NEWSLETTER March - Rangiora High School

Rangiora
High
School
Te Kura Tuarua o Rangiora
NEWSLETTER
Whakautea Respect
Tohaina Contribute
Wawatahia Aspire
March 2016
Rangiora High School Nursery School nurtures artistic talent
In much the same fashion as Dame Louise Henderson, an Art
teacher at Rangiora High School in 1938 (the year the RHS Nursery
School began) who gifted her artistic talent to the children of the
RHS Nursery School by painting eight murals depicting children at
play and work at the time in North Canterbury, two new murals
have recently been painted for the RHS Nursery School children by
Rangiora High School students.
Late last year, Bruce McMillan (Head of Visual Arts) and Art teachers Jan Robertson and Priya Graham (who is pictured above right)
visited the RHS Nursery School with their Year 9 students to explore
the design and painting of potential murals for the RHS Nursery
School children to enjoy.
Themed ‘celebrating things Kiwiana’ the students worked hard creating beautiful interpretations depicting natural and Kiwi artefacts
that are nationally recognised and appreciated. All of the students’
works showed incredible talent and thought.
RANGIORA HIGH SCHOOL
East Belt, Rangiora 7400, New Zealand
Phone +64 3 3118888
Fax +64 3 3138005
Email [email protected]
Website rangiorahigh.school.nz
Two stunning paintings were selected: one painted by Antonia
Rankin (above left, with the sun) and the other by Sarah Sinclair
(left, with butterflies and birds). These two works now hang proudly
in the RHS Nursery School playground.
The collaboration between both learning communities highlights
the importance of continuing to foster and inspire rich art exploration and opportunities in the early learning years so that creative
imagination begins to develop and goes on to flourish through the
teen years and into adulthood.
Antonia and Sarah’s work speaks for itself!
From Julia Malcolm, Acting Principal
Ngā mihinui ki a koutou
I hope you enjoy reading this second newsletter for Term 1. How time
flies. There are but four weeks until the end of Term 1, with Easter on
the horizon. Students and staff are well into their work.
This week at assembly we recognized the students who gained NCEA
Level 1 and 2 with Excellence endorsements. It was a great example to
younger students to see the students from their House who had aimed
high, done the hard yards and achieved at the highest level. I wish them
well as they build on this performance for this year and hope that other
students will be inspired to go for Merit and Excellence and not subscribe to the “just enough is good enough” approach.
This year part of our strategic plan includes goals around creating equitable and relevant learning opportunities, developing diverse learning environments and supporting students to achieve personal excellence. This
focus on setting up pathways and platforms for students to experience success will drive us forward in 2016. It
requires all of us - staff, parents and whānau and the wider community to commit to these young people. And
of course it requires the students themselves to seize all the opportunities in front of them and give their best.
Our Student Achievement Interview Day is an excellent opportunity for all three sides of the learning triangle
– student, teacher, family – to check they are all working together and accessing all support required so that
each individual student at the end of the year can say, “I did my best, and am proud of myself”.
Alongside academic achievement, there is such a myriad of opportunity on offer for our students to help
them grow personally and develop their interests. On Friday 11 March the school bulletin had notices for the
following…
Service - Lydiard Fun Run, Child Cancer Fundraising, Youth Health Advocates, Lions Club volunteers, Leos Club,
volunteers for Rakahuri Rage, Sound and Lighting helpers,
Academic - Otago University visit, Physics tutorials,
Cultural - Creative Writing group, Kapa Haka, Stage Challenge,
Sport - Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Hockey, Korfball, Football, Rifleshooting, Athletics, Rowing, Mountainbiking,
Cricket, Orienteering,
Spirit of Adventure berths, Outward Bound Scholarship, Easter Camp, Astronomy observatory visit,
…and that was just Friday.
Obviously all these activities require staff, parents and students to coach, manage, organize, and provide transport. Thank you to all those who do this so willingly. If you think you can help out in any way please contact the
school office. As an example, this year we have 19 Netball teams alone! Any help is gratefully received for these
many and varied cultural and sporting activities. Many thanks to those of you already involved.
Already we have experienced success in the Canterbury Futsal Champs with the girls’ team winning this competition and the Mixed Touch team who were runners up in their competition.
An important event in the school calendar is our ANZAC commemoration. In the last week of term we have our
ANZAC assemblies for all students in the Baptist Church Auditorium.
On 25 April at 9.30am we will hold our ANZAC Day service in the Court of Memories. This is always a moving
service and allows us as a school community to remember Rangiora High School’s past pupils who gave their
lives for their country. I encourage you to come along.
Julia Malcolm
Acting Principal
From Bev Moore, Commissioner
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Kia ora koutou.
I would like to update you on various aspects of the governance role.
As a couple of parents have asked for more information on the Principal appointment process, I thought it would be useful to share the
general process with everyone at this time.
Firstly I would like to thank Ms Julia Malcolm for agreeing to continue
as Acting Principal until a new principal is appointed. This will ensure
stability for the remainder of the year and to allow time to undertake
a rigorous and consultative appointment process so the best possible
result is achieved for the school.
