Prefer the PDF? - Darfield High School

ISSUE 3
Year 9 Team Building
Page 5
Mt Somers Tramp
Page 6
North for Geography
Page 9
Year 7 Camps
Page 12
Ki o Rahi
Page 22
|
THURSDAY 24 MARCH
|2016
Ex-Student News:
Phillippa Jacobs
"It ’s always great to run
a successful business,
but being a successful
person comes about by
helping others!"
Above: Phillippa Jacobs
There are two sides to ex-student Phillippa
Jacobs. One is proudly looking after the
clients of her 18+ year old business, Mega
Advertising, the other is how she looks
after her community.
On International Women’s Day this month,
Phillippa received one of the 50 Women
of Achievement Awards, in New Zealand,
in recognition of her service to the
community. This award celebrates women
who have focussed their passion, drive, and
valued time, working towards building
more positive communities.
The positive community values Phillippa
exemplifies today are, in part, grounded
in her time at Darfield High School, where
she herself received strong support from
staff, her peer group, and members of the
Malvern community.
Phillippa has been a member of Zonta since
2007, holding positions such as two years
as President of her local Club, two years
National (D16) Z Club President, and seven
years as the Chair of Z Club (the youth side
of Zonta) at Avonside Girls’ High School.
During this time, she has helped many
charities, such as Ronald McDonald
House, Cholmondeley Children’s Home,
Holly House, YWCA, Christchurch Women’s
Centre, All Stars Kids Club, Debra, and
many, many more. Her role as Chair of the
Z Club committee, for her Zonta Club of
Christchurch-Canterbury, has meant going
most weeks to Avonside Girls’ High School,
working alongside the students on various
service projects and helping empower them
to do amazing things in their community
by mentoring and encouraging them to do
service and fundraising.
"The Z Club girls inspire me do this…I see
the difference we make in the girls, I see the
difference they make to our community."
"It is truly so special to be able to serve our
community, guiding these great young
women, and others as a NZ Business Mentor,
as Chair of Business Chicks Canterbury,
Chair of Business Brains, Yoobee School of
Design Industries Board, etc.”
"It’s always great to run a successful business,
but being a successful person comes about
by helping others!"
http://zonta.org.nz/wp-content/
uploads/2016/03/50-Anniversary-CelebrationAwards-50-Women-of-Achievement-2016.pdf
DHS DISPATCH welcomes any news or
photographs you have from events our
students have attended outside of school.
We love to hear about and share successes
and interesting stories.
Please email:
[email protected]
Black and white paper copies are available
from reception or Student Administration.
Colour and back copies can be ordered
by emailing the above address. Please
enquire for cost.
Advertising: If you would like to advertise
in our newsletter, please email for more
information.
7 McLaughlins Road
PO Box 5
Darfield 7541
New Zealand
[email protected]
www.darfield.school.nz
Around School
Phone: +64 3 318 8411
Fax: +64 3 318 8543
Copyright: You are welcome to reproduce
material from the newsletter after
gaining permission from the school.
All reproduced material must be
appropriately acknowledged.
Enjoying Maths lesson in the
Learning CentreCongratulations,
you two have won an Around
School prize.
See Mrs Watson next week .
2
This symbol means there is an
album on our website relating
to this article. Photos may be
downloaded for personal use only. There is
a download icon at the right of each photo.
24 March 2016
These students
receive a
certificate and
a $10 voucher
AL’S AWAR
NCIP
DS
PRI
Principal’s Comments and Awards
Rosa Dunnlogan
Sophie Kingi
Bailey Crawford
Paige Hunter
Katie Molloy
Brooke Thomason
Lily Cameron
Tamzin Brunton
Ryan Neal
Ruby Marshall
Jack Kennedy
Niamh Guy
James Bayliss
Angus Whitaker
Uniform Reminders:
Jackets for cooler weather:
students are permitted to wear either a
plain navy or plain black jacket with their
uniform to keep warm on cooler days.
Jackets and DHS scarves are for outdoor
wear.
Socks:
Ensure that your child is wearing the
correct socks to school. For both girls and
boys, knee-high black socks are required.
Student Absence During Term Time
Students enrolled at a school are required
by law to attend when the school is open.
Clearly, regular attendance at school is
fundamental to good learning. NZ research
shows that absence from school can
significantly affect achievement at school
at seemingly quite low levels of absence. As
such, we want to support students to be
learning at school whenever possible.
For a variety of reasons, such as illness,
bereavement, and extreme weather, absence
from school is unavoidable. In such cases, a
phone call or note to the school is needed
to explain the absence. Parents who know
in advance that their child will be absent
from school are asked to notify the Principal
stating the reasons for the leave. This absence
will be recorded in the attendance register
as justified or unjustified, depending on the
circumstances.
The Education Act says:
“If satisfied that a student's absence was, or
will be, justified, the principal of the school
may exempt the student from attending
the school for a period of no more than five
school days.”
Our school guidelines say that an absence is
justified if, in the Principal’s judgement,
•
the absence is due to unplanned
circumstances (eg illness, bereavement,
extreme weather, bus breakdown); or
Jewellery:
The only jewellery permitted is a
wristwatch and one gold or silver stud in
each ear. No other jewellery is to be worn.
•
there are significant potential positive
educational, cultural, sporting, or family
outcomes that could not be fulfilled at
another time; and
Blazers:
Blazers are to be worn on Tuesdays.
Parents, please remind your students
to bring their blazers on Tuesdays for
Assemblies.
•
the potential adverse effect on the
student’s education is likely to be limited.
Found:
A blazer with the name Caleb Taylor on
the inside. Please contact the office if this
blazer is your son or daughters.
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
Absences of greater than five days are
not able to be justified by the Principal.
Unfortunately, there is no guidance for what
to do about absences greater than five
days. If a student is absent due to the family
going on holiday, then this is entered in the
attendance record as code G – Holiday during
term time. This is an unjustified absence. It
does not mean that there will not be benefits
for the child or family in taking the holiday,
however, the Ministry of Education wants
such absences recorded in this way.
Sometimes the school receives requests for
work to be provided for a student who is
absent. When a student is absent from class,
•
but marked present due to it being a
school approved activity (eg school trip,
internal school appointment); or
•
the absence is justified; and
•
a parent or student requests work
then a teacher should endeavour to
provide work where this is reasonable and
manageable (eg, workbook, textbook,
worksheet, class online resources). It is not
expected that work will be marked unless this
would be happening for work done in the
class anyway.
When a student absence is unjustified for
any reason, then a teacher is not obliged to
provide work, but may choose to do so.
Regardless of an absence being justified
or unjustified, NCEA procedures must be
complied with as per published NCEA
guidelines (eg extensions, derived grades).
These guidelines are required by NZQA in
order to ensure fairness and validity for
our internal assessments. As such, if an
assessment is missed it may not be able to be
retaken at a later time.
James Morris
Sunday 3 April
3
Kowhaiwhai Art
Year 8HL Students have been
working with their Art teacher, Mrs
Milne, to create Maori Kowhaiwhai
patterns.
Here is a selection of students work:
Callum Watson
Vincent Mandapat
Brook Leighton
Sam Chaffey
Quin Middleton
Callum Watson
Rosa Dunnlogan
4
Arthur Oakley
Caleb Blackler
24 March 2016
Year 9
Team Talk
9MB
We did some really fun activities, eg we
had to get the whole team across the field
on tyres. It showed that we could work as
a team when we pulled together. Oh yeah,
the raising-the-flag activity was really cool
as well.
Apart from getting out of the classroom,
it was really useful to work with other
members of the class in a different
situation. I thought this was a really good
way to get to know other people.
It was really well organised, lots of different
stuff to do and we all really enjoyed it.
