10 December - St Hilda`s Collegiate School

St Hilda’s
Collegiate School
Newsletter
No. 8 | 10 December 2015
Principal’s Message
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends of St Hilda’s
As I write this last newsletter for 2015, I am amazed at how quickly the year has
gone and how we have packed so much into it. With the senior students away for
examinations, and the Year 7 to 10 students embarking on a myriad of rich learning
programmes, as the weather improves and the temperatures lift, there really is a
sense of renewal and excitement for the season ahead, which enthuses us all as we
consolidate the planning for 2016. The year has been defined by several highlights
that again reinforce the strength of community and the special character of the
school.
In cultural highlights, our 2015 Stage Challenge team were the winners of the Otago
Region.
Sings Hilda placed first in Performance of a New Zealand Composition at the Big
Sing Regional Championship and were invited to attend the Big Sing National Finale
in Wellington where they received a Bronze Award.
Like A Kid placed third and earned the People’s Choice Award at the Otago
Rockquest Regional Finals.
The Hip Hop team ‘Cryptic’ placed fourth at a highly competitive Nationals.
In local sporting competitions, St Hilda’s are the top girls’ school in Rugby,
Basketball, Rugby 7s, Squash, Water Polo, Cricket, Badminton, Hockey, Touch,
Futsal, Netball, Water-skiing and Rowing.
In Aerobics, Hannah Alcock and Zara Anthony-Whigham were the Champion Junior
Secondary Open Team and Zara Anthony-Whigham was the Champion Junior
Secondary Open Novice Individual.
The 4 x 100m Senior Relay Team of Danica Davies, Caitlyn George, Joccoaa Palmer
and Leonie Palmer won a silver medal at the National Secondary School Athletics.
Several athletes had top ten placings and PBs.
The Junior Cross Country Team of Cecilia Crooks, Kate Higham, Georgia Mitchell,
Sophie Sinclair, Brianna Thomson and Suzie White won silver at the New Zealand
Secondary School Cross Country in June.
In this issue
Page
Principal’s Message
1 - 2
Special Character
7
Departments
8 - 10
Sports
16 - 17
Board of Trustees
18 - 19
2016 Term Dates
20
Page
Prize Giving
3- 6
Cultural
7-8
Junior School End of Year Programmes 10 - 16
From the Archives
17 - 18
Community
19 - 20
The Junior 4000m team of Suzie White, Cecilia
Crooks and Georgia Mitchell won silver at the NZ
Secondary School Champs Road Race event in
December.
The Senior A Water Polo won the South Island
Secondary Schools’ Water Polo Champs.
The First X1 Cricket team won the Southern
Regional Cricket Tournament and were
placed second in the National Tournament in
Palmerston North.
The Junior A and Senior A Basketball teams won
their respective South Island Secondary Schools’
Tournaments with the Senior A going on to place
fifth at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’
Basketball Tournament.
The Rowing team won the Martha Gillies Trophy
for the most points for a girls school at The
Head of the Harbour Regatta.
The Sevens team were the winners at the
Regional Condor Sevens Tournament.
The St Hilda’s First XV won the Otago Secondary
Schools’ Rugby final.
The St Hilda’s A Badminton Team finished first
in the Otago Secondary Schools’ Badminton
Competition.
We have had some wonderful chapel services –
Easter, Amnesty International, St Hilda’s Day in
the Cathedral, and I believe we are so lucky to
have those opportunities in this busy world to
twice weekly come together to share worship,
think, contemplate and consider. Dr Townsley
challenges us and educates us, inspires us and
encourages us – and those chances to quietly
sit, take a deep breath, consider others and
concepts bigger than ourselves, be mindful and
still, are to be treasured in our hectic days.
I would like to acknowledge the wonderful
support I have had in my first year at St Hilda’s.
The parents and community who have been so
welcoming, the girls for their willingness to show
me the ropes, explain procedures to me, help
me along the way, and even show me where to
go at times. They have been open, positive and
supportive and I am truly grateful.