To give you an idea of the timeframe, Boards of Trustees in secondary schools across the country take around
two terms to complete the appointment process from when the position is first advertised. We expect that
the new principal will start at Rangiora High School at the beginning of 2017, which is an ideal time to start.
This timeframe will allow for the standard notice period and also to re-advertise, if required, to ensure the
right person is appointed to this critical position. It will also allow for a seamless transition between Ms
Malcolm and the new appointee.
To ensure that the Rangiora High School community view is reflected in the appointment process, I am very
keen for staff, students and families to contribute their thoughts to help us build a shared understanding of
the attributes we are looking for in the new principal to take us forward. This consultative process will then
inform the development of the job and person descriptions, and the advertising, shortlisting and interview
process. I would expect to share more details on the timeline and how you can participate during the next
month.
As you will know it is my role to address the issues that the Ministry of Education has appointed me for and
to enable the school to return to sustainable self-governance. The Ministry is required to review interventions regularly and has decided that my appointment will continue until the beginning of 2017 when it will be
reviewed again. This decision by the Ministry is in line with timeframes for other interventions.
The Community Reference Group met last week and we welcomed new student leaders, and Donna Kemp
and Brent Ingram to the group discussions on how to progress some of our Strategic Goals. We are seeking
a student perspective around two goals that make a real difference to student engagement and achievement:
• Learning Opportunities: Creating learning opportunities for students that are inclusive, equitable and
relevant with clear pathways to future learning, training and employment.
• Enriched Environment: Developing diverse environments that stimulate the engagement of students to
enrich their learning.
We agreed that it would be beneficial to undertake an online survey with all Year 11, 12 and 13 students to
seek feedback on what programmes or areas of learning they would like offered at Rangiora High School and
what amenities/changes students would like to see to learning environments. The feedback from this survey
will be discussed in more depth at our next meeting and we look forward to sharing the results.
Last week I also attended the first meeting of the Student Council for the year. I was impressed with the
commitment these student representatives have shown by stepping up into leadership roles at the school.
This is just one example of the many ways that Rangiora High School students participate and give back to
the school and community. In this newsletter Ms Malcolm also acknowledges the high levels of participation
in sporting and cultural activities at the school. It is great to see the students getting involved, taking on
challenges and demonstrating good citizenship on a daily basis.
Finally I would like to thank everyone for their support of the school, staff and students, which ensured that
last week’s announcement did not impact on the teaching and learning programmes for our students. It has
been good to see how much support Julia and her team have received as they continue in their important
role. As always if you have any questions, concerns or feedback please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be
contacted through the school office or by email at [email protected]
Orienteering
This year has seen a growth in the number of students taking part in the schools’ Orienteering competition.
Fourteen students have participated in the Summer Sprint Series with events on Tuesday night being held as
far afield as Cashmere and South Brighton.
Rangiora High School is currently the front runner in the secondary school points competition.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
VALUES
Mission Statement
Rangiora High School will
be a centre of learning
excellence that supports and
prepares each learner to
connect with and contribute
to our global community.
Our Culture
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Rangiora High School is a dynamic, caring, communitybased environment inspiring life-long learning. Students
are at the centre of our work. We are committed to
ensuring every student has a meaningful and relevant
learning journey and that they experience success and gain
achievement.
Our Lighthouse Values
RESPECT
Whakautea
Respect yourself, others and the environment
CONTRIBUTE
Tohaina
Actively contribute to the community
ASPIRE
Wawatahia
Aspiring to achieve your best
Community
Enable our community of learners to be actively connected, culturally aware and caring citizens.
• To develop closer integration between parents, whānau and primary schools,
• To value and nurture stronger relationships with the wider community,
• To create and engage with global networks enabling student access to greater opportunities
and choices.
Innovation
Deliver innovative teaching and learning within an enriched environment, empowering and supporting each learner to achieve personal excellence.
• To integrate modern teaching and learning within a dynamic physical environment,
• To provide effective systems and support that ensures each learner achieves individual success,
• To maximize the opportunities created by e-learning and the use of digital tools.
Opportunities
Creating inclusive, equitable and relevant pathways that meet the aspirations of our community
and empowers life-long learners.
• To enhance the leadership, academic, cultural and sporting opportunities for all students,
• To strengthen transition for all learners into and out of Rangiora High School,
• To provide quality, specialized areas of learning across identified curriculum areas.
TOP SCHOLARS 2015
The achievement of our top scholars in 2015 was recognised in Principal’s Assemblies this week.
The students were publicly acknowledged for their achievements and will be given “Academic Excellence”
badges to recognise their achievement.
