanding effort and achievement.

Well done, Elijah! Your success not only reflects your hard work but also highlights the importance of financial literacy for young people. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

Year 8's Global Maths Adventure

Mr Morton's Year 8 students explored the fascinating world of time zones and time differences as part of their Mathematics program. But this wasn’t your average classroom lesson…

Students were challenged to plan a dream itinerary for a global vlogging adventure, under the exciting theme of winning an all-expenses-paid ‘Vlogging World Tour’ competition!

From Ancient Monuments to Sacred Sites and Partytime hotspots, each group crafted detailed travel plans that included flight times, adjusted time differences, and much more. Presentations were next-level – complete with animated slides, videos, blog sites, and even green screen footage!

They also honed their public speaking and storytelling skills, using scripts and storyboards to deliver engaging, informative presentations to their peers.

SCIENCE NEWS

Dripstone Students Shine at WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program!

A group of Year 8 and 9 students travelled to Melbourne for the 2025 WEHI DeadlyScience Pathways Program – an unforgettable three-day, hands-on STEM experience designed to inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students.

The program kicked off with a moving Smoking Ceremony, grounding the event in culture and connection to Country, before students stepped into the world of biomedical research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI). They worked alongside world-leading scientists, using microscopes to study cultured stem cells, learning about groundbreaking research in breast cancer, immunology, and brain cancer, and even taking on the role of forensic scientists at the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) to solve a simulated case.

Beyond the lab, students explored future study and career pathways with a guided visit to The University of Melbourne and toured the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), where they met researchers working on cutting-edge heart health projects and saw first-hand how science connects with community needs.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to DeadlyScience for making this opportunity possible, especially Matt Coffey for his incredible organising skills, and to our wonderful staff – Ms. Bandi, Ms. Mohan and Mr. Williams – for supporting our students every step of the way.

We are so proud of our students for embracing every moment with curiosity, confidence and pride. This is just the beginning of their journeys into the exciting world of STEM!

Dripstone at the NT STEM Fair

During Science Week, a group of our Dripstone students attended the NT STEM Fair at the brand-new Charles Darwin University city campus. It was an inspiring day packed with hands-on learning and exciting opportunities to explore the world of STEAM.

Students took part in a range of workshops hosted by:

• Winyama - An Indigenous Geospatial consultancy from Perth dedicated to empowering Indigenous Australians with the digital skills and tools to care for Country and Mob. Presenter Kass led engaging tech-free activities that developed students’ understanding of location and mapping in innovative ways.
• CDU Radicle Centre – Delivered a fantastic line-up of hands-on activities that sparked curiosity and creativity.
• Hoops 4 Health – Showed how STEM principles are woven into basketball and their unique Neurosequential Model, which uses science to better understand brain development and trauma. Their program bridges physical activity, mental wellness, and academic growth.

To cap off the day, our students proudly showcased their own Science Fair projects at the expo. Displays included:

• Battery-operated fans
• Lip balms and candles
• Student-made computer games
• Kinetic energy tiles

Students also took the opportunity to connect with and learn from the many inspiring stall holders at the expo, gaining new insights into STEM careers, technologies, and innovations.

Well done to our students for their hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm — and thank you to the workshop hosts for inspiring our next generation of innovators! Special thanks to Ms Jones and Ms Koulakis for accompanying and supporting the students throughout the event.

Jingili Expo Visit – Science Beyond the Classroom!

Dripstone Middle School students took part in the Jingili Expo at Jingili Primary School — and what an amazing experience it was!

Our students proudly showcased their science fair projects, engaging younger learners with hands-on demonstrations and sparking curiosity in the next generation of scientists.

They also explored the expo themselves, connecting with scientists, professionals, and experts from a variety of fields — gaining valuable insight into real-world science and future career paths.

With confidence, communication, and leadership, our Dripstone students represented the school with pride.

Dripstone Students Take on the Science & Engineering Challenge!

A group of our Year 9 students took part in the annual Science and Engineering Challenge at Charles Darwin University.

Joining schools from across the region, our students embraced the day with energy and curiosity, diving into hands-on STEM challenges that tested their teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills. From building bridges to designing wind turbines, they approached each task with determination and innovation.

We’re incredibly proud to share that Dripstone finished in 3rd place overall – an outstanding achievement!

Questacon Rollercoaster Challenge!

Students from all year levels had the exciting opportunity to take part in a hands-on Questacon workshop in Term 3.