I am appreciative of being among such
passionate, committed and expert colleagues.
I would love to make a special mention of all
the staff for their guidance, assistance and
humour as I have navigated my way through a
new school calendar, and I am so grateful for the
support of Joanne Popa, Hazel Dey, Geraldine
Corkery and Judy Maw – exceptional women who
embody team work and selflessness and who are
totally committed to this school.
Thank you to Amanda Haggie and her wonderful
team at Tolcarne. How lucky we are to have such
committed caregivers for our girls.
I have loved: spending time getting to know you
all at school events, sharing the sports sideline
on freezing cold and really hot days, learning
more about water polo and the technicalities
of touch, developing a better understanding
of the intricacies of chamber music and choral
repertoires, meeting up with you in far flung
corners of the South Island on camps, singing
alongside you in the Cathedral, gaining an
awareness of the history of St Hilda’s, talking,
listening, discussing, debating, laughing and
always, always taking pride in my association
with the school and enjoying your warmth,
encouragement and assistance.
I wish you and your families all the very best for
the holiday break and festive season. May you
enjoy all the blessings of Christmas and I look
forward to seeing you all rejuvenated, refreshed
and ready for another exciting year.
“Acknowledging the good that you already have
in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”
Eckhart Tolle
Mrs Jackie Barron
Principal
The Boards, especially Nicola Williams and Gaye
Cowie as Chairs, have been patient, allowing
me to find my feet and learn the ropes; they
have stayed true to the values and strategic
development of St Hilda’s, but also allowed me
to add my perspectives and thoughts.
The ERO visit in May seems an age ago now,
but it was a wonderful opportunity for me to
quickly come up to speed with this very special
organization, truly understand the vision
developed by Melissa Bell and the staff, and then
be able to extrapolate that for an exciting future.
Page 2
Aisling Beamish
2015 Dux
St Hilda’s Collegiate School
2015 Prize Giving
The Otago Daily Times does not publish the
Year 7 and 8 Awards
Year 7 Certificates for General Excellence with
Diligence
Annabel Bilkey
Analee Toro
Year 7 Certificates for Merit with Diligence and
Diligence
Maggie Bowles
Georgia Copeman
Grace Cotter
Brianna Le
Rosalie Leaper
Jordan Meltzer
Danielle Willsman
Year 8 Certificates for General Excellence with
Diligence
Madeline Bilkey
Amelia Hall
Lily Hornal
Year 8 Certificates for Merit with Diligence and
Diligence
Grace Brenssell
Charlotte Coutts
Emma Edwards
Isobel Keiller
Year 9 Certificates for General Excellence and
General Excellence with Diligence
Sophie Conner
Milly Elworthy
Molly Gow
Olivia Hall
Tamara Mason
Lily Mole
Year 9 Certificates for Merit and Merit with
Diligence
Isabella Aldrich
Emily Hardiman
Anna Young
Year 9 Certificates for Diligence
Isabella Beens
Emma Burnside
Rachel Caderas
Briar Grounds
Nicole Heaton
May Tangsittitum
Year 10 Certificates for General Excellence and
General Excellence with Diligence
Sophie Armstrong
Catherine Davidson Aisling
Yvie Finn-House
Jillian Heng
Helen Knott
Jessica Powell
Victoria Tong
Year 10 Certificates for Merit and Merit with
Diligence
Kiriana Hunter
Alice Murphy
Olivia O’Neill
Isabelle Robertson
Isabel Woodhouse
Year 10 Certificates for Diligence
Darcie Crowle
Abbey Hawker
Amelia Phillips
Madison Thomson
Sophie Turner
Year 11 Certificates for General Excellence and