9JD
On Monday 15 February, our class
participated in a team building day
that the counsellors put on for all of the
Year 9 classes to get to know each other
better. We did some interesting activities,
including the tyre game (don’t touch the
ground, only the tyres), and a pulsing
hand game—where you are in two lines
and hold hands: there is a person at the
start who says close your eyes and then
the people at the front of the line start
the pulse and send it down the line. The
team who picks up the lollipops, wins. We
learned all about respecting our peers
and teachers during school. Everyone
thoroughly enjoyed the day and we hope
to do it again soon.
9BH
In the first week of Year 9 at Darfield High
School, students came to school ready
for a day packed full of fun activities that
were planned by the amazing counsellors.
The aim was for the students to make new
friends and become confident with their
class.
The majority of the students thoroughly
enjoyed Team Building Day, and found it
was a great confidence builder for them.
Many say that they would like to do
something like this again.
9BV
On Friday 12 February, it was my class's
turn to do the team building with Mrs
Hamilton and Mrs Mallinder; we did it just
across the road from school in the little
hall by the primary school.
We did activities, such as trust games, to
get to know each other more. One of the
activities was to design a flag and then
we had to make a structure to make the
flag go up and down, as if it was a flag
pole. We got given newspaper and straws,
etc. Some people thought it was fun,
interesting, boring—it depended.
Students of 9BH agree that the interactive
name game was by far the most fun. In this
game we had to gather into a circle and
throw a ball to each other. If the ball got
thrown to me, I would firstly tell the class
my name and a little about what I like to
do. Kyla said, “This was a really good way
for me to get to learn everybody's names
and find a friend who likes to do the same
things as I like to do."
The Year 9 classes also had to be randomly
put into teams for a co-operative activity.
This meant the groups had to co-operate,
while lowering a hula-hoop with one
finger each. There were many more team
building activities and this is just a small
proportion of them but, as you can tell, the
students had great fun and made heaps of
new friends during this day.
9NV
On Tuesday 9 February, 9NV had their
Team Building day. We learnt a lot about
how to work together but we also learnt
a lot about each other, and had fun at the
same time!
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
5
OUTDOOR ED
Mt Somers Tramp
By Bailey Campbell
Mount Somers tramp was all we thought
it would be—a challenging walk with
amazing views and a great testing ground
for group fitness.
We started on Saturday 13 February,
with an early start at school; fully packed
and ready to go, we hit the road. After a
short drive to Mt Somers, we arrived in
the car park. While planning our route
up the mountain, we were getting eaten
by sandflies, which made it increasingly
harder to listen to Mr Dickens. The
conclusion we came to, was that, due to
weather conditions, we would do the track
backwards, starting by walking up to the
summit and then, the next day, going to
Pinnacles Hut.
The climb to the summit of Mt Somers was
not only testing but rewarding. The nearvertical slope challenged all the members
of the group, climbing through the clouds
and then out the other side meant we
had finally reached the top. Spectacular
views of the clouds below us and the
Canterbury Plains ahead made for a great
venue for afternoon tea.
The first night was eventful, with Eric’s
interesting dinner choice of noodles and
tuna. It was great entertainment watching
him try to eat it. The morning revealed
another breathtaking vista, which was
rewarding after the tough climb the
previous day.
We started our descent towards Pinnacles
Hut. Because of the blistering heat that
day, we made a group decision to go
off the track and head to some caves
that were not too far away. It made for a
refreshing lunch, where we all regained
our energy and were ready to climb to
Pinnacles Hut.
On arrival, the sight of running water and
beds was a welcome one. Our last night in
the hut was a fun one, with many games of
Spoons and Cheat. Our walk out was just
as spectacular as the climb up. Following
the river back to the car park made for an
easy walk to end the day.
The tramp that is the Mt Somers track is
a DHS tradition, and I now see why: an
amazing hike with some awesome people.
6
Find the album on our Gallery
at http://darfield.school.nz/
24 March 2016
Books with Bob
Bob Docherty entertained Year 7s and 8s
today with his latest reviews at Books with
Bob.
Always popular with our students, Bob
regaled us with book talks from friendship
stories, such as Goodbye Stranger, to NonFiction, Jammin with Steven Adams, plus many
more.
If you enjoyed The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas,
then John Boyne’s latest book, The Boy at the
top of the Mountain is a must-read.
Come into the library to reserve any of the
books Bob talked about today. Also check
out Bob’s Recommendations at https://
bobsbooksnz.wordpress.com/ or find the
link at http://www.dhslibrary.nz/
Emma and Celine are off to Japan!
Above: Celine and Emma
Emma Ashworth and Celine Jenkins have
been selected from 14 applicants to go on an
amazing trip to Japan with their mothers.
This trip was made possible by the
Christchurch/Kurashiki Japan Exchange
for Youth With Disabilities. Tania McKenzie,
member of the Christchurch Kurashiki
Sister City Committee and convenor of an
exchange for youth with disabilities, will be
accompanying the group.
Christchurch and Kurashiki in Japan became
sister cities in 1973. This exchange provides
an opportunity for youth with disabilities,
both in Christchurch and Kurashiki, to
experience the culture of each other’s cities
and see first-hand what services and facilities
each city has for people with disabilities.
In alternate years, two young people from
Kurashiki visit Christchurch. The exchange
is principally funded by the generous
sponsorship of Independent Fisheries.
They will depart Christchurch with their
mothers and Tania on 10 April 2016 and
return on 23 April 2016.
On Friday 8 April, they will also be attending a
Civic function at the Christchurch City Council
with the Mayor (or her representative).
We will be looking forward to seeing their
photos and hearing about their trip.
French Exchange
Above: Harriet and Eloise at the airport
Last Sunday, we farewelled two of our Year
12 students as they were embarking on the
big French adventure! This is the start of the
2016 French Exchange programme.
Accompanied for the first week, by Mrs Elliot,
Harriet Watson and Eloise Dance will visit
Paris and then travel to Brittany where they
will stay for the following eight weeks. On
their return, a group of five French students
will come home with them and stay with us
here in Darfield for another two months. We
are looking forward to hear all about Harriet
and Eloise's big adventure!
Being Buddies
On Tuesday 22 March, 7CC worked with
the Japanese boys from Setagaya Gakuen.
We showed them pictures of New Zealand
Kiwiana and got the Japanese students to
tell us what it was in Japanese. We learnt how
to write and speak some Japanese also. We
learnt about our Japanese buddies by asking
them lots of questions.
When we finished, we went outside and
played a game. It was funny watching the
reaction of the Japanese students when they
were skipped in the game.
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
7
Our Year 11 Geography Trip to:
Our adventure started on Thursday 3 March,
bright and early, at the bus bay. We loaded
all of our gear onto the bus, called the
roll and rushed for a good seat. First stop:
Kaikoura!
The trip was long, but very scenic. Despite
our lack of talent, the Year 11 Geography
classes did enjoy a good karaoke throwback
to the soundtrack of High School Musical
(much to Mr Quinn’s horror).
Once we passed all the winding hills, we
arrived on the coast and everyone scrambled
to see the dolphins and seals that we could
see from the road. It didn’t take long for us to
reach our final destination, the Kaikoura Top
Ten Holiday Park.
8
Once we arrived, we all quickly unpacked
into our conference room as we had Teri,
from Whale Watch Kaikoura, coming to
talk to us about what they do. It was a very
interesting speech, but none of us were really
concentrating as next, we had our trip on
the Whale Watch boats! When the talk finally
came to an end, we gathered our warmer
clothes, lathered ourselves in sunscreen and
made our way over to the Whale Watch office,
only to find our trip had been cancelled. It
had been cancelled because the two earlier
trips hadn’t seen anything and also the wind
had started to pick up a bit. Although it was
disappointing not going on the whale watch
boat, we did get to go on the bird, dolphin
and seal watch. This trip was a more coastal
based boat ride. When the time came, we
jumped on the bus over to the dock, had our
safety brief and got on the boat!