Students were challenged to design and build a rollercoaster using scrap materials, applying their knowledge of physics and creativity. Through the innovation cycle of Think, Make, Try and Refine, students experimented with unique ideas, problem-solved, and refined their designs.

The workshop sparked curiosity and enthusiasm, encouraging them to think deeply about how the laws of physics shape the world around us. It was a fantastic hands-on learning experience that showcased their inquiry skills and innovative thinking.

Year 9 Forensic Science Extension – NT Police Visit

Year 9 students studying Forensic Science as part of their extension program recently had a fantastic opportunity to engage with the Northern Territory Police Force Forensic Branch!

The workshop provided students with valuable insights into crime scene investigation processes and the various types of evidence examined in forensic practice. A particular highlight was learning about DNA analysis, including capillary DNA electrophoresis, and how this technique can be used to identify genetic material and determine biological characteristics. This opportunity allowed students to deepen their understanding of forensic science through direct engagement with industry professionals.

A big thank you to the NT Police Forensic Branch for sharing your expertise and inspiring the next generation of scientists!

Science Students Take Flight!

Year 7 Science RISE students from Ms Kuo’s and Mr K’s classes put their paper airplane designs to the test in a high-energy competition, exploring the forces of thrust, lift, drag, and gravity in action.

Congrats to Thomas, who nailed the tiebreaker — it was a close call, but Ms Kuo’s Year 7_5 class took the win!

Heating Things Up in Year 8 Science

Ms Jones's Year 8 students have been getting hands-on in science, investigating which fire-starting method is most effective. This practical experiment gave them the chance to sharpen their inquiry skills and demonstrate their understanding of energy transformations — all while showing off some serious strength and endurance! Some determined students even heated the wood to 92°C and managed to produce smoke!

DUKES NEWS

Student Leaders Shine at National Youth Summit in Brisbane

Our Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Ambassador students, accompanied by Ms Pikoulos, Ms Kuo, and Mr K, travelled to Brisbane to attend the Together for Humanity Youth Summit. This event brought together hundreds of students from across the country to celebrate leadership, diversity, inclusion, and community through meaningful conversations and activities.

The trip began with a tour of Brisbane City, including a stroll through the iconic Southbank precinct and a fun team-building challenge at Escape Manor — with a special shoutout to the boys’ team for winning!

A major highlight was when our students presented their topic, “Breaking the Bias – Challenging Prejudice Against Young People,” with Claire, Mia-Teresa, Jack, and Hartley leading the presentation. Izzy and Yianni also impressed during the official Media Call, speaking confidently about the importance of youth voices.

Throughout the summit, students engaged in World Café sessions—small-group discussions that encouraged open, respectful dialogue and collaboration. They also connected with students from St Thomas More College, sharing ideas and strategies to strengthen their impact beyond the event.

This trip was not only part of their Adventurous Journey for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award but also a powerful leadership experience.

Year 9 Dukes Camp

Mr. K's Year 9 Dukes students travelled to Katherine for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure and life skills.

From camping at the Outback Experiences site and meeting farm animals to hiking the steep trails at Nitmiluk Gorge and huddling around a campfire on a freezing night — the trip was full of memorable moments.

Students also learned about horse and dog training for station work, gaining a real sense of the effort and care behind rural life.

Year 8 Dukes Camp

As part of their Adventurous Journey component for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Ms. Kuo's Year 8 Ambassadors set off on an overnight trip from Darwin to Katherine. Their first stop was a quick break at Adelaide River before heading to Edith Falls for a scenic hike along the Leliyn Trail and a picnic lunch.

After a full day of walking and traveling, they arrived at Maude Creek Campsite just in time to set up their tents and enjoy a stunning sunset. The evening finished with marshmallow toasting around the campfire.

AMBASSADOR NEWS

A Celebration of Community, Connection & Kindness

Dripstone students had the honour of volunteering at the Christmas in July Seniors Morning Tea, hosted by the Hon. Khoda Patel MLA, Member for Casuarina.

Our Community Ambassadors and Dukes students helped set up the hall, baked fresh scones, and served morning tea to our local seniors, while the talented Dripstone Concert Band delivered a fantastic musical performance that lit up the room!

Students also had the privilege of meeting Michael Foley OAM, 2025 NT Senior Australian of the Year, who attended the event and shared his inspiring presence with the room.

A huge thank you to Mr. Khoda Patel for inviting our students to be part of such a fantastic community event. We’re already looking forward to the next one!

Celebrating World Ocean Day

Over 60 of our Dripstone Community Ambassadors rolled up their sleeves and took action for the planet by participating in a beach clean-up along Dripstone Cliffs at Casuarina Beach!