Forty Three Year 11 students achieved an excellence endorsement on their Level 1 NCEA. They are:
Dean Bagrie, Ashlee Berryman, George
Blyth, Dylan Buckley, Mikayla Calley, Michael
Calvert, Kate Campbell, Mackenzie Caughey,
Max Chick, Olivia Driver, Ashlee Drummy,
Immy Eglesfield, Joel Epps, Shannon Fortune,
Hannah Fowler, Ethan Gerrard, Teagan
Graham, Rebekah Gutsell, Tom Hanson, Tara
Hurley, Logan Kim, Zac Lane, Mick Latham,
Emma Lindsay, Emma Mairs, Jordan Mann,
Mikayla Mawson, Hamish McEwan, Larissa
Narbey-Floyd, Cameron Page, Lucy Prickett,
Dan Racle, Hunter Reid, Lauren Reid, Caleb
Rust, Lucas Seaward, Suppakorn Sirijongdee,
Ruby Spark, Alex Stephenson, Natalie Stevens,
Caitlin Stevenson, Shanae Van de Wiel, Lucy
Weddell.
Mansfield / Rutherford
Twenty Nine Year 12 students achieved an
excellence endorsement on their Level 2
NCEA. They are:
Madeleine Ashwin, Bryn Atkin, Hannah Cammock, Connor Cleary, Nicole Clinton, Kayla
Drummy, Annie Dufour, Holly Fletcher, Sarah
Gunn, Olivia Janes, Mikaela Laity, Saskia
Lane, Grace Lange, Ella Marshall, Reagan
Millar, Sorrel Patterson, Charlotte Prager,
Harry Rattray, Hamish Richardson, Maximilian
Ridout, James Rigter, Kerridwen Russ, Oliver
Sharplin, Kurt Shipley, Rhiannon Spary, Nick
Van Royen, Callum Vartha, Charlotte Western,
Kate Woollett.
Eighteen year 13 students achieved an excellence endorsement on their Level 3 NCEA.
They are:
Lydiard / Ngata
Georgia Exeter, Sarah Illingworth, Riley Aitken,
Danielle Bucknall, Tei Hema, Mary Hurley,
Jeremy Snelling, Jack Rattray, Dylan Benny,
Fergus Eglesfield, Briar Fowler, Sean Weaver,
Hannah Brotheridge, Laura Kevern, Nic Steyn,
Tyler Courtney, Luana Barnes, Louise Johnson.
Altogether 299 students across Levels 1, 2 and
3 achieved their NCEA endorsed with either
Merit or Excellence. We are very proud of
their achievements.
Congratulations to all of our students who
achieved their NCEA in 2015.
Steve Kersey
Academic Dean
Hillary / Sheppard
HILLARY House
With about sixty percent of Term 1 completed, most students
have settled into the systems and routines for the year. In the
early stages of a school year there are all the usual logistics to
organise and relationships to develop between students, and
their teachers too. Much of the ground work has been done
but of course there are always exceptions to the rule. Our first
Student Achievement Interview Day provides an opportunity
to check on the progress of students both academically and
in general progress at school. If you were unable to attend on
the day I encourage you to make sure you do make contact
with your child’s teachers as open communication can have a
significant impact on students’ progress at school.
Student participation and representation is valued at Rangiora
High School and we have a number of committees and groups
within the school which provide opportunities for students to
contribute and participate. Recently we selected our Junior
representatives on the Student Council, they are Hugo Carey
and Charlotte McDonald. Hugo and Charlotte will join Tim
Moule and Serenity Bruce as our Senior Representatives on
the Student Council. In recent weeks we have also had Bryn
Atkin, Luke Gold and Ashleigh Ritchie selected as members of
the Sports’ Council.
The House competition remains a tight battle, with our seniors
recently competing in the Senior SummerFest competition,
which comprised a round robin format for mixed Touch and
Volleyball. Our fourth place in this event keeps us in the hunt
for top honours, with four Houses within 10 points of one
another and in the hunt for the overall lead. Hillary has never
won the House Cup, but our second place last year has given
us real drive to see if we can chase success in 2016.
Three Hillary students that are making the most of school
sporting opportunities are Angus Fletcher, Jack Marshall and
George Prain. All three are in Year 11 and have played cricket
in the Rangiora High School 1st XI and have recently been
named in the rugby squad of 26 players who are in contention
for the 1st XV this year. This would be a significant achievement for all three and we wish them well for the year ahead.
I suspect time will fly between now and the end of the term
particularly given the next three weeks are all short weeks
with students not being present for SAID Day, Good Friday,
Easter Monday and Tuesday. I would ask that all parents and
caregivers assist us by ensuring students have correct uniform
and sufficient layers for the cooler weather that is not far away.
In recent weeks we have noticed some interesting interpretations of uniform standards, particularly around plain black or
navy socks, and hats. Our uniform requirements can be found
on the school website if there is uncertainty:
http://rhs.uniformgroup.co.nz/page/uniform-regulations
Please do not hesitate to contact Ms Gibson or myself if we
can be of any assistance.
Head of House Kerry Sullivan
Dean of House Emma Gibson
LYDIARD House
The term has continued to go well with Lydiard students
gearing up with further House events including the Senior
SummerFest and preparation for the Fun Run at the end of
March. The leaders have also had a successful start to their
assemblies with some games introduced and the revival of an
inter-form competition where the stakes are based on holding
a trophy for the most number of times in the year. The winning
form class will be awarded with a prize for the whole group.