General Excellence with Diligence
Adithi Alexander
Elizabeth Fitchett
Amy Jones
Rachel Kinley
Ella McDonald
Olivia Ray
Emma Taggart
Year 11 Certificates for Merit and Merit with
Diligence
Sarah Cochrane
Josephine Cook
Mariette Devereux
Gabrielle Hunter
Larissa Reddiex
Laura Simpson
Year 11 Certificates for Diligence
Emma Crampton
Samantha Ellison
Dayna Gallagher
Georgia Hay
Hillary Hunt
Katherine Inder
Laney Keenan
Meg Kinney
Laura Taylor
Olivia Whelan-Henderson
Year 12 Certificates for General Excellence and
General Excellence with Diligence
Holly Armstrong
Caroline Burchell
Kaya Fukushima
Lola Garden
Amelia Knott
Katie Knowles
Year 12 Certificates for Merit
Casey Brown
Anna Lindsay
Lili Sabonadiere
Year 12 Certificates for Diligence
Ameisha Cochrane
Alexandra Higham
Claudia Maker
Holly Miller
Anna Power
Page
Page
33
Year 13 Certificates for General Excellence
with Diligence
Aisling Beamish
Amy Jones
Megan Kyte
Ihlara McIndoe
Meghann North
Andrea van Turnhout
Music
Madeline Guthrie
Year 13 Certificates for Merit with Diligence
Ainslea Boult
Sophie Coutts
Madeleine Holmes
Science
Meg Kinney
Year 13 Certificates for Diligence
Amy Back
Merran Casse
Julia Landels
Nan Li
Alice Morrison
Brittany Richards
Zoe Richards
Mhairi Rowbottom
Aleisha Ruske
Jamoon Wu
Karen Wu
FIRST IN SUBJECT PRIZES AND SPECIAL
AWARDS
The Holmes’ Family People’s Choice Award for
Year 9 Passion Project
Amelia Scully
The Melissa Bell Award for Highest Achievement
in the Junior School
Amelia Hall
The Melissa Bell Award for Highest Achievement
in the Middle School
Victoria Tong
Numeracy
Amy Hancock
Physical Education
Samantha Casse
Spanish
Sarah Cochrane
Textiles
Katherine Inder
Visual Art
Victoria Tong (Year 10)
The Enid Freeman Cup for All Round Achievement
in Year 11
Georgia Hay
St Hilda’s Collegiate Old Girls Association Prize
for Highest Achievement in Year 11
Amy Jones
YEAR 12 FIRST IN SUBJECT AND SPECIAL
AWARDS
Accounting, English and The Jane Wheatley
Memorial Award for first in French
Holly Armstrong
Biology and The Hanff Cup for first in Chemistry
Kaya Fukushima
Economics
Casey Brown
YEAR 11 FIRST IN SUBJECT AND SPECIAL
AWARDS
English for Speakers of Other Languages
Angel Choi
Design and Visual Communication
Olivia Ray
The Susan Main Memorial Cup for first in
Geography and first in Physics
Lola Garden
Drama and History
Amy Jones
Economics
Ella McDonald
English
Adithi Alexander
English for Speakers of Other Languages
Alice Wei
French
Emma-Gabrielle Jack
Geography and Mathematics
Emma Taggart
Information Communication Technology
Rachel Wilson
Page 4
History
Jamie MacKenzie
Information Communication Technology and
Performing Arts - Drama
Nicola Wilson-Stewart
Mathematics
Jessica Gray
Media Studies
Brigette Hoskin
Music
Tessa Forde
Outdoor Education
Claudia Maker
Performing Arts – Dance
Emma Alcock (Year 11)
The McElroy Prize for first in Geography
Madeleine Holmes
The Fletch Award for first in Physical Education
Holly White
The Mrs MJ Mayhew Prize for first in History
Madeleine Gabbusch
Pure Mathematics
Alice Wei (Year 11)
Information Communication Technology
Brittany Richards
Spanish
Amelia Knott
The Parents and Friends Association Prize for first in
Mathematics with Calculus
Kaya Fukushima (Year 12)
Textiles
Maria Angus
Visual Art – Painting
Amy Jones (Year 11)
Visual Art – Photography
Katie Cooper
The Devon Anderson Memorial Prize for Visual Art
in Year 12
Amy Jones (Year 11)
The Tiffany Cone Cup for All Round Achievement in
Year 12
Holly Armstrong
The L.M. Gillies Memorial Award for Highest
Achievement in Year 12
Lola Garden