The trip was absolutely amazing! We saw
seals, albatrosses, dolphins, and plenty of
other sea life. The dolphins were so playful,
and we were surrounded by them, watching
them duck and dive, catching the jets of
water the boats were putting out. Many of
us stared enviously across to the other boats
where there were swimmers suited up to
swim. We continued to see dolphins all the
way around the coast. It wasn’t whales, but it
was certainly a good substitute!
After our boat ride, we were all allocated
our cabins and then had some free time. A
24 March 2016
Article and photos
by Katie Sharp
couple of hours passed, and it was time for
our dinner reservation at Robbies. There we
had a delicious meal. After dinner we ran
over to New World and bought some ice
cream for dessert. We then bussed back to the
campground, where we were instructed to
get into some walking shoes for a walk right
over to the Point, where we saw a couple of
seals and a very pretty sunset. After our walk,
we had ice cream and went to bed.
The day began bright and early, as we had
to be in Hanmer ASAP to start our data
collection. We got up and organised, had
some breakfast, made some lunch, packed
and then we were off. This bus ride also
included a lot of karaoke!
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
When we arrived in Hanmer, we didn’t have
time to unpack, so we went up to the camp
to sign in, and then we were dropped straight
into town, where we were to start our first
lot of data collection. After counting some
people, we took the long walk back to the
camp ground, where some team building
activities awaited for us.
After being out in the hot sun for a few hours,
we then all got changed into our togs as we
were on our way to the pools, where Shane,
the marketing manager at the hot pools,
would be talking to us about what they do,
and some facts and figures that would help
us with our assessment. After the talk, we all
swam at the pool for a couple of hours and
had some fish and chips for dinner.
The next day was our last day of the field
trip, and we needed to get up and packed
to get on the bus to drive into Hanmer and
do our last lot of data collection. When
we arrived in the township, we all had an
hour or so of free time to waste (many of us
bought out the lolly shop). Once we finished
our data collection, it was time to head
home.
Thank you so much to Mr Quinn and Miss
Petersen who came on the trip with us!
See next page for more photos photos
from the trip
9
10
24 March 2016
WORLD VISION YOUTH CONFERENCE
Recently, a group of seniors attended the
annual World Vision Youth Conference,
also attended by many other South Island
students, keen to put their hands up and run
the 40 Hour Famine event at their schools.
It was a day of insights and inspiration, of fun
and games, as they heard and were shown
about why this is necessary, and gave them
the motivation and power to believe they can
make a change.
Students listened to speakers - one, Daniel
Flynn, talked about his dream to set up a
bottled water company, Thankyou, with
all profits going towards the world's water
crisis. He was riveting to listen to as he spoke
of the setbacks and moments he endured
to see his dream through. At the end of his
presentation, he gifted each student with
two of his books, Chapter One, the story of his
idea, which developed into an award-winning
consumer goods brand.
We have an exciting new challenge for you
this year as we focus on refugee children.
At the beginning of Term 2, our leaders will
be kicking off the campaign, so listen out in
assemblies and get ready to take part.
Above: Businessman, Daniel Flynn
"The World Vision Youth Conference was
very inspirational. The day was filled with
speakers who were able to give their opinion
on the way they see the world in this
generation and how badly some people are
treated. The guest speakers encouraged us
to think about what it is like to one of the 16
million Syrian refugees who are left without
humanity, and how this would impact the
world. One of the guest speakers, Dan Flynn
said " One thing that stop us from putting
it all in, is excuses." This instantly made me
think about how many excuses I have made
and how it could stop me from getting to
where I want to go. After going to the Youth
Conference, I would definately recommend
it to future Year 12 and 13 students; it can
truly impact the decisions you make but also
inspire you to help make a change in this
world."
Olivia McEwan
Above: Lee-Ann, Georgie, Maddie, Abbie, Gus and
Olivia at the Conference
"I really enjoyed the Youth Conference 2016.
First, I was a bit shocked as they started to
talk about Donald Trump and how they
support him. Luckily, they explained that
later. The speakers were great and I found
it quite interesting how they all were
connected to World Vision in the beginning
of their idea. I hope we can also do
something that can help to solve the biggest
humanity crises in the world right now".
Lee-Ann
"The World Vision leadership day really
opened my eyes to the horrible things that
are happening in the world and also showed
me the things we all can do to help make a
difference for these people. "
Georgia Watson
"The World Vision Leadership Day was an
incredibly humbling experience, and opened
all of our eyes to the shocking realities of life
in countries other than our own. At times it
was hard to comprehend the horrors that
some people consider the norm, specifically
focussing on the children of Syria at the
present time. However, although it was hard
to see, it has inspired us to work as a team
and do everything we can to raise money
for the children less fortunate than we are.
The incredible speakers we had during the
day emphasised to us that we can all make a
difference and we need to take responsibility
for our world. I believe we all came away
from this day with a new-found desire and
a passion to do what we can to make a
difference in the lives of others, starting with
this year's 40 Hour Famine."
Abbie
THE 2016 40 HOUR
FAMINE: WHAT'S
DIFFERENT?
This year, we will be supporting children
and families affected by conflict in Syria.
Through no fault of their own, thousands
of children have had to leave their
homes and find safety in a refugee camp
in a foreign country. They left friends,
family, school and all their favourite
things behind. That's why the money
raised in 2016 will be used to fund World
Vision's child-friendly spaces in Jordan, a
country next to Syria that is now home to
thousands of refugees.
These spaces restore hope, encourage
community, and enable kids to be kids
again. These are safe and welcoming
places where they can play again with
other children, do fun things like art and
sport but, most importantly, can start to
attend school again. This will ensure they
are better equipped to one day rebuild
their country. World Vision will provide
teachers and counsellors who can help
kids talk about some of the hard things
they experienced and help them to feel
safe and loved.
THE BACKPACK CHALLENGE:
ONE WEEKEND, ONE BACKPACK
In 2016, the 40 Hour Famine challenges
you to live out of your backpack for an
entire weekend, the same way thousands
of refugee children have had to. At a
moment's notice, many children have had
to pack their lives into a backpack.
You will be using only what you can
fit inside: all the clothes and bedding
you need to keep warm and dry, the
food you need, an adequate water
supply, something to remember home
by, and maybe something to keep you
entertained. You may want to live in a
cardboard box or sleep on the floor for
the weekend and do away with electricity.
How about getting together in a group
and sharing what you have got?
Sounds like a challenge? You bet!
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
11
LAKE LYNDON LODGE: Y EAR 7 CAMPS
Year 7 groups
share their camp
experiences at
Lake Lyndon
12
24 March 2016
7LW and 7KK
7LW and eight from 7KK recently had the
wonderful experience of three days’ camping
at Lake Lyndon Lodge. We arrived by bus and
had to walk 500 metres to our lodge. This was
difficult for those who brought suitcases or
several overnight bags!
In the afternoon, we all went for a three- to
four-hour walk. Whew! It was hard and hot
work for us—well most of us. Mrs Walker
stayed back to drive the van to one of our
rest points later on. Near the end, some boys
thought it would be fun to take a shortcut.
Not so much fun when you end up stuck in
mud to your waistline. It didn’t matter in the
end, as we all had a swim in the lake to clean
up and cool down.
The next day, we had mountain biking,
skiffing and bush craft activities (thanks Mr
Mac and Mr Walker for the three buckets of
'rain' to test our shelters while we sat under
them). I hope you liked the cup of tea we
made on our Trangia.
It started to rain a little near the end, but
we still kept going. In fact, while it rained
we even competed in a triathlon. That’s how
tough our classes are!