Together, they collected over 200 pieces of rubbish, including used fireworks—and the most surprising discovery of the day? An Australian Bureau of Meteorology Radiosonde!

Back at school, our World Ocean Day working group kept the momentum going with a lunchtime bake sale, raising funds to purchase more clean-up gear for future beach clean-ups.

Huge thanks to everyone involved for your passion, teamwork, and commitment to protecting our beautiful coastline!

NTLC - Mid-Way Pitch!

The Dripstone Learning Ambassadors recently represented our school at the Northern Territory Learning Commission Mid-Way Pitch, sharing the great work they’ve been doing with other schools across Darwin.

Their focus? Strengthening student-teacher relationships by increasing student voice and choice in the classroom.

They have been working on a new Voice and Choice Chart, and after receiving teacher feedback, they’re now getting ready to trial it in classrooms!

Father's Day Breakfast

Dripstone Community Ambassadors hosted a Father’s Day BBQ Breakfast to celebrate the amazing dads, uncles, grandfathers, and father-figures in our school community.

Guests were treated to delicious bacon and egg sandwiches, freshly served by our hardworking Ambassador team — what a fantastic way to start the day!

A big shoutout to the student crew for putting together such a successful event, and an extra special thank you to Ms. Deb for her amazing support and coordination behind the scenes, Ms. Lou for the photos and Ms. Kuo for her support!

We’d also like to thank the Hon. Khoda Patel MLA, who not only attended the breakfast but also generously donated raffle prizes for the occasion.

Thank you to everyone who came along — it was a great morning filled with good food and great company.

R U OK? Day at Dripstone

Dripstone came together to celebrate R U OK? Day with a vibrant lunchtime event focused on connection, kindness, and community.

Students enjoyed a fun photo booth, had the chance to get their nails painted yellow at the Community Ambassadors' nail-polish station, compete in the Staff vs. Students Netball tournament, and supported a delicious bake sale run by our Tournament of Minds teams fundraising for their upcoming trip to Sydney!

Staff v Student Soccer Showdown

Well done to our Community Ambassadors for successfully hosting their third Staff v Students tournament!

This time around, it was all about soccer! Staff and students came together for some friendly competition, great sportsmanship, and a whole lot of fun.

Term 3 Ends on a High Note!

A big well done to our Community Ambassadors for hosting a fun and lively Sing-A-Long in The Mall to celebrate Friendship Day and the end of Term 3!

As part of the celebrations, they also sold friendship bracelets for students to gift to one another — a lovely way to share kindness and connection across the school.

It was a fantastic initiative that brought students together to enjoy some music, have a laugh, and sing along to their favourite tunes. What a great way to wrap up the term!

STAFF SOAR AWARDS - TERM 3

In Week 9 of each term, our Community Ambassadors host a Staff Shoutout stall in The Mall, giving students the chance to nominate staff who embody our SOAR values — Safety, Ownership, Achievement, and Respect.

Then, in Week 10, the Ambassadors proudly present the Staff SOAR Award winners at our Whole School Assembly!

A huge congratulations to our Term 3 recipients - Ms White and Ms Koulakis! Thank you for all your hard work, positivity, and dedication.

STEAM NEWS

Hands-On with Otto Botts: Robotics Workshop Inspires Future Engineers

Dripstone STEAM students recently had the exciting opportunity to take part in a dynamic Otto Botts workshop, delivered by the UNSW Faculty of Engineering. This hands-on, two-hour session offered students a fun and practical introduction to the world of robotics and autonomous systems.

During the workshop, students were guided through the engineering design process as they built and tested their very own autonomous robots. The experience gave students a valuable insight into key areas of engineering, including manufacturing, electrical systems, and coding — all while sparking creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Adding to the excitement, students were joined by current UNSW Engineering students, who shared their personal university experiences and answered questions about studying engineering at a tertiary level. It was an inspiring opportunity for our students to learn not only about robotics, but also about future study pathways and careers in STEM.

STEM Students Power Ahead with Solar Car Challenge!

The Year 7 STEM curriculum this term has focused on the principles of solar energy and its practical applications. Students began their work with a software simulator to understand the fundamentals of electronics and circuit design, which they then applied to a hands-on project: building solar-powered vehicles.

Throughout this project, students developed valuable technical skills, including soldering and the precise measurement of voltage on solar panels. The curriculum was further enriched by following the progress of various teams in the recent World Solar Car Challenge, providing a real-world context for their learning.