The Zonta Prize for Excellence in Mathematics and
Science
Kaya Fukushima
YEAR 13 FIRST IN SUBJECT AWARDS
Accounting, Textiles, and The Felicity Wren
Memorial Cup for first in Visual Art – Photography
Ainslea Boult
The Amanda McKeown Award for first in Art History
Aleisha Ruske
Biology and The Paterson Family Award for first in
Physics
Amy Jones
The Gootjes Award for first in Chemistry
Meghann North
The Fisken Prize for first in Economics
Lola Garden (Year 12)
The Miss Muriel May Prize for first in English, first in
Music and Performing Arts - Drama
Ihlara McIndoe
The Parents and Friends Association Prize for first in
Mathematics with Statistics and Modelling and The
Science Shield
Aisling Beamish
The Janece Wilson (nee Kitchen) Prize for first in
Media Studies
Andrea van Turnhout
Performing Arts – Dance
Mhairi Rowbottom
The Cameron Prize for first in Physical Education
Danica Davies
The Connie Gillies (nee Walker) Cup for first in
Visual Art – Painting
Erin O’Brien
SPECIAL PRIZES AND HONOURS AWARDS
The Clem Rondel Award for Effort in Social Sciences
Madeleine Holmes
The Hobson Cup for Fine Arts
Erin O’Brien
The Roslyn Physiotherapy Health Sciences Award
and the Barbara Dineen Award for Oral French
Sophie Coutts
The Christine Gold Award for Excellence in
Investigating Biology
Emma Wilson
The Bunton Cup for Service to Music
Megan Kyte
The Macassey Cup for Public Speaking, The Rebecca
White Cup for Excellence in and Contribution
to Performing Arts and the Rosalynd North
Accompanist Cup
Ihlara McIndoe
The Kim Morice Award for Senior Debating
Alicia (Poppy) Finn-House
English for Speakers of Other Languages
Nan Li
The Sonya Morice Award for Junior Debating
Isabelle Robertson
Financial Mathematics
Olivia McNab
The MacDonald Cup for Library Service
Jessica Fleming
The Kate Hogg Memorial Prize for first in French
Sophie Coutts
The Rae-Ann Sinclair Cup for Chairperson of the
School Council
Tessa Read
Page 5
The Walker Sisters’ Cup for Individual
Performance in Dance
Claire Lau
The Sisters’ Geraldine and Etheleen Award for
Special Character in the Junior School
Yvie Finn-House
The Sisters’ Geraldine and Etheleen Award for
Special Character in the Senior School
Amy Back
The Bishop Penny Jamieson Scholarship for
university study in Theology and Religious
Studies
Mhairi Rowbottom
The Christine Leighton Award for Endeavour in
the Junior School
Abbey Hawker
The Christine Leighton Award for Endeavour in
the Senior School – a joint award in 2015
Brittany Richards and Zoe Richards
The Smith Gordon Award for Outstanding Service
to Tolcarne
Amy Back
The Imlach Family Prize for Contribution to
Tolcarne
Katherine Inder
The 2013 Leavers’ Award for Spirit, Initiative and
Leadership
Aleisha Ruske
The Shirley Henderson Cup for Assistance with
Sports Administration
Elle Perriam
The Pinckney-MacFarlane Cup for Assistance
with Coaching – a joint award in 2015
Whitney Keenan and Alice Morrison
The Edgar Cup for Excellence in a Single Sport
Danica Davies
The Hodge Award for Student Representative On
the Board of Trustees
Ihlara McIndoe
The Wood Cup for Best All Round Senior
Sportswoman
Elizabeth van Harselaar
The Fogarty Cup for Best All Round Junior
Sportswoman
Olivia O’Neill
The Sports Committee Trophy for Best All Round
Sports Team of the Year
Senior 4x100m Relay Team
The Mumford Cup for Inter-House Competition
Havelock
Page 6
ELITE SERVICE AWARDS
Aisling Beamish
Jessica Faulks
Kaya Fukushima
Madeleine Holmes
Amy Jones
Stella Keown
Emma Lloyd
Jodi Patterson
Tessa Woodhouse
DUKE OF EDINBURGH GOLD HILLARY AWARDS
Alexandra Coker
Hannah McLaren
Jordan Pannett