It even snowed for us on our last day. Mrs
Walker, 7LW and 8 from 7KK would like to
thank the amazing Mr Mac, Gus Thomas (Year
12 rockstar!), parent helpers Mike and Claire,
Kieran and Anita from EONZ and last, but not
least, the wonderful meal maker and teacher
support - Richard Walker.
7HB and 7SJ Camp
From 7–9 March, 7HB and 7SJ went on camp
to Lake Lyndon. When we arrived, a car came
and took our gear over to the lodge. We ate
some food, then went on a three-hour walk
around the hills. It was easy to do, but we had
to walk through matagouri bushes, along
grass creeks, up hills, down hills and more.
At dinner time, we had spaghetti bolognese
and salad. For dessert, we had chocolate,
strawberry or vanilla pudding with fruit salad.
Near dark, we played lots of games outside,
like Spotlight and Capture the Flag. Everyone
stayed up talking really late so we were pretty
tired.
The next day, we did three activities:
bushcraft, mountain biking, and skiffing.
Bushcraft was building tents out of tarpaulin
and string that were hidden round the place.
We used stuff that we found, like a bbq and a
bbq plate, and sticks that were lying around.
For mountain biking, we rode bikes around
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
13
Year 7 Camps continued....
a track that went beside the lodge and
down by the lake. There was a track that
went up the mountains. The last activity
was skiffing and we played lots of games,
like piano keys. It is where you have to run
across the skiff without falling off; then we
got to jump off the skiff. For dinner we had
sausages, bread rolls and salad. Dessert
was melted chocolate buttons and fruit
salad.
That night was much quieter than the last
and we all fell asleep much more quickly.
On the third day, we did orienteering in
groups in search of the nine flags. The
flags were on hills under bushes and trees
and more. After that, we had lunch (all
the home baking) and then played a few
games before we left.
We got back to school at quarter to three,
so we played some more games and then
went home. That was the end of the Year 7
Camp 2016.
7CC and 7KK
On Wednesday 16 March, 7CC and one
third of 7KK went up to Lake Lyndon
Lodge for their camp.
Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is available to parents
with Gmail or Windowslive email
addresses.
The Portal gives access to information
about your student(s), including
timetables, attendance, reports, and
NCEA results.
To access the Portal, register a Gmail
or Windowslive email address with the
school. Then, go to parents.darfield.
school.nz and log in using that email
address.
This does not mean changing
your existing email address. Email
correspondence will continue to be
sent to your existing address, and the
Gmail/Windowslive one will be used by
you only to access the portal.
If you already have a Gmail or
Windowslive email address, that can be
used for the portal, but you must still
ask for it to be registered for the portal.
To register an email address for the
Portal, send a message to jane@
darfield.school.nz.
Unfortunately, the weather was rather
cold and drizzly when we arrived and
(to the relief of some people) we were
unable to complete the 'Big Walk'. Instead,
we walked around the whole of the lake.
When it warmed up, we were able to go
swimming but it was still rather cold.
On the second and third days, we woke up
to sunshine. We were able to complete all
the timetabled activities. They were heaps
of fun and challenged everyone. It was
great to get to know our classmates better
and learn more about the 7KK students.
A highlight of camp was the camp concert.
We got to see people’s many hidden
talents, including James Day's outstanding
haka performance and Oscar Gosling's
singing, which silenced the audience.
A huge thank you to our camp parents,
Jo Taylor, Matt Jones, Karen Day and Jan
Curle, the OENZ Instructors, Anita and
Kieran, and our teachers, Miss Kensington
and Mrs Cartman. Without you, camp
would not have been as great a success as
it was.
Malvern A&P Show
Saturday 26 March
Easter Saturday
Head along and check out our students'
entries. Enjoy the stalls, machinery
and entertainment. The Rural College
students will also be there helping
throughout the day.
Free parking and free entry for 16 years
and under!
14
24 March 2016
Geek Camp
From 9–23 January, I was lucky enough to
attend the 2016 Rotary National Science
and Technology Forum. During the forum,
168 science and tech geeks (six of whom
were from Australia) stayed in the Auckland
University halls and travelled by bus,
or walked, each day to universities and
businesses around the Auckland area, for
lectures, lab sessions, speakers and business
visits. One of my favourite activities on forum
was the bus rides as they always involved
bus singing, a serious, yet totally awesome
experience that had everyone involved (at
times, even the bus driver).
Our lectures were also definitely a highlight.
We attended a total of seventeen lectures
at Auckland University campuses, Massey
Albany campus, and the Auckland University
of Technology, learning what it is like to
attend university, as well as being taught
some awesome skills in science and
technology. My favourite lectures had to
be those centred around biology, including
microbiology and molecular biology,
although I found a surprising interest in most
of my lectures, such as nutrition, chemistry,
robotics, astronomy and biomedical sciences.
In microbiology, we looked at certain bacteria
strains and how they grew around antibiotics
on an agar plate; this told us which antibiotics
were most effective. We were also taught how
to identify bacteria using certain chemical
colouring and an impressive computer
system. Molecular biology included isolating
fruit deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to a point
where you can pick a string of DNA out of
your test tube with a kebab stick, and also
looking at isolating genes to figure out the
By Maddie Tasker
gene's code for certain diseases or disabilities.
I want to thank the Hornby Rotary Club for
accepting my application and seeing my
passion for science at my interview. I also
want to thank Mr Baars, Darfield’s HOD of
Science, as he introduced me to the crazy
idea of a summer science camp, and helped
me along the way with writing up my
application. Of course I cannot forget to thank
our amazing student advisors who helped us
out every step of the way on our Geek Camp,
and the amazing Rotary Clubs around New
Zealand and Australia that made science
become a real career option for me.
Last, but certainly not least, I thank Mr Peter
Best and his wife, Mrs Trish Best, for pulling
out all the stops and not only making Rotary
National Science and Technology Forum 2016
the best forum ever, but also for continuing
this amazing opportunity for young science
and tech geeks, opening up a new world of
options in science and technology studies
and careers.
Lastly, I do not want to miss out how much
fun I had up in Auckland over the two week,
'Geek Camp', as it came to be called. We
played volleyball, ran in the ‘Elite Walking
Crew’ around Auckland at 6.30 in the
morning, explored Auckland for a day, spent a
day on the beach, had hallway chat sessions,
and competed fiercely in fusbal tournaments.
I met so many wonderful, talented young
New Zealanders (and Australians), and made
a crazy amount of awesome friends, even
shedding a few tears when it came to the
time to say goodbye.
Above: Sam and I holding our precious robotic car
that could find its way out of a maze
Calling any science, engineering, technology
or mathematics geeks:
I highly recommend, to any Year 12 students
going into Year 13 with a love of science, to
have a look at applying for the next RNST
Forum, as it opens up amazing career and
study options, narrowing down the subjects
you want to take in university or polytechnic
(plus it is a crazy awesome amount of good
times over your summer holidays). Just do it.
Darfield High School Receives St John Award
Board of Trustees Chairperson, Sue Robinson,
was presented with a Priory Vote of Thanks
award at a recent ceremony held by St John
to acknowledge their long-serving members
and those who have supported St John.
Well known for its service to the community,
Darfield High School has several members of
St John on its staff. The school supports these
staff when they need to be on call during
work hours to respond to ambulance calls. We
are very lucky to have Jill Hill and Ross Meder
on staff and, until recently, Peter Cattell.
Post-earthquakes, the school not only
continued the existing support but also
provided St John with a venue to hold their
weekly training meetings. This has allowed
St John members to continue to provide the
highest standards to benefit the community
they serve.
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
Mrs Robinson was asked to share the award
with the students and staff during recent
assemblies and she is seen here (above)
presenting the award to Bailey Campbell,
Student Trustee.
15
CREATIVE WRITING:7HB
Sean the Leprechaun was a cheerful
little fellow who lived at the end of
the rainbow. One fine spring day, an
amazing thing happened to Sean…
He saw a door that opened and walked in.