Year 11 student Lauren Morton has decided to run a new club
for anyone wanting to dance and enjoy their lunchtimes on
two days – Wednesdays and Fridays. The Peer Supporters
continue to involve themselves with their group of Year 9 buddies and are enjoying their roles as big brothers and sisters
while making the Year 9s learn more about their own capabilities and how they can get involved in the school.
We welcome on board our Junior House Executive Team who
will work with the seniors for the year. Congratulations to
Year 10 Captain: Caitlin Constable, Deputy Year 10 Captain:
Holly Whittaker, Year 9 Captain: Emma Udy and Deputy Year
9 Captain: Emily Illett.
We have some very talented students in our school and I
would like to highlight one of these amazing students in this
newsletter: Jess Brechin of 12LHM. Jess’s family have always
had an interest working with horses and encouraged Jess to
ride. From the age of three she has grown up with riding and
has a passion for horses. The type of events she has been
involved in has varied: As a young girl she has done the following - Up to 7 years old she has been involved in lead rein
events – showing. Since the age of 8-10 Jess has been showing. At 11-17 years of age she competed in open show pony
ring. 18+ - horse ring
She has specialised in show pony ring where various skills have
to be shown to a judge (i.e. trot, walk, and canter). In the NZ
nationals she generally competes with 17 individuals whereas
in a normal A&P show there are generally 6 to 7 individuals
per class event. She has represented NZ in 2014 going to Germany and France to compete in the World Equestrian Games.
Ideally she wants to be in the NZ team again and is currently
working towards this goal to go to UK for 2016Jess has won
heaps of awards – ribbons/garland for supreme awards.
The UK-based World Champion, Charlotte Dujardin, is her role
model. She has inspired Jess to persevere in what she is doing.
This involved long training times including everyday trains
from 4.00pm/4.30pm – 6.30pm training and every weekend
events. She also rides 6 horses for other people.
These are a few of her achievements: NZ national showcase
championship show with ivy (Easdale Imogen) She won
-champion novice 13.2 pony title, -champion novice challenge
title, -champion Alison Sampson memorial and placed in top
6 paced and mannered novice pony. With Janey (Amberleigh
Gold Touch) she won champion open 13.2 pony title, -champion open pony challenge, -champion Amberleigh High Hopes
memorial, -top 6 paced and mannered open pony and placed
in top 6 intermediate rider title. We wish her all the best for
her future career. She is certainly a role model for our Lydiard
motto “Take the long view and work towards it”.
Head of House Sabina Reed
Dean of House Jonathan Cowey
MANSFIELD House
Well it is certainly business time at school now. Students and
teachers are right into the swing of things and it is a busy
time for all. Mansfield’s two Year 9 classes have been up to
the Boyle Lodge for camp, school sport has begun, Senior
SummerFest has finished and many senior students are
preparing to go away on curriculum camps.
The feedback that I received from camp has all been positive
and by all accounts Mansfield’s new Year 9’s had a great
experience up at the Boyle Lodge and I was especially happy
to hear that they pushed themselves and gave all activities
their best. It is a fantastic time to be away on camp and the
opportunity for the students and staff to get to know each
other better I’m sure will be very beneficial moving forward.
A huge thank you goes to the staff that had two nights away
from their families to be up at camp.
The Senior SummerFest competition had its ups and downs.
Across both sports we were reasonably inconsistent playing
some absolute blinders and letting ourselves down other
times. The Volleyball team was involved in some extremely
close games and ended up a couple of times dropping games
by two points. They got off to a great start winning their
first two games but then lost three close games to finish off
the competition. It was great to see so many people putting
themselves forward to play and it makes me very proud to
know that so many students want to represent our teams. In
the Touch part of the competition our Touch team had the
opposite experience to the Volleyball team: three losses to
start the competition, but then two outstanding wins at the
end. When the Touch team was on form they looked excellent and again I thank all the players that gave their all for
the House. Overall we came fifth in the competition which
the students were disappointed with - but there are huge
amounts of points still to play for.
The start of the year has been a huge change and challenge
for Head Boy Cameron Court and Head Girl Kate Woollett.
I asked them to describe the way the first few weeks have
gone.
Kate said: “I’ve really enjoyed the first few weeks as the Head
Girl, it’s definitely been busy. Last week I had the pleasure
of going on the Year 9 Mansfield camp, it was really good
experience with a great bunch of people. Mansfield House
has had an awesome start to the year which will hopefully
continue throughout the rest of the year. I’m really looking
forward to seeing what this year will bring in the Head
Student role.”
Cameron said: “I am really enjoying my role as Head Boy at
Rangiora High School. The first few weeks have flown by with
our first Principal’s Assembly kicking off well. I am looking
forward to representing our school throughout the year in
our wider community.”
Head of House Andrew Gebbie
Dean of House Josh Harrison
Kia ora Ngata whānau.
NGATA House
Well here we are in Week 7 and what a whirlwind this term
has been; from the excitement of start up to the prospect
of Easter, it’s quite unbelievable to think that Term 2 is just
around the corner.