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LEADER
Jinny Jang
PREFECT AWARDS
The Elaine Hesse-Greif Award for Liaison Prefect
Sarah Wyber
The Elaine Hesse-Greif Award for Arts Prefects
Madison Heyward and Madeleine Holmes
The Sir Roy Stevenson Memorial Award for
Sacristans
Madeleine Gabbusch and Julia Landels
The Betty Barling Memorial Award for Sports
Prefects
Paige Cotton and Annabel Girvan
The Mary Botting Memorial Award for Head
Boarders
Lucy Bell and Amelia Hewett
The Mary Botting Memorial Award for Deputy
Head Girl
Aleisha Ruske
The Mary Botting Memorial Award for Head Girl
Ihlara McIndoe
TOP HONOURS AWARDS
The Eugenie Avent-Hunter Memorial Award for
All-Round Service
Jessica Fleming
The St Hilda’s Collegiate Cup for All Round
Achievement
Ihlara McIndoe
The Sophie Elliott Proxime Accessit Memorial
Award
Ihlara McIndoe
Dux
Aisling Beamish
Special Character
Chaplain’s Chat
One of the things I love about Christmas is seeing
Advent Calendars. I like to get one that has a
Nativity scene, so that we can be reminded of what
Christmas is really about. But most of the ones that
are available to buy these days have nothing to do
with the Christmas story; they often have Santa or
scenes of Victorian England, and you can even get
Barbie and Thomas the Tank Engine ones. If you
couple this with Easter, where you can get Barbie
and Thomas Easter eggs, and the Cadbury’s Easter
Bunny is almost as well-known as the Coca Cola
Santa image, then it is no wonder that many people
these days have forgotten the real meaning of these
key Christian celebrations. I had a student at Otago
University a couple of years ago who asked me, in
all sincerity, of the two celebrations, which was the
one where Jesus was born?
But getting back to Advent Calendars. The tradition
of marking the days until Christmas goes back a
long time. People used to make chalk marks on
their front door in anticipation of the day that
the Christ Child would come through it. The first
calendar, with twenty-four little pictures to be
revealed, one per day, was invented in Germany in
1851, and the idea spread slowly to the rest of the
world after World War II.
The period of Advent refers to the time we prepare
ourselves for the coming of Christ. The calendars
teach us patience and anticipation, and remind us
to prepare and be organised for Christmas, both
practically and in terms of our hearts. We should
be planning our menus and present lists as well
as preparing our hearts to receive God’s love and
forgiveness.
I bought a special Advent Nativity scene this year.
Each little box reveals a figure for a Nativity scene,
and I already have a sense of anticipation and
excitement for opening each box. The scene will
build up over the season of Advent until Christmas
Eve, when the last figures emerge. I imagine it will
be the Christ Child, and I hope that by then I will
be prepared in my heart to receive the rich gifts he
offers us all at this time.
I hope that we all have a blessed Christmas, and
have a sense of the love, hope, peace and joy that
the birth of Jesus brings to our world, a world in
desperate need of these gifts.
Dr Gillian Townsley
Chaplain
Cultural
Arts Corner
Southern Sinfonia Schools' Tour
On Monday the 23rd November musicians from The
Southern Sinfonia performed for our junior school
in the library. They talked about the instruments
they had brought along and played for us some very
recognisable and diverse music, from composers
such as Mozart and Bach to the Star Wars and 2001
a Space Odyssey theme songs. We really enjoyed the
skill and passion with which they performed.