Next minute, he was in a spa full of gold; he
didn’t understand how he was there. A few
seconds later, there was another door. Of
course, he opened it and then he was sitting
on top of the rainbow. Then he slipped and
fell off and Sean wakes up and releases it was
a dream. Sean thought how awesome his
dream was and fell asleep again…
Charlotte Roberts
He was walking along when he found a
unicorn. The unicorn was a girl and she had a
beautiful rainbow mane and tail. Sean went
up slowly to the unicorn and said, “Are you
okay?” The unicorn looked up at Sean with
big round eyes and Sean said, “I’m going to
call you Missy.”
Missy looked sad and Sean asked, “Are you
alright?” Missy moved her leg and there was a
big cut. Sean found a note which said: Please
look after my baby she is only one year old. I
have been caught. I love her sooooo much.
Goodbye my honey, Mummy loves you.
Thank you so much for looking after her.
with their St Patrick's Day stories:
seeing the world, but there was one major
problem—Sean had fallen in love with an
elegant, light brown jackalope, Eva. Sean had
been invited by Eva to go and explore the
outside world with her. He told Eva to give
him a few more days to think. When he was
walking home that same day, he thought and
thought about the offer, when something
caught his eye: the trees in the forest had
been so beautiful when he walked past but
now there was an empty paddock full of,
well, nothing. What had happened to
the paddock? Sean just had to
find out… to be continued.
Molly Mannering
Sean heard a buzzing. “Oh no, a bee,” said
Sean and he squashed it.
He took his foot off it and gulped when he
saw a fairy. The fairy flew up and slapped him.
“I'm sorry,” he called.
The fairy flew down the hill beside him. He
climbed the hill in front of him and saw, not
a city of gold, but a city of humans, and they
He went on an epic quest to
find GOLD. Sean went into his
mushroom house and pulled
out a spear, just in case, then
set off down the orange path to
the portal. He jumped in and,
WHOOSH, he fell down a green
hill and landed on a yellow brick
road.
“Alright, looks like I’m your new guardian.
Let's get you bandaged up.”
After a few years, Sean had trained Missy to
go back over the rainbow with him on her
back. Sean said to Missy that she was the best
unicorn ever. Sean fell in love with Missy and
they were very happy together. Missy grew
some wings and Sean was so happy he told
her that in a few years when she got stronger
they could fly over to New Zealand and see
all the beautiful scenery.
Years went by and Missy became stronger
so, one day Sean said, “Let’s go pack our bags
and fly off to New Zealand.” They flew into the
sunset…
Millie Wilson
Sean was an ordinary, magical leprechaun
with an ordinary, little house at the end of
the rainbow, but he was only a beginner
leprechaun, which meant he had not yet
earned his pot of gold. Sean had a choice
that he was sure of until this day changed his
future forever. The choice was to either go
to earn his pot of gold or go travelling and
16
24 March 2016
were in colourful clothes. When Sean walked
down the path, a lovely leprechaun girl ran
down to the city with a sack of gold. GOLD!
Sean ran after the little girl and grabbed the
shiny gold and, running to the portal, he
jumped through. Sean landed with a thump,
then he found a pot and dumped the gold
in it.
All of a sudden, a white unicorn with golden
eyes and a rainbow horn appeared. “Hello,
little man!” she said.
”I am not a little man, I am a rainbow
Leprechaun—last of my kind, ok?” yelled
Sean.
“Hmph, then I'll go." She disappeared into
thin air.
but he realised that the gold was the only
thing that had colour. He could put some
gold on the ground, then light would grow
over this strange stone, a rainbow will appear
and then he would use the rainbow's power
to get back to his dimension. The only
problem is, if the monsters get to the pot of
gold or the golden seed, they would turn
dark and there would be no chance of getting
home, so he would have to defend the gold
and the gold piece.
Around 10 hours later, the light spread a lot.
Another day and he would have a rainbow
to escape! The monsters got to the light seed
and pot of gold. There was no chance of
escaping and he would be stuck there forever.
Logan Hindle
“Ha! At least I've got my gold.”
He turned around to the pot and cried–he
had lost his gold; the unicorn had stolen it!
The next day, Sean started mining. He found
lots of gold and lived happily ever after!
Isabella Stevenson
A blackish portal appeared; he didn't know
why, but he went inside this strange portal.
He felt like he was having a seizure until he
was warping through space and time, and
then he was in another dimension, still with
his pot of gold.
This dimension is very weird: dark monsters,
always night time, no rainbows, no colour—
nothing. He would be stuck there forever…
A unicorn called Pegasus flew down from
the sky! Pegasus had luscious wings and a
glistening white mane. Pegasus could speak
English and said, “Come and join me on a
magical journey to see my home in the sky!”
Obviously, Sean said, “Yes I’d love to see your
magical home!”
So Sean jumped on Pegasus's back and flew
off. There was a palace full of magical horses
and a diamond waterfall. Best of all, there was
a statue of a giant duck in the middle. Sean
decided to go and touch the duck. WHOOSH!
Suddenly Sean was in a different world full of
ducks!
“Quack, quack, quack!” quacked the ducks.
There were Mallard ducks, Peking ducks
and all the breeds of ducks you could think
of. Suddenly, Sean saw a duck that looked
familiar. Then it hit him. It was Pegasus!
Sean then realised that Pegasus had been
transformed into a duck and everyone else
that he knew!
Pegasus waddled over to Sean and said, “You
need to go on a mission to touch the unicorn
statue!”
“Where is it?” screeched Sean the leprechaun.
“I don’t know where it is; you have to find it!”
cried Pegasus.
Suddenly everyone vanished and Sean was
the only one left. All of a sudden, time had
passed and it was time for lunch!
“I’m starving!” cried Sean.
Randomly, there was another duck left. Just
one, though. He finally realised that the duck
was standing in front of a statue! Sean pushed
the duck out of the way and touched the
magical unicorn statue. Everything randomly
went back to normal and he lived happily
ever after.
Emma Miles
the end
More ps
na
S
p
m
Ca
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
17
Stage Challenge 2016
This year, Darfield High School is competing
in Stage Challenge once again. Stage
Challenge is an interschool dance and
performing arts competition held annually
throughout New Zealand.
Our performance will be based around animal
poaching, with the story following a lion
cub and mother in Africa. We got the idea
from the Cecil the Lion story which shocked
the world at the end of last year. As animal
poaching is a huge issue worldwide, we
thought we would take a stand and 'Voice the
Roar', speaking up for the animals who have
no voice.
Already a lot of work has been done, with the
dances all choreographed to specific music,
found by the performers, and rehearsals are
well under way.
As Stage Challenge is completely studentrun, we need to organise and run the events
to fund our show. This year, we are doing a
wide range of fundraising activities, such as
a safari-themed disco at the start of April, a
raffle, and a fundraiser selling greeting cards
and stationery through Phoenix Traders.
The organisation for the raffle has involved
us approaching local businesses for prize
donations, which will be raffled off at the start
of April. If there are any parents who would
like to sponsor or donate a prize to us, that
would be greatly appreciated. Raffle tickets
will be available from all Stage Challenge
participants, or from the school office. If you
would like to donate something to the raffle
or sponsor the Stage Challenge group, please
do not hesitate to contact the school or email
Chloe: [email protected].
If you are interested in purchasing cards and
stationery from Phoenix Traders, please come
into the school office and ask to see one of
the magazines.
All support and donations are, and have
been, hugely appreciated, as they all help us
get one step closer on our journey to Stage
Challenge this year.
THURSDAY 14 APRIL
Shave for a Cure is happening at the end of
this term and, once again, Darfield is taking
part in this fabulous event. The event raises
money for the Leukemia and Blood Cancer
Foundation and this year, the team at Darfield
is looking to raise over $5000 so that we can
make a difference to the lives affected by
these cancers.