This term is one of change. Our lovely Year 9 classes have
started to settle nicely and appear to have adapted to our high
school environment. Year 10s are busy with the demands of a
higher workload and increased expectations, as is our senior
school. Not only do our students need to adapt to change
quickly, they are also encouraged to participate in the many
events that high school offers. This term has seen our highly
contested Senior SummerFest Competition take place. Both
our Touch and Volleyball teams played valiantly, and I am
absolutely thrilled to say that Ngata House won the competition, with our Senior Volleyball team winning every game.
It was nail-biting, to say the least, but our teams never fail
to step up to the demands of any competition, and I am so
thankful and proud of their determination.
Ngata House not only models superb Lighthouse Values
within sport, but shines in terms of students achieving academically. The Excellence results for NCEA 2015, were results
to be proud of and I would like to congratulate Ruby Spark
and Hunter Reid for achieving Excellence at NCEA Level 1.
Rhiannon Spary, Saskia Lane and Mikalya Laity are to be commended for their performance at NCEA level 2, all achieving
Excellence. I know that you will join with me in applauding
their diligent, determined and unwavering work ethic. Congratulations, girls.
It is important, as with all things, to aim high and aspire to
achieve and Mr Berg and I are always here to support your
child in every aspect of their school life. SAID Day is important
as it gives both us and your child’s teachers an opportunity to
meet with you to discuss their progress to date. If you were
unable to attend and would like any help or support in regards
to your child’s progress, please feel free to contact both Mr
Berg and myself as we will endeavor to help with any issues
that you may face.
Towards the end of this term Mr Berg and I will be joining our
Year 9s as we head off to the Boyle River Camp. The Boyle
River experience is one of opportunity, teamwork, challenge
and above all, pride in oneself. Many of our students push
themselves to attempt new, and often challenging activities
that are very much out of their comfort zone and come away
from the experience with a huge sense of accomplishment.
As always, I will update you as to this great trip in our next
newsletter.
Head of House Vanessa Wilkins
Dean of House Tim Berg
RUTHERFORD House
Kia ora and greetings from the Rutherford whānau. As usual,
Term 1 has been an extremely busy term. It is hard to believe
that six weeks of the school term has passed.
During week four, our two Rutherford Year 9 form classes went
on camp to Boyle River. This is always a special time for any
student as they bond with their form classes and challenge
themselves on a variety of activities. The personal growth
experienced by the students is a just reward for their efforts
on camp.
Thanks to Mrs Megan Clifford who came along and attended
the camp as “Camp Mum”. Mrs Clifford did an amazing job
keeping the kitchen ticking over and was also great company
for the teachers. I’d also like to thank the teachers who attended the camp: Miss Ross, Miss Bailey and Mrs McLorinan.
Their input into the students is valued, and I appreciate the
fact that this also took them away from the time that they’d
normally have with their families and their classes.
In the last newsletter, whilst acknowledging the hard working
staff in Rutherford I failed to mention Ang Reeves who has
joined us this year. Many of us know Ang as a talented music
teacher, however this year she has joined Rutherford whānau
and is working in the Mainstream Support Unit. Welcome to
the Rutherford whānau, Mrs Reeves.
Our Senior Student Executive have been busy this term. They
have experienced organising their first assemblies and many
of them have been busy representing Rutherford in SummerFest. We were placed second overall in SummerFest and this
means that we are now in first equal place with Mansfield on
the leader board. Well done team.
The Senior Student Executive are currently in the process of
helping select the Junior Executive members and are also busy
planning our annual fundraisers. This year we are continuing
to support the Salvation Army Can Drive, through a mufti day.
This will occur on the 24 June. We have also decided to support the St John’s Ambulance service. We feel that this would
be a worthy cause as many of us have had an association with
St John’s at some point in time. More details on this will follow
at a later date.
We have recently appointed our Student Council members to
represent us on the wider Student Council. We are looking
forward to having Lauren Reid, Shannon Fortune, Erin Delargy
and Grace Liddell representing us.
Finally, I’d like to publicise some of the upcoming House competitions. Senior Debating will be taking place in the first 5
weeks of Term 2 and also the Years 9, 10 and 11 Quizzes will
be taking place during Term 2. It would be great to see the
students sign up for these events so that we can continue with
our positive start to the year.
Finally, Mrs Koster and myself would like to pass on our thanks
to the students for the way that they have settled in to the
year.
Head of House Jonny Sim
Dean of House Gillian Koster
SHEPPARD House
Kia ora te whānau. Ngā mihi nui.
It’s the start of autumn and while the air temperature might
be ever so slightly cooler, activity here at school is, as always,
fairly frenetic.
It has been two weeks since we opened the process for the appointment of the Junior House Executive and since that time
I have received 14 very high quality applications. Reading the
application forms has been a very heartening experience. It
is clear that the students who strive for these positions value
the qualities we look for at any level of leadership: inspiration,
support, vision and motivation. While I do not look forward
to having to decide on six students only, I feel confident that
we will benefit from the leadership of the students who are
selected.
Senior SummerFest concluded in week 5 and we finished in
third place overall. I am very proud of the students who took
part in this event and gave their time and energy out on the
playing field and in the gym with temperatures in the early
30’s.