ART NEWS

Dripstone Artists Shine at the Royal Darwin Show!

A huge congratulations to all our talented art students who submitted entries into the Royal Darwin Show — your creativity and hard work were on full display, and we are so proud of you all!

A special shoutout to the following students for placing in their categories:

• Halle W (Year 9) – Middle School Champion in Portrait + 2nd in Sculpture
• Khadim C (Year 9) – 1st in Printmaking
• Sara P (Year 8 ) – 1st in Manga Art
• Tye B (Year 9) – 2nd in Portrait
• Alice O (Year 8 ) – 3rd in NT Subject
• John S (Year 8 ) – 3rd in Sculpture
• Ursula W (Year 8 ) – 3rd in Drawing

Shoutout as well to Belle (Year 9), Flynn, Rosie C and Carissa F (Year 8 ), and Jackson and Zac D (Year 7) for submitting entries – amazing work from all of you!

A huge thank you to our amazing Art teacher, Ms Boardman, for coordinating the entries and supporting our students throughout the process.

Painting the Story of the Pandanus

Kibi Cho students joined our Year 7 Art class for a hands-on creative session, exploring the beauty and significance of bush tucker. Using ink and watercolour, they brought the vivid colours of the pandanus seed to life while discovering the many uses of the pandanus plant in Aboriginal culture — from food and weaving materials to medicine and caring for the land.

The class also painted striking silhouettes of the pandanus tree, a Northern Territory native that thrives near waterways — and one you can even spot at Casuarina Beach!

HPE NEWS

Dripstone Cross Country 2025

In Week 8, students laced up their runners and hit the track for our annual Dripstone Cross Country!

Participants took on the 1.5km course around the school, choosing to run, jog, or walk — all earning points for their house team and a raffle ticket for the chance to win a soccer ball or football!

Well done to all students who placed in the top 20 for their year level, and a special shoutout to Ms Keely, Ms Gent, and Mr Liebich (who ran the course twice!) for joining in the fun alongside our students!

A big thank you to Mr Cilento for organising the event, and to all the staff who helped out on the day!

This event marks the final sporting challenge of the school year and plays a key role in deciding which house will take out the win for 2025…

Dripstone vs Palmerston Volleyball Showdown

After dominating at the Volleyball Cluster Day last term, our Dripstone teams were challenged by Palmerston College - and what a showdown it was!

Despite narrowly going down to Palmerston in two incredibly close games, the standard of play was outstanding, and every student should be proud of their efforts.

A huge thank you to the 100+ spectators who came along to cheer on the teams — your energy and support created such a positive and exciting atmosphere!

Dripstone Rugby 9’s Adventure!

The Dripstone bus hit the road, taking our students down the Stuart Highway to Fred’s Pass Reserve for the Rugby League 9’s!

Our teams — 10 girls and 11 boys — were full of energy and pride, with plenty of hype, noise, and a few tunes on the bus to get everyone ready for game time.

Games were played in 2 x 9-minute halves, with a mix of experienced and newer players showing off their skills. As the day went on, the heat and humidity challenged everyone, but the students kept giving their all.

While the scoreboard didn’t always go our way, both teams made fantastic improvements in skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. And, let’s just say… the trip back to Dripstone was a lot quieter than the ride there!

Table Tennis Triumph!

24 students represented Dripstone across 6 competitive table tennis teams at Marrara. Each team played 4 or 5 matches, depending on their draw — and with hours of practice behind them, everyone was ready to play hard!

With no air-con in the venue, it heated up fast — but our students stayed cool, focused, and well-hydrated. There were winning streaks, a few ups and downs, impressive rallies, and plenty of laughs along the way.

By the end of the day, 3 of our 6 teams walked away with pennants — one team took out first place in their pool, while two other Dripstone teams tied for top spot in theirs.

MUSIC NEWS

Dripstone at the BEAT

Early September saw Dripstone's young musicians lighting up the stage at the annual BEAT Music Festival.

The Dripstone Concert Band, featuring talented students Keeva, Carley, Calista, Kelsall, and Lucas, delivered a powerful performance of their cover of “Rise Up” across all three nights of the festival. Their moving rendition captivated the audience each evening, showcasing not just their musical ability but also their passion and teamwork.

The Dripstone Choir students also joined voices with peers from other schools in the mixed-schools choir performance on Friday night. Their combined harmonies filled the venue with an inspiring energy, making the night especially memorable for performers and audience members alike.