Each day, six Kiwis are diagnosed with a blood
cancer, so every bit of money that is raised is
important as it all helps to lower that number,
with the end goal being none.
The school Shave is currently scheduled for
Thursday 14 April which, conveniently, is the
second-to-last day of Term 1, so there will be
plenty of time to grow back some of your hair
before Term 2 begins.
If you are not able to take part in the Shave,
then we really would love it if you could
donate some money to one of your friends,
or to the school directly. Donations can
be made online—just go to the Shave For
a Cure website and search ‘Darfield’ in the
schools section and our name should pop up!
Permission slips are still available from the
student office for anyone keen to sign up!
If anyone has any questions about the Shave,
then please contact any member of the Shave
team: Eddie Searle, Brittany Muiznieks, Olivia
Shinn and Courtney Townsend.
DISCO
Friday 8 April 7.00 - 9.30 pm School Hall Tickets $5
(no door sales) Stage Challenge Fundraiser
Chloe Fraser
Phoenix Trading have the most super range of
cards. Pick up a catalogue from Reception and
order your stationery today!
18
24 March 2016
Student Successes
Swimming
Shooting
Recently, Ethan Taylor (right with his
medals) competed in the 2016 NZ Division
II Championships in Invercargill. He won
Bronze for 50m Breaststroke, Gold for 100m
Breaststroke and Silver for 200m Breaststroke.
From 5–12 March, I was competing in the
New Zealand Clay Bird Shooting Nationals,
held at McLeans Island Canterbury Gun Club.
There were over 300 competitors so I was very
pleased to win a Bronze medal in the Minis
Championship in B grade, on the Sunday.
Ethan swims for the Waitaha Swim Club.
On the Tuesday, I was in a team of three of the
top juniors in the South Island, and shooting
against the North Island, we placed second. I
received a badge for shooting for the South
Island Juniors.
Tank Tops at Cat Show
Congratulations to Sam Begbie and her
cat, Tank, who managed to wow the
judges at the recent Canterbury All Breeds
Cat Club Show, held in Papanui.
Very placid and easygoing, Tank even
surprised Sam, who wasn't expecting
to come away with all the awards he
received.
Mainelanders Kiss and Tell (pedigree
name) or Tank, his everyday name, is
a Mainecoon—the largest breed of
domestic cat. He was a Christmas present
to Sam and you can tell she is very proud
of him. Very cuddly he is and very large!
From four show rings, the silver tabby came
away with three Best in Show, one RunnerUp to Best in Show, three Best Groomed, and
one Best Temperament. Sam discovered it
was pretty rare for a kitten to make it into
the Supreme Awards, but the judges were
most impressed and Sam thought he really
enjoyed the attention and experience.
The shoot ran all week from the Saturday
to the following Friday. All week, I had to
watch what I was eating and try to get as
much sleep as possible. Each day, the shoot
started at 8.30 am and ran until about 5.30
pm with either one or two shoots in a day. In
the morning, there was a qualifying match
and, if you did well enough, you would have
a shoot-off in the afternoon. In the evening,
there would be a prize giving, which is when
they handed out the medals to the prize
winners.
Well done, Sam and Tank!
Jo Millar, cat breeder friend and judge,
visited Sam and, after seeing Tank,
suggested she enter him in the cat show.
Clockwise from top: Proud Sam with Tank;
Tank's awards; and Tank being judged
Above: Ben's Medals
Marching Magic: Success at the Championships
Kate Sutton marches for the Eclipse U16 Marching Team
which recently competed in the Canterbury Championships in
Christchurch on 5 March. They performed very well, retaining
their title as Canterbury Champion Technical, Display and
Overall Canterbury Champion Under 16 Team 2016.
This success meant they travelled to Auckland to compete
at the National Championships on 12 March. There they
successfully retained the New Zealand Champion Display title,
placed 2nd Technical Drill and Overall Runner Up New Zealand
Champion Under 16 Team 2016.
This is a huge achievement, so well done to Kate and her team.
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
19
Athletic Champions
AgeChampion Runner-Up
U12 Boys
Harrison Beresford
Harley Gray
U12 Girls
Emily Waters Emma Wason
U13 Boys
William Brown Mitchell Calcott
U13 Girls
Scarlett Banks Casey Roessink
U14 Boys
Cameron O’Donnell Harrison Irving
U14 Girls
Stefanie McKenzie Zoe Spinks
Junior
U15 Boys
George Brown/
Jackson Proud
Callum Murdoch
Junior
U15 Girls
Penny Mitchell Claudia Lassiter
Intermediate Harry Bampton Jeroen Breunisse/
U16 BoysMichael Dempsey
Intermediate Pippa Foster
U16 Girls
Grace Earle
Senior
O16 Boys
Isaac Proud James Doherty
Senior
O16 Girls
Karta Hewitt Caitlin Thistoll
Athletic Records Broken
Under 12 Girls
Shot Put
Emma Wason (2.00 kg) 8.76 metres
Under 14 Girls
Javelin
Brianna Longdin 22.18 metres
(Old Record: 19.66 metres Georgia Lovelady 2006)
100 metres Zoe Spinks
13.41 sec
(Old Record: 13.65 sec Lisa van der Plas 1994)
200 metres Zoe Spinks 29.21 sec
(Old Record: 30.16 sec Lisa van der Plas 1994)
Under 12 Boys
Shot Put
Jack Buist-Brown (2.00 kg) 9.21 metres
Under 13 Boys
200 metres William Brown 28.86 sec
(Old Record: 28.90 sec Andrew Muscroft-Taylor 1990)
Junior Boys
South Island Secondary Schools'
Athletic Championships
After the recent Canterbury Secondary Schools' Athletics
Championships, held in Timaru on 2 and 3 April, the following
students have been selected by School Sport Canterbury
personnel to represent Darfield High School at the above
championships:
Harry Bampton
Under 16 Boys 800 metres
Callum Murdoch Under 15 Boys High Jump and Triple Jump
Georgia Shinn Senior Girls 1500 and 3000 metres
Zoe Spinks Under 14 Girls 100 and 200 metres
Caitlin Thistoll Senior Girls Javelin
Brodie Wanhalla Under 15 Boys Javelin
High Jump Callum Murdoch 1.68 metres
(Old Record: 1.66 metres Angus Field 2010)
Well done to you all and good luck. Results from this event will
be published in the next newsletter.
Javelin Jackson Proud 37.77 metres
(Old Record: 35.71 metres Richard Williams 2004)
Triathlon
Athletics
House Points
237 153 146 141
20
789 768 750 739
24 March 2016
Triathlon Team Results
Mixed Years 7 & 8
1 Vincent Sanderson/Jacob Horrey/Emily Mangels
2 Shannon Bayliss/Kendra Mills/Blake O’Donnell
3 Isabella Stevenson/Kelly Rod/Josh Rod
32.36
41.23
42.12
Junior Girls Years 7 & 8
1 Caitlin Knowles/Georgie Sarginson/Sophie Kingi
2= Emma Wason/Monique Weber/Mari Henderson
3 Emily Waters/Emma Miles
30.52
31.38
31.38
Junior Boys Years 7 & 8
1 Callum Summerfield/Jonty Kupe/Ethan Longdin
2 Sam Harrington/Sam Robinson/Beau Beadle
3 Charlie Chambers/Johnny Millar
17.39
23.27
23.52
Intermediate Girls Years 9 & 10
1 Georgia Allison/Abie Tuhill/Nicole Grigg
29.04
2 Stefanie McKenzie/Rozlyn Doherty/Rosa Buist-Brown 30.32
3 Brianna Longdin/Jenny Walter/Sophie Townsend
31.11
Intermediate Boys Years 9 & 10
1 Jesse Gray/Caleb Curtin/George McIntosh
2 Tom Welch/Ben Kimber/Callum Murdoch
3 Mitchell Longdin/Lachie Summerfield/Ryan Hughes
26.38
27.15
27.35 Mixed Years 11–13
1 Holly Kimber/Nathaniel Dysart/James Doherty
2 Callum Freer/Lucy Wilson/Eamon McKay
3 Jodie Rollings/Bronte Thomas/Hunter Benbow
40.31
48.23
54.18
Senior Girls Years 11–13
1 Georgia Cottrell/Anna Hefferon/Holly Kimber
2 Ellen Waters/Jasmine Nash/Emma Grigg
3 Georgia Watson/Eloise Dance
48.08
62.17
63.59
Senior Boys Years 11–13
1 Finn McGregor/Gus Thomas/Hamish Evans
2 Michael Ridgen/Aidan Tuhill/Ben Millar
3 Hunter Benbow/George Gibbs/Caleb Banks
44.17
45.13
47.17
STAFF
1KIKO
2RAWHITI
3WAIMAK
4TAWERA
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
21
RYDA
Road Safety Education
Darfield High School Year 12 students will
be attending the award winning one-day
RYDA Road Safety Education Programme.