Arts Scholarship Recipients
We are very happy to announce our two Arts
Scholarship recipients for 2016 are Natalya Skelton
and Lily Hornal. Congratulations to both girls.
Natayla Skelton has been awarded her scholarship
for her achievements in Fine Arts. She is an
accomplished artist who has overcome great
hurdles in order to nurture her love and talent to
an already high standard. We look forward to the
contribution we are sure Natalya will continue to
make to the artistic landscape at St Hilda’s.
Lily Hornal has been awarded her scholarship
for her achievements in Performing Arts. Lily is a
committed dancer, actor, musician and singer and
participates broadly across all these disciplines. We
look forward to Lily’s continued growth as an artist
and mentor in the Performing Arts at St Hilda's.
Drama
The Year 10 Performing Arts class have been
working on a project called "For the Love of
Dance" and Mrs McMillan’s proposal to be a part
of DANZ’s video celebrating International Dance
Day has been accepted. Olveston is the location for
a piece inspired by Dorothy Theomin’s interest in
mountaineering, photography, painting and more.
Filming will take place in the next two weeks and
the compilation of choreographies from around New
Zealand will be available for viewing in April 2016.
Marzipan Drama Performance
Rachel McMillan has provided this report on recent
activities of the Marzipan Drama group.
"The Marzipan Drama
Group (Emily Wilson,
Lucy Woodhouse,
Sophie Smith, Sophie
Silcock, Maia Lamb,
Brianna Le and Kyoka
Summerhayes)
performed to parents
and friends on Friday
27th November.
Page 7
Everyone was impressed with the progress all
of the girls have made this year – especially with
their confidence, spontaneity, audience awareness
and appreciation for comedy. The script was cowritten by the students and they even improvised
without skipping a beat during the tricky ad
break/costume changes. The plot involved kids
who would rather watch TV than do housework
(hard to believe, I know). Be careful what you wish
for though, because these characters became
stuck inside the TV and were VERY eager to do
housework by the end!
Departments
English Department
Writers’ Camp 2015
Many thanks to Sophie Acklin (Marzipan tutor) who
clearly loved working patiently with this group of
young thespians."
Carol Service
St Barnabas Church, Warrington, was built in 1872,
held its first service on 11th November of that year,
and was consecrated by the first Bishop of Dunedin,
The Right Reverend Samuel T. Nevill, on 11th June
1873.
The Carol Service was held on the last Sunday in
November, Lillian Gibbs opened the service, which
was well attended by a large number of students
and parents, with a beautiful rendition of "Once
in Royal David's City". The Madrigal Choir sang
several carols including "O Holy Night" and the
school orchestra members supported the choir and
also the congregational singing. It was a wonderful
way to end the month of November and herald
the coming of the Christmas season. The event
concluded appropriately with a piece of Christmas
cake for all supplied by the PFA.
Recently a group of twelve keen writers,
Mrs Smith and Mrs Maw headed out to
Warrington to spend two days soaking up the
atmosphere and firing up their creative ideas.
In the course of the two days the girls explored
the natural environment and tried looking at
things in different ways. The writing from this is
presently being crafted and we are planning to
“publish” in the new year.
ICAS English Competition
School Production 2016
A reminder that auditions for our 2016 School
Production will take place in Week 2 of Term 1. So
get your song prepared over the break. To secure
a role in the school production all students must
audition.
Ms Barbara Power
Arts Co-ordinator
Page 8
We would like to acknowledge some very
pleasing results in this year’s ICAS English
competition. Caroline Burchell has been awarded
a medal in recognition of gaining the top mark
in New Zealand in Year 12 English. This is an
outstanding achievement. Congratulations
also to Olivia O’Neill who was awarded High
Distinction and Annabel Bilkey, Lauren Heng,
Analee Toro, Emily Wilson, Lily Hornal, Isobel
Keiller, Catherine Davidson, Jillian Heng, Nina