The BEAT Festival provided a wonderful platform for Dripstone students to perform in a professional setting, collaborate with others, and celebrate their hard work and dedication to the arts.

STARS NEWS

All-Stars Volleyball Tournament

Our Dripstone Stars girls took part in the All Stars Volleyball Carnival and absolutely smashed it — walking away with 5 wins from 5 games! An incredible achievement that they should all be super proud of!

More than just the wins, the team showed amazing sportsmanship, teamwork, and a willingness to step out of their comfort zones to take on a new sport. The supportive and safe environment really brought out the best in every player.

Dripstone Stars Girls Shine Bright!

This term, it’s been fantastic to see so many of our Dripstone Stars Girls proudly receiving their Stars shirts!

These shirts aren’t just a uniform – they’re a symbol of commitment, growth, and living out the Stars values every day. Through dedication, consistency, and a strong sense of community, these students have earned the right to wear their shirts and represent the Stars program at Dripstone.

Congratulations to all the girls who have achieved this milestone – we’re proud of your efforts and the example you set for others.

SCHOOL EVENTS

Finals Frenzy: Footy Colours Day

To celebrate Finals Season, students brought their A-game in Week 10 by repping their favourite sports jerseys!

NDA Free Sausage Sizzle

A huge shoutout to our Dripstone Wellbeing Team for putting on a free sausage sizzle BBQ in Term 3, marking the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence – Bullying. No Way!

Special thanks to our Year 8 Dukes Class for jumping in to help serve up the sausages!

The event was a great way to bring students together over lunch while sharing an important message of inclusion, respect, and standing up for one another.

Stars R U OK? Day BBQ

A special thank you to Jordan, Tyla and the Dripstone Stars Girls for also putting on a free sausage sizzle for all students to celebrate R U OK? Day!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Big congratulations to Michael (Year 9) and Ameliah (Year 8) on their selections to represent the Northern Territory in the 2025 Emerging Championships!

Michael has been selected for the Under 15 Northern Territory team in the Emerging Socceroos Championships, while Ameliah will represent the NT U15 Girls squad in the CommBank Emerging Matildas team. Well done to both students on this fantastic achievement!

Congratulations to Alex and Findlay in Year 7 for their outstanding efforts at the NT Touch Championships!

Both students have earned a spot on the NT Under 12s team and will proudly represent the Northern Territory later this year – an incredible achievement!

On top of that, they were each awarded the Team Spirit Award, recognising their commitment, respect, and positive attitude throughout the carnival.

A huge congratulations to Fern for being named the Highest Try Scorer at the Darwin Junior League Awards!

This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Fern’s hard work, determination, and talent on the field. Well done, Fern!

A massive congratulations to Adam (Year 9) for an incredible week of achievements in the world of eightball!

Adam took home an impressive four titles in a recent competition:

• 2nd Place in the Six Red Shootout Event
• Awarded Best and Fairest in the Under 15s Division
• All Divs Junior Singles Champion
• And the big one – NT Under 15s Champion!

Great work, Adam!

A huge shoutout to Kendra, who had an outstanding weekend in Katherine at the NT BMX Titles!

Kendra brought home three 1NT Plates, taking the top spot in:

• 14 Girls
• Junior Superclass
• NT Series Champion – earned across events held all around the Territory throughout the year!

What an incredible achievement and testament to her dedication, talent, and hard work on the track.

Well done to Shannon, who has been named the Nightcliff Dragons Under 13s Boys Player of the Year!

This award recognises Shannon’s dedication, skill, and outstanding performance throughout the season. An incredible achievement – congratulations, Shannon!

NOTIFYING ABSENCES

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 will close on Friday 14th of November 2025! Students can pre-order a yearbook 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 Damien Seubert – our youngest alumni yet!

From Dripstone to Downlands College, Damien is making the most of academic and sporting opportunities while preparing for a future career in electrotechnology.

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.

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

Sport Voucher Scheme – 2025–26 Applications Now Open

Key Details:

• Semester 2 (July–Dec 2025) vouchers available now (opened 1 July 2025)
• Semester 1 (Jan–May 2026) vouchers open 1 January 2026
• Applications close: 24 May 2026
• Vouchers must be used by: 31 May 2026
• Each eligible child receives two $100 vouchers per year
• Open to children aged 5+, enrolled in an NT school or registered for home-schooling
• Vouchers can be used for sport, active recreation, and cultural activities

How to Apply:

Parents and carers can apply online at https://grantsnt.nt.gov.au/grants/sport-voucher-scheme-semester-2-july-to-dec-2025