RYDA is designed for 15–17 year olds as they
begin to drive, or ride, in cars driven by their
peers. The programme focuses on attitude
and awareness with the aim of equipping
young adults to stay safe on our roads. This
programme is not just for drivers, but young
people as passengers too.
Date:
Venue: Rugby Clubrooms and the Community Centre
Ki o Rahi
A few years ago, no one at Darfield High
School had ever heard of this sport called
Ki o Rahi; now we have 22 students and more
wanting to participate and be part of this
sport, which is awesome.
We were lucky enough to have TOAsports
from CPIT come out one Wednesday during
lunch time and period 5 to teach our teams
some skills for the first tournament. This
meant that going into the tournament we
were confident and fully prepared to come up
against all 15 other teams there.
Our students had a very nailbiting final
against Hillmorton High School, where we fell
short by only one point, making it 11–12 to
Hillmorton.
At Prize Giving, collected their prizes for
gaining 2nd place. There were also some
special prizes announced and Isaac Proud
received a prize for being the player who
was showing fairplay and consideration for
the other teams overall. Isaac also made the
overall tournament team.
Overall, this was a very successful
tournament. We have since found a sponsor
and now are getting ready for Term 3's event
and, potentially, the Nationals next year.
Miss Watherston
22
Tuesday 3 May 2016
On Friday 4 March, a group of keen Darfield
sportsmen and women took part in a
traditional Maori sport, called Ki O Rahi, with
other schools around Christchurch.
Ki O Rahi has characteristics of many sports,
like touch rugby, netball and Aussie rules.
Some of the schools competing were
Linwood, Burnside, Hornby and Hillmorton.
There was a positive vibe throughout
the tournament; we congratulated our
opponents and we had a lot of fun.
Our two Darfield teams played extremely well
throughout the tournament, with one of our
teams coming 2nd and the B team coming
13th. This was a great achievement for our
school, with us earning the nickname the
"Dark Horse".
Our teams are keen for our next tournament
which will happen in Term 3 this year. Overall,
the tournament was a great interactive and
fun day with a competitive edge, and we
hope to keep this competitive edge up for
next year.
Isaac Proud
Time:
The programme will start at
9.30 am and finish at approximately 2.10 pm
Dress:
Students are to wear complete school uniform
Bring: Students are to bring lunch and beverages to last the day as there is no food available for purchase, and no water tap on site.
Students need to bring a pen as there is a booklet to be completed through the day
RYDA delivers six interactive sessions aimed
at exploring crucial aspects of travelling
safely, combining the efforts of local road
safety experts/educators and recovering
survivors of road crashes. There is an activity
booklet to be completed on the day.
In one session, students will be outside
requiring appropriate clothing and or
accessories for the weather.
Students will also watch an emotional video
of a fatal car crash. Any student who is not
comfortable to watch the video will be invited
to leave the room whilst the video plays.
Details of the programme can be found at
www.rse.org.nz. See flyer next page.
24 March 2016
sessions
Students take part in six interactive sessions.
• Speed&Stopping
Demonstrates the
physics of stopping and crashing as well as
discussion of car safety features. Students
experience through practical observation the
relationship between speed and stopping
distance.
• HazardS&Distractions
Number 1 in road safety education
Road Safety Education Limited is the pre-eminent
provider of road safety education for youth in Australia
and New Zealand. The flagship RYDA Programme is
delivered to over 50,000 17-18 year old high school
students, at 90 venues.
By participating in RYDA your school furthers their
commitment to educating the ‘whole student’, providing
an opportunity to learn essential life skills. Students are
encouraged to take greater responsibility for themselves
and their friends before they face the challenges of
driving solo or as a passenger of a new driver.
RYDA is a one day programme, conducted at an out of
school venue, chosen to highlight crucial road safety
messages. Supporting the graduate licensing schemes,
the programme focuses on the key government ‘big five’
road safety issues of speeding, DUI, fatigue, seatbelts
and distractions as well as the importance of driving as
a social responsibility.
Now is the time to equip young people with the tools
and knowledge they need to stay safe on the road.
RYDA’s learning is for life!
For further information, contact 0800 150 180,
visit our website or contact your school
coordinator
An interactive
session where students strategise about
managing distractions and improving their
hazard perception skills.
• ThePersonalityTest
A reflective
session designed to show students how their
personality is an important aspect of the total
road safety equation. Students self-assess
against five personality areas and use this tool
to analyse risky situations in cars.
• Rights&ResponsibilitiesA discussion,
routinely led by a Police Officer on key risk
areas for young drivers and passengers.
Features hard-hitting videos on decisionmaking and choices.
• AftertheCrashA powerful presentation
by a speaker about the crash that changed
their life. Features a personalisation exercise
where students see how a similar crash
would affect their life and plans.
• Genevieve’sstoryA true and emotional
story about a young driver and passenger
involved in a road crash. Students analyse
the crash and its contributing factors, discuss
the ripple effect and develop plans for
decision making in risky situations.
getting
heel
w
e
h
t
d
n
i
h
e
b
asa
ofacar
passenger
or
r
e
iv
r
d
g
st
n
u
o
Y
mongthemo
issaidtobea hingsapersonwilldo
t
dangeinrtohuesirentirelife
The RYDA Programme is supported through a comprehensive website,
loaded with resources for teachers, students and parents (rse.org.nz/ryda)
as well as our growing Facebook (facebook.com/RYDAroadsafety) and
Instagram (@RYDAroadsafety) communities.
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
23
School and Community Notices
Term Dates 2016
Term 1:
•
Monday 1 February to Friday 15 April
•
25 March: Good Friday
•
28 March: Easter Monday
•
29 March: Easter Tuesday (School Holiday)
Term 2:
•
Monday 2 May to Friday 8 July
•
25 April: ANZAC Day
•
6 June: Queen’s Birthday
Term 3:
•
Monday 25 July to Friday 23 September
Term 4:
•
Monday 10 October to Friday 16 December
•
24 October: Labour Day
•
10 November: Staff Only Day
•
11 November: Canterbury Anniversary Show Day
Contact Between Home and School
We have found that up-to-date information is vital in case of an
emergency but also for general day to day contact. Have you
changed your address recently? Changed cell phones? Place of
work? Or would you like to update/change the emergency contact
for your student? Also the second parent address for reports being
sent.
If any of the above changes apply, please advise Jill,
Student Administrator, by:
phoning 318 8411/ext 3;
emailing [email protected] or
write it down and ask your student to deliver it
to the Student Office
ICAS Science competition entries now open.$8.50 in a NAMED
envelope to the office please if you want to enter.