Our Touch team capitalised on some blistering pace and sublime playmaking to notch up two good wins in the early part
of the competition. However, defensive inexperience cost us
in the other matches. Nevertheless, throughout the competition the team stuck together and played for each other and
the House.
Our Volleyball team was a mix of guile and power. We began
the tournament with two very narrow losses, but came back
to record three consecutive wins finishing the Volleyball section in second place. This represents a truly outstanding effort.
I would like to extend my thanks to the students who took
part on the field, the executive members who acted as managers and the small but vocal band of sideline supporters all of
whom made the event a meaningful and memorable occasion.
Looming very large on the horizon is the Year 9 Camp at the
Boyle River. I am certain that the students who are going can’t
wait to get themselves into the mountains and away from
the constraints of modern living. Three days away from hair
straighteners, Instagram and microwave popcorn really does
something for the constitution! Make the most of it and enjoy
the serenity.
Sheppard Student Swimming Success Story!
13SCD student Anna Tongue recently competed at the New
Zealand Division II Swimming Championships held in Invercargill. Anna competed in three events and came away with a
silver medal in the 200m Backstroke. According to Anna “hard
work pays off” and this is certainly true as she often spends 20
hours a week training. Kia kaha, Anna!
Head of House Keith Anderson
Dean of House Paula Howard
Senior Construction and Mechanical Technologies
To kick off the year-long construction project, senior CMT students were given a three week (12 lesson) assignment called ‘The Pallet Challenge’. Using one entire pallet and 12 lessons of workshop time, the students
were asked to make an outcome from the pallet to provide evidence of their skills and workmanship at the
appropriate NCEA level.
Students were given details of the NCEA standards of construction required: Basic (Year 11), Advanced (Year
12), and Complex (Year 13).
Students had 12 lessons in which to plan, de-construct, prepare the timber, measure, cut to size, construct
and finish their outcome. Students had two written tasks to accompany this challenge. The first, a detailed
‘literacy rich’ plan of each stage, and the second, evidence in the form of photographs showing and explaining
decisions made, dilemmas solved, and alternatives explored. The students really stepped up to this challenge
and produced some quality outcomes. Huge thanks to BOC of Sockburn for supplying the pallets.
Relative size of new ILE
Admin
From the Guidance Department
The new year is upon us with a fresh perspective for those Year 9 students in their first year at a high school,
but for others and including some Year 9 students, the teenage ‘challenges’ remain the same.
The teenage years can be quite difficult for many of our youth and their families/support teams as the young
person moves towards adulthood, continually refining their own outlook on the world around them.
There are ‘roadblocks’ to negotiate, obstacles to overcome, confirming in reality that ‘Life’ is meant to test
us. Simply put, some days are better than others.
We are all capable of handling the good times really well but what defines us is how we handle those ‘not so
good’ times and there are a number of theories as to what works best.
As a supporter of young people, if we can retain our ‘calmness’ in any given situation, there is a very good
chance we will get a positive response from our teenagers!
As parents we love our children. This never changes. It is unconditional.
But on occasions we do not like them for the way they behave, the way they talk to us and the way they
disrespect others and their environments.
Social connection is extremely important to youth and as parents/caregivers we have the responsibility to
manage this. Those who are able to happily connect with their peers (especially at school) are generally
happy young people.
On specific occasions, certain matters may become overwhelming and it is always good to find that person or
organisation who might be able to help or offer a different perspective.
From a Rangiora High School perspective, anyone can contact the Guidance Department in school hours
to talk further or make an appointment with one of our four Counsellors, by ringing Karina (our Guidance
Assistant) on 03 311 8888, extension 2209. Karina is available each day until 12.30pm.
Head of Guidance, Rob Courtney, can be contacted on 03 311 8888, extension 2625.
For after hours support, please consider…
1.
Lifeline (www.lifeline.co.nz) – 0800 543 354 (24hrs)
2.
Youthline (www.youthline.co.nz) – 0800 376 633
3.
Depression Helpline (www.depression.org.nz) – 0800 111 757 (24hrs)
4.
Rangiora Police Station (8am – 5pm) - 03 313 6167 (ext 35760) or Kaiapoi Police on 03 327 7688
After hours calls will be forwarded to Christchurch Police Central.
Something to consider… “To become old and wise, you must first experience being young and stupid”
Ex-Students’ Sporting Success
Bella James (Senior A Netball, 2014-2015) was named in the Mainland National Netball League Squad.
Nigel Gibb (1st XV Rugby, 2011-2012) was named in the Crusader Knights Rugby squad for 2016.
Sheldon Pitama is Captain of the Junior Warriors.
Alex Kennedy has been selected in the New Zealand Rowing team to compete in the Rio de Janiero Olympics.
Olivia Robertson has won the Norwood Gold Cup at Horse of the Year Show.
Futsal
Congratulations to our Rangiora High School Girls’ Futsal team who competed in the Canterbury Secondary
Schools’ Futsal Tournament recently and won it convincingly.
