Term 3

Term 3 - Week 8

Huge shout out to our younger academy members for ripping in this week. It's harder to run engaging activities with only 1 staff member, but thanks to their patience, enthusiasm and willingness to help out we got it done. I bet our senior boys have had an amazing week away at Ross Kelly Cup, however, I don't believe the junior boys have missed out. A quick recap of the week that was from the junior Emus.

We spent our afternoons cleaning up around the high school. Recycling all the bottles and cans, which in turn tops up our end of year sleep over and party fund, currently at $112. Scrubbed, washed and rinsed the van, giving it a much needed make over and glow up, which didn't last long as the rain rolled in on Thursday.

Used the early mornings to play a “King of Ping” table tennis competition with Lucas taking the crown. Raised out heart rates at Pheonix Gym burning some calories and putting our muscles to work. A big thank you to Lachie Cameron for giving up his time to take the boys through the session. Everyone who showed up to morning trainings this week got pancakes with passionfruit, banana and chocolate up and goes and bacon and egg sandwiches. We always reward our boys with a good feed for getting up so early in the morning

Final highlight from this week was watching the boys as they cheered proudly during his speech and voted for Blake to become Narrabri Clontarf’s first school captain. Eagerly awaiting the results!

Can't wait to hear the stories and see the photos from our Year 9 and 10 boys when they get back from the statewide rugby league carnival, the Ross Kelly Cup.

Term 3 - Week 7

We have seen a slow increase in the number of boys participating in our weekly activities as the weather warms up. It feels like a few boys have come out from hibernation. We encourage all of the academy members to take advantage of all things Clontarf has to offer. We notice a steady trend of the boys who are the most involved with us have the best attendance.

For morning trainings this week, we played different variations of touch football. On Friday we took our best young leaders to Narrabri Primary School, where we repeated the games from morning training. All explanations of the games and Clontarf spirit came directly from our academy members. With no further instruction necessary from staff. Fantastic signs of leadership by Callum, Cody, Rydell, Michael, Rodney and Rylan.

Centacare's weekly session taught the boys about substance awareness. They were very well behaved and showed a lot of respect towards the presenters. Maybe even more than usual as 2 of the presenters from Centacare are mothers of academy members. During the presentation everyone tested their hand eye coordination whilst wearing goggles that interpret the effects of different dugs.

We were very impressed with Khynen's cutting board he made this term at school. So much so that we put his photo up in the room as well as sharing it here for everyone to see. Well done Khynen. We are proud of all the boys' educational achievements.

Finally, this week we visited our partners Bunnings. Where Luke, Leondre, Rodney and Zeiken took part in their trades for teens program. Constructing a small outdoor dining set. The boys will continue working with Bunnings on a range of projects. When they are complete, we'll help them donate the furniture around Narrabri.

Term 3 - Week 6

A handful of our junior academy members travelled over to Narrabri Public School for the second time this term. We had a yarn about what Clontarf aims to do for the ATSI boys of Narrabri and how other academies are doing the same thing all across Australia. We played a few entertaining warm up games to get the boys moving. Followed by some mini games and wrapped the afternoon up with a huddle and explanation of Clontarf spirit and playing fairly.

Tuesday through to Thursday we hosted four of the other five academies in our region at the Narrabri Showgrounds. For the annual Northwest Rugby League carnival. Boys in Years 7 and 8 were invited to the camp as long as they have been attending school and following the rules. On the first night we held a Clontarf masterchef, boys split into groups and cooked different dishes in a bid to impress our judges. Luke (regional manager) and Wayne (Moree). All meals bar one were consumed by the attending boys. Leaving staff with the least desired dish.

Wednesday morning, we were pleased to have both Narrabri High School Deputy Principals down to Cooma oval to witness the start of our carnival. We are even more proud of Clontarf senior academy member Zeiken doing the welcome to country. All boys in attendance represented Clontarf well and played with good spirit. Oxley academy bested Narrabri in the grand final. Although the score was 2 tries each, we don't play tie breakers and the first team to score is deemed the victor. Well done to Oxley.

Shortly after the carnival finished we waved goodbye to two of the travelling academies. Those remaining went to the RSL for the awards presentation and dinner. Followed up by a movie and popcorn at the Crossing Theatre.

Thursday morning the boys got together for one final activity to round off the carnival. Heading down to Cooma oval again for a super morning training.

Big thanks to our supporters and partners who made the carnival possible. We appreciate all the help from Santos, Bunnings, Woolworths, Whitehaven, Meat on Maitland, NSW Police, Narrabri Shire Council, Narrabri RSL and Narrabri High School.

Term 3 - Week 5

Halfway mark for term 3 already. Goodness me time flies when you are having fun and enjoying what you do.

For our afternoon activities we played 4 square tennis. We only had 3 of the boys stick around, all of whom are in Year 7. Winners are grinners though. As an extra reward for sticking around the boys made milkshakes after our game. The second afternoon we headed up to Sawn Rocks for a nature walk, exploring, posing and barbecuing.

The boys enjoyed exploring the beautiful Sawn Rocks in the Mount Kaputar Range, the boys were super excited to travel up there as for some it being their first time. The Emus took the 1.5km round walk, got back had a delicious feed for afternoon tea. All boys are keen to explore more of the Kaputar Range. (Corey Dixon)

The boys spent the morning training sessions sharpening their rugby league skills. Whilst they have been training the staff have been working hard behind the scenes to organise Narrabri's first Clontarf carnival. Our Year 7 & 8 students that have been attending school and participating fully are all invited to the 2 night camp at the Narrabri showgrounds. Where we will spend the night with our brother academies from the Northwest. Quirindi, Oxley, Inverell, Moree and Gunnedah.