Entries close 14 April.
DARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL WEBSITE
24
TERM ONE
WEEK EIGHT
Friday 25 March
• Good Friday
Saturday 26 March
• Malvern A& P Show
WEEK NINE
Monday 28 March
• Easter Monday
Tuesday 29 March
• Easter Tuesday
Wednesday 30 March
• Year 9 Camps (to 1April)
Thursday 31 March
• Year 13 Geography Coastal Trip
• Years 12 and 13 Outdoor Ed Afternoon
Saturday 2 April
• SI Secondary Schools Athletics in Timaru (to 3rd)
• Year 13 Rockclimbing (to 4th)
WEEK TEN
Monday 4 April
• Year 9 Camps (to 8th)
• SS Summer Tournament Week
• Poetry Day/Week
Wednesday 6 April
• NZ Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships in
Queenstown (to 8th)
Thursday 7 April
• Canterbury Primary Schools Swimming Championships
WEEK ELEVEN
Monday 11 April
• Year 12 Outdoor Ed (all day)
Tuesday 12 April
• House Meetings
• UC Discovery Day
• BOT Meeting, 7.00 pm
Wednesday 13 April
• Cross Country
• Commerce Senior Market Day
• Victoria University Presentation to Year 13s
Thursday 14 April
• Shave for a Cure
Friday 15 April
• Newsletter # 4
• Last Day Term 1
24 March 2016
School Uniforms
LEADING LEARNERS
We have a range of uniform items in stock for sale at school.
Fittings are by appointment only. It is preferable parents refrain
from coming to reception for uniform items from 8–9.30 am as
this is a very busy time. For purchases, please contact Sue or
Elaine in Admin.
ON THE ROAD TO SAFER DRIVING
Endorsed by Chris Amon, MBE
•  IsIsyour
ontheir
theirLearner
Learner
Licence?
yourson
sonor
ordaughter
daughter on
Licence?
and
•
Have
they
held
for
their
Learner
Licence
for
least three
 Have they held their Learner Licence for at least threeatmonths?
and
Out of stock items will not be replaced; we are discontinuing the
months?
Do they attend a Selwyn District Secondary School?
Uniform Shop at school. Please ring to check we have the item
• Do they attend a Selwyn District Secondary School?
If you answered “yes” to all of the above, then they, along with you – their parent/ caregiver, are
you require in stock. All Darfield High School uniform items are
eligible to attend Leading Learners, hosted by Selwyn District Council. The next course is on
for sale at The Warehouse, Rolleston.
Tuesday, 26 April
2016
starting"Yes"
at 8.30am
finishing
atthen
1.00pm.
If you
answered
to all and
of the
above,
they, along with
you - their parent/cargiver, are eligible to attend Leading Learners,
If you have second hand uniform for sale and would like details
The course has proven successful with Learners and parents alike, because it teaches them
hosted by Selwyn District Council. the next course is on Tuesday 26
of it to be added, or updated, on our database, please email practical skills that other programmes don’t, such as driving on different road surfaces, stopping
distances, hazards,
distraction
and reinforces
the 120 hours of driving practice
April, starting
atand
8.30peer
ampressure,
and finishing
at 1.00 pm.
[email protected] or [email protected]. Please note,
recommended for learner drivers, to prepare them for getting their restricted licence and driving
alone.
we do not keep second hand uniform at school.
The course has proven successful with Learners and parents alike,
because it teaches them practical skills that other programmes
Conditions of Entry
don't, such as driving on different road surfaces, stopping distances,
The Learner must:
hazards, distraction and peer pressure, and reinforces the 120 hours
 attend a secondary school or be home schooled in Selwyn district.
of driving practice recommended for learner drivers, to prepare
 have a current New Zealand Learner Driver Licence that they have held for at least three
forhave
getting
restricted
licence
and experience.
driving alone.
monthsthem
and/or
donetheir
40 hours
of practical
driving
Uniform Shop Hours
for Students
Monday: 11.00 –11.25am
Thursday: 11.00 –11.25am

be accompanied by a parent or caregiver for the whole day.
Conditions of Entry
The parent or caregiver must provide a car to be used by the learner for the event. The car must
must:
be one thatThe
theLearner
Learner has
driven before and have a current registration and warrant of fitness,
be roadworthy at the time of the event and correctly displaying “L” plates.
Second Hand Uniforms Wanted
•
attend a secondary school or be home schooled in Selwyn
This course is heavily
subsidised by NZTA and Selwyn District Council enabling us to charge only
district
There is a great demand for clean and tidy second hand $20 for both learner and parent/caregiver. There are limited places on the course left.
For more information
register,
please
contact
Ngaire
Tinning
on (03)
3472901
•
Haveorato
current
New
Zealand
Learner
Driver
Licence
that
they or e-mail
uniforms. If you have items you would like to sell or donate,
[email protected] by Friday, 15 April 2016.
please email [email protected], or sue@darfield.
school.nz with details: sizes, items, girl’s or boy’s, price, and
your contact details. This information will be added to our
database and if someone is looking for an item, we will pass
on your contact details.
Note: we do not keep second hand uniform at school.
have held for at least three months and/or have done 40 hours
of practical driving experience
•
be accompanied by a parent or caregiver for the whole day
The parent or caregiver must provide a car to be used by the
learner for the event. The car must be one that the Learner has
driven before and have a current registration and warrant of fitness,
be roadworthy at the time of the event and correctly displaying 'L'
plates.
This course is heavily subsidised by NZTA and Selwyn District
Council enabling us to charge only $20 for both learner and parent/
caregiver. There are limited places on the course left.
Our Street Talk Defensive Driving Course is NZTA approved. By
completing this course, you can reduce your Driver’s Licence by
six months (instead of waiting 18 months from when you sit your
restricted licence, you can complete your Full Licence in 12 months).
For more information, or to register, please contact Ngaire Tinning
on 03 347 2901 or email [email protected] by Friday
15 April.
The cost of this course is $170. Enrol at www.fusiontrust.co.nz
Coach Wanted: I am looking for any parents or students interested in coaching netball. Games are played Wednesday afternoon at
the Hagley netball courts in town. Please contact Miss Graham if interested. Email: [email protected]
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
25
THINKING ABOUT A CAREER
IN THE NZ DEFENCE FORCE?
Come along to our free sessions and find
out more about careers in the NZ Army,
Navy and Air Force.
FORCE INFO
Hear from our Defence Career experts
and ask questions.
FORCE FIT
We will guide you through what to
expect at your initial fitness test, and
how to get Force Fit. Remember to bring
your workout gear if you would like to
participate.
These sessions are open to everyone –
parents, caregivers, friends and teachers
are welcome too!
CHRISTCHURCH
Where?
HMNZS Pegasus, 419 Montreal Street
When?
Tuesday 12 April, Tuesday 24 May &
Tuesday 13 September
Force Info: 6–7pm, Force Fit: 7–8pm
Call or email us to register your interest:
[email protected] or call 0800 1 Force
Christchurch Defence Recruiting
26
24 March 2016
Issue 3 / DHS Dispatch
27
DARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
10-13 MAY @ 7.30PM
Performances:
School Hall
Tuesday 10 May
7.30 pm
Wednesday 11 May
Matinee: 10 am
Thursday 12 May
7.30 pm
Friday 13 May
7.30 pm
Ticket Prices:
Adult $15
Student $12
Children $5
(10 and under)
Family $40
(2 Adults, 2 Children)
Music and Lyrics by Paul Williams
Book by Alan Parker
Address: 7 McLaughlins Road
PO Box 5
Email: [email protected]
Darfield 7541
Web: darfield.school.nz
New Zealand
Tickets available at:
darfield.school.nz
or from School office.
Door sales available
Phone: +64 3 318 8411
Fax: +64 3 318 8543