The results from pool play were;
• Rangiora High School vs Linwood College, 12-0
• Rangiora High School vs Papanui High School, 7-2
• Rangiora High School vs St Andrew’s College, 9-2
• Rangiora High School vs Marian College, 7-2
• Semi-Final : Rangiora High School vs Marian College, 10-0
• Final : Rangiora High School vs St Andrew’s College, 4-1
The players in the team, as per the photo, were:
(Back row) Gordon Fraser (Coach), Tahlia Herman-Watt, Georgia Moore, Lucrettia Taylor, Emma Johnson, Ian
Fong (Manager).
(Front row) Lily Heidmann, Macey Fraser, Mikayla Nortman, Abbey Neilson, Ella Fong.
Futsal Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Champions
Te Waipounamu Māori
Netball Under 19 Team
Congratulations to Danya Price and Renee Tuhikarama who have been named in the Under 19 team to
compete at Nationals.
Te Waipounamu Māori Netball select players from
a region that covers the Tasman, Canterbury, West
Coast, Otago and Southland.
Danya and Renee will be competing in the Tourmament which is held in Hamilton, Easter Weekend
2016 (25-27 March).
Danya has recently travelled to Wellington for a NZ
Māori Development Camp held in Wellington and is
hoping for a trial for the NZ Māori Team this year.
Pictured above are Danya and Renee in action on
the netball court last season.
Tennis
Pictured right is Cam McCracken in
action at the Canterbury Champs
Five students recently competed in
the Canterbury Secondary Schools’
Senior Championships at Wilding
Park. The students were Cam McCracken, Jakob Eder, Dean Bagrie,
Matt Jones and Ben Rudd.
Cam McCracken played extremely
well and was placed third in the
Open Boys’ Singles.
Matt Jones and Ben Rudd won
the Year 11 Boys’ Doubles
(unfortunately by default).
Parent Portal
Rangiora High School provides access to student information for parents and caregivers via the school’s
website and the parent portal. The parent portal can
be accessed via the front page of the website or by
going directly to: https://rangiora.mystudent.school.
nz/. Your username and password has been emailed
to you.
The school website and portal are extremely useful websites which provide you with a wealth of
information about your child. Of key importance is
the attendance link which provides live data period
by period. We are also be providing a fortnightly
“engagement” report to provide some real time
feedback on your child’s attitude and engagement
throughout the year. Your child’s timetable, reports,
fees and grades are also available through the portal.
We suggest you look over this area regularly and
discuss your observations with your child.
Senior Girls’ Volleyball at South Island Tournament
Bus Travel
Thank you to those parents and caregivers who have
contacted the school regarding bus travel as our bus
routes and passenger numbers continue to settle.
We are continuing to monitor the numbers of
students on buses and may be making some more
changes to routes or passenger loadings to ensure a
better balance of passenger numbers.
Student safety and wellbeing are top priorities for
both the school and our bus company, Torlesse
Travel Limited.
The bus company is currently compliant with all
school bus regulations with regards to passenger
loadings.
Brian Hays
Deputy Principal - Operations
The Uniform Shop
The Uniform Group are the exclusive suppliers of the
Rangiora High School uniform. The Uniform Shop is
open at 115 East Belt (in the school-owned house
between the school and the Baptist Church) on:
Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
8.00am - 10.00am
1.20pm - 2.20pm
1.20pm - 2.20pm
3.00pm - 5.00pm
Our school appreciates the support of parents and
caregivers in ensuring all students are sunsmart. It
is our expectation that students will wear Rangiora
High School caps and hats.
Richard Winson
Assistant Principal - Student Services
International Department
Homestay families and students enjoyed a lovely picnic at school on 14 February - until the earthquake let all
the new students know what it felt like.
A group of 20 international students recently went on a trip to Nelson Bays, via Kaikoura.
They saw some amazing New Zealand scenery and wild life, experienced kayaking and walking in the national
park, swam in local rivers and went rafting.
Whilst in New Zealand the students are given opportunities to see as much as possible of the South Island
and try out many of the adventure activities that are available.
Homestays Wanted
Rangiora High School is looking for homestays to host our International students from all over the world.
Homestay hosts receive payment for these students.
If you can offer a home for short stay or long stay students, please phone Linda Strachan on 03 313 4633.
International Students
Pictured below are a group of our wonderful international students who are making gyoza (Japanese dumplings) in the H Block kitchens.
After cooking the gyoza, these girls were proud to share the dumplings with the class.
Equestrian
The equestrian calendar started off early this year with
interschool showjumping held at McLean’s Island on the 17
February. Rangiora High School fielded three strong teams
and achieved many placings and wins in the four classes.
Jacob Torrie was a stand out in the 1.05 class, winning his
first round and placing second in his next class. Overall,
Rangiora placed well down the team list with one or two
rails and refusals costing each team.
The teams were:
Green: Mika Donkers, Millie Chamberlain , Jess Drake and
Lucy Grigg
Gold: Jacob Torrie, Dani Chamber , Jess Vaughan and Loulou
Regos
Red: Zara Powers, Gabbie Rennie , Molly Grigg and Jordan Dunlop
We also had two teams competing at the Supa Polo on Sunday 28 February. Our C grade team played three
games for a win and two losses, one on a close fought run down. Our E grade team won their grade, with
many first time players having outstanding games and scoring goals. Luci Grigg was named player of the
grade. Well done, Luci.
