Padbury Senior High Schools' Marine Festival : a D.I.L.E.
Contributed by Sue
Padbury Senior High School is situated in Perth's Northern Suburbs and its affinity with the ocean has been demonstrated by its recent mega event, the 2004 Marine Festival. This whole school event lasted three days in what was described as a dynamic interactive learning experience.
Students,
staff and parents were involved in the planning and conducting of this festival.
Students have become involved in what is being recognised as a school with a
strong emphasis on Marine Studies, with courses being run as part of the Science
program in all year eight to ten classes, and involvement through many other
subjects.
Since the beginning of the year, the school planned a series of events that
would appeal and stimulate the students to appreciate school and also the marine
environment. This involved all subjects at the school. Staff spent many months
devising some fabulous ways of involving their subject, or personal expertise,
to stimulate the students, from both Padbury Senior High School, and neighbouring
primary schools. The Marine Festival committee then put the pieces together
to make the event a huge success.
Tuesday
On
Tuesday night a quiz night was held, with the aim of raising funds to purchase
a trailer for use by the whole school, especially the transporting of SCUBA
equipment. The night was a massive event with over 100 people filling the schools
staff room. Tables made up with students, parents and staff aiming to be amongst
the winners of thousands of dollars worth of kindly donated prizes. The silent
auctions raised much interest and funds with some spectacular prizes. Some good
fun questions, all based on the theme of the ocean, of course, raised some debate
and a round of music had everybody singing along. The end of the night saw most
people walking away with a prize of some sort and over two thousand dollars
raised. Thanks especially go to Mrs Sue Jones, one very supportive parent!
Wednesday
The festival got off to a spectacular start with every high school student,
and many of the neighbouring primary school students, dressing up in marine
theme costumes and parading for all to see. There was the Octopus and sea snake,
the sea monkeys and beach boys and girls, so much creativity! Some speeches
from the Principal, local MLA Mr Rob Johnston and Primary Principal 
Mr
Howard Milne officially opened the festival. Students then watched drama teacher
Matt Bells brilliant students perform an open air extravaganza story all about
Poseidon, complete with dolphins and heroes aplenty.
All students then spent the day visiting the stalls and displays. The SCUBA
students were underwater for many hours in a 10000L dive tank supplied by Aaron
at Powerdive to show the skills they have. Some teachers could be dunked, the
bucking surfboard kept students on the ground as did the horizontal bungy jump,
and blow up castles were amongst many amusements. Teachers had students being
painted, eating fish and chips, throwing coights and many other fun stalls.
Students were busy with fish filleting and cooking demonstrations, lead by Luke
and his wonderful cooks. The day finished with a beach disco in the schools
gymnasium.
Thursday and Friday
Time
for the high school students to be involved! Teachers had put together a series
of workshops into a special timetable and students were invited to design their
own timetable for these two days. Special guest speaker, Mr David Dicks, solo
around the world sailor, addressed all students on the Thursday with some amazing
stories which encouraged individuals to pursue dreams. Other workshops included
SCUBA demonstrations, videos of diving and surfing, rope tying, jewellery making,
creative writing with visiting writers, boat racing amongst many others. The
DVD of the school camp to the Abrolhos islands also proved successful. Support
from administration, staff and students and visiting experts was a constant
highlight. Visits from the police water branch, sea cadets and flare demonstrations
were eagerly watched.
On the Friday afternoon staff and invited guests wound down with refreshments at the nearby Hillarys yacht club. Since the event concluded, the school has already begun planning for next years' event, and to make it bigger and better!