Our Year 9 & 10 boys are invited to the prestigious Ross Kelly Cup in week 8. All Clontarf Academies across NSW will meet for a 4 day camp on the Central Coast and greater Sydney region, it's one of the best experiences we offer.

Looking forward to sharing more about theses carnivals over the coming weeks.

Term 3 - Week 4

Week four saw the senior Clontarf members travel down to Sydney to give a presentation at Whitehaven Coal head office in the heart of Sydney.

Wednesday night the Emus made their way to the Penrith Panther's Leagues Club for dinner and they had a whack at the aqua golf just outside. All attempting to hit the ball to the other side of the water, on to the Panther's training field.

The boys presented a slideshow to the staff at Whitehaven Coal, showing off what we do as an academy and what the boys' have achieved. All Emus got to speak on our Clontarf pillars and what it means to them. After the slideshow was completed, we held a Q&A with the Whitehaven staff. Getting to know what jobs exist within the industry. One of our boys showed interest in the financial side of the company and another inquired about heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeships.

Whitehaven Coal plays a big part in the Northwest NSW Region, having four out of the six mines in the area, Narrabri having the largest underground coal mine in the company. After the partner visit, we went for a walk through the Sydney CBD down to the Sydney Opera House and to look at the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The evening and camp was topped off by experiencing a fast-paced NRL game at the Panther's home Stadium. Watching them take on the Melbourne Storm and unfortunately just lose. With all the good times had, it was still nearly impossible to get the boys to smile for a photo. All teeth until the camera comes out. Fortunately for us where the senior boys let us down the junior boys came through, posing for some very expressive, creative and rare photos.

Due to the camp being on we only had one afternoon activity and one morning training this week. The boys played kick tennis, 4 square tennis (a hybrid game of tennis and handball) and tested their patience and fine motor skills building some Ninja Legos.

The ping pong table is really starting to warm up. The Clontarf boys are getting better every day, and they have an open challenge to any school staff that have the time, to come down to the room during lunch or recess breaks to test out your skills.

Term 3 - Week 3

Monday night we invited the Year 10 Clontarf men and their families to the Tourist for dinner to discuss the importance of their subject selections leading into Years 11 and 12. The boys dressed the part and listened intently to a quick delivery from myself and northwest employment officer Luke “Tubby” Taylor. Take home message was to lean on the support you have in your senior years. The school staff, Clontarf staff, family and friends. Don’t grow up to quick enjoy what school and Clontarf bring to the table. Think hard about your subjects and make sure you are picking classes to help you succeed in the future. Thanks to all the families for making the effort to come down. We really appreciate it. Can’t wait to see what these young men will achieve over the coming years.

Tuesday, we had a presentation from Service NSW informing our senior students on how they can now do their learners test from home and then head to the Service NSW centre to attain their license. Clontarf will pay for each boy in our program to get their license and for driving lessons. That afternoon we had a Lego building competition in the room and cashed in our bottles/cans at the return and earn centre.

Wednesday was the school's celebration of NAIDOC. It was fantastic to see all the activities put on that day and all the members of the community interacting. We've had an offer from one of the Aunties to show the boys how to make Jonny cakes. Something we will do one afternoon this term.

On Friday a group of our boys went to the Narrabri Public School for interaction with next year’s Year 7. The boys played a few minute to win it games followed by some rugby league skills and drills. Finished off with a game of touch footy. The Year 6 boys enjoyed the arvo and can't wait for our visit next week. (Ashley Hynch).

Term 3 - Week 2

Last term the Narrabri Commonwealth Bank of Australia branch reached out to our Clontarf Academy. Asking if any of our students would be interested in painting some canvases they could hang in their building. The boys worked on the paintings over several weeks during afternoon activity time. The boys were very proud of what they put together and will be eager to see the paintings hanging up in branch soon. The concept and designs came from the girls in the Year 12 Aboriginal Studies class. Nisha, Maddison, Temarri-Lei and Lillian. The painting and artistic expression came from the Clontarf group. Rylan, Mavrick, Koby, Michael, Cody, Rydell, Leondre, Tyler and CJ.

This week we enjoyed playing 4 square tennis, disc golf and Oztag. We cooked up bacon and eggs twice, decorated (then consumed) cookies and cupcakes, ham and cheese toasties and had pork or lamb gravy rolls. With all the activities and food on offer it is easy to see why the boys enjoy the program.

Friday morning was another cold one in Narrabri, but super impressed with the boys getting up, having a run around and starting the day right. We were lucky to be joined by Dave and Steve from the Australian Defence Force for this morning’s training session. Played a few different variations of Oztag before a hot BBQ breakfast. Dave and Steve invited the boys to a presentation they were doing later in the day at the school. Glad to see about half the boys at breakfast take them up on the offer.

Ashley will be joining the senior Clontarf boys over at the jobs and trades show Friday afternoon. Encouraging the boys to think about their employment options after school.

Term 3 - Week 1

Welcome back everyone. Term 3 has started. The early mornings and days are slowly getting warmer. Very slowly, but we are starting to notice the difference.

We only had the room open for 3 days this week while we were away in Tamworth for some staff development Monday and Tuesday. For the first afternoon activity of the term our more artistically minded fellas got into the room to put some finishing touches on the paintings they were working. They started on the paintings at the end of term 2. We hope to see them hung up at the CBA Narrabri branch, as they provided us with the canvases.

The following day for our first morning training of the term we dusted the cobwebs off and threw the Steeden around. The boys couldn't decide who was the best trainer of the day, so we split the honour amongst the whole group. Celebrating with pancakes and hot chocolate for breakfast. Special treat for getting up early and putting in the extra effort.