The teams were:
C grade: Emily Donald, Samara Singh, Ella Plimmer and Coco Edilbi
E Grade: Ashleigh Hickling, Heather MacDonald, Luci Grigg and Annika Seiler.
The next tournament is on 29 March and we have three teams ready to compete.
Several of our students also travelled north to the Horse of the Year competition this year and came away
with some excellent results. Jacob Torrie was in the Pony Club team that achieved fifth place in the provincial
team competition and then later was sixth in the Under 15 rider class at 1.10m.
Georgie Goodworth also came sixth in the Junior rider class. A huge achievement in a competitive field.
Gabbie Rennie also had an outstanding Horse of the Year, coming seventh in the 1.15m champ class and top
ten in her other classes.
Ex-student, Olivia Robertson, who is now riding full-time, won the prestigious Norwood Cup at Horse of the
Year. Grace O’Sullivan also had an outstanding National Show Jumping Champs in February, coming second in
the Country TV/Seales Winslow NZ Open Pony Championship on Galaxy Masterpiece.
Jess Brechin continues to dominate the show ring winning NZ Nationals Champion Novice 13.2, Champion
Open 13.2, Champion Novice Challenge, Champion Open Challenge, Champion Amberleigh High Hopes
Memorial, and the Champion Alison Sampson Memorial. At the Amuri A&P and Cheviot A&P Jess won both
Supreme Champion Pony. A huge thanks to all the parents, supporters and staff who all help make these
competitions possible for these keen students. The amount of time, effort and expense is considerable!
Rangiora High School PTA
The Rangiora High School PTA will hold its annual AGM at 7.00pm in the Strachan Room, located at the top of
the stairs in the school’s Administration Building. All members of the school community are cordially invited to
attend. Year 9 parents and caregivers are especially welcome. Supper, tea and coffee is provided.
The PTA meeting dates for 2016 are:
4 April 2016 (AGM)
10 May 2016
28 June 2016
2 August 2016
13 September 2016
17 October 2016
22 November 2016
Pictured at right is the tent donated by the
PTA being put to use on House Sports Day.
Jacob Wins Gold
At the Oceania Wrestling Championships
held in Hamilton on 11-12 March this
month Jacob Pepper Edwards, who is in
Year 13 at Rangiora High School, represented the Rangiora Amateur Wrestling
Club and New Zealand Olympic Wrestling
Union. Jacob performed brilliantly for New
Zealand and won four medals:
Freestyle Cadet 14 to 16
100kg DivisionGold
Freestyle Junior 17 to 20
96kg Division Gold
Greco-Roman Cadet 14 to 16
100kg Division Gold
Greco-Roman Junior 17 to 20
96kg Division Gold
Throughout the competition Jacob
dominated his opponents and won many
matches by falls and others by superior
points. He did not a have a point scored
against him in the whole competition.
Stepping up to a higher age group did not
deter him in achieving additional success.
Jacob has been a member of the Rangiora
Amateur Wrestling Club for some years
now and it is wonderful to see him
graduate to represent New Zealand at an
international level with great success.
RANGIORA HIGH SCHOOL PTA
NOMINATIONS ARE BEING CALLED FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS…
•
•
•
•
CHAIRPERSON
SECRETARY
TREASURER
COMMITTEE
SUPPORT (Verb)
• TO KEEP FROM FALLING
• TO ACTIVELY ENCOURAGE
• TO SERVE AS A FOUNDATION
• TO ADVOCATE
PLEASE JOIN THE RHS PTA COMMITTEE
OUR STUDENTS NEED YOU AND YOUR SUPPORT
Golf
Year 13 student Momoka Kobori recently competed in the New Zealand Women’s Golf Open at Clearwater.
Her results were: Round 1: 70, Round 2: 74 and Round 3: 77.
Momoka made the cut after 2 rounds and finished 57th and the fourth Amateur in the tournament which
Lydia Ko won. Momoka said it was great to play in her first professional tournament amongst so many top
level players.
Families taking holidays in term time
There is an increasing number of students going on holiday in term time.
This is not a justifiable reason for absence from school and usually will be marked as Explained/Unjustified.
While it is understandable that parents’ holiday times do not always correspond with school holidays and
that cheaper flights and extending the holiday time to make the cost/trip worthwhile are desirable, parents/
caregivers must also consider that their child is missing out on continuity in their learning.
Teachers do their best to give relevant work but this is not always possible and does place demands on them
when the student returns to catch them up.
Parents are asked to contact the Acting Principal by letter or email in good time if they are considering taking
their child/children out of school during term time for a trip/holiday.
Farm News
Year 11 Primary ITO Academy have started a
number of projects including general horticulture and landscaping projects as well as basic
animal husbandry.
Start of the new season for the Year 12 Primary
ITO Academy, They are currently completing
their first aid and chainsaw courses before they
go out on farms around the farming community
for work experience, starting next week.
Senior students get taught the basics of driving
a tractor on uneven ground. This will enable
them to develop confidence and make good
decisions when on work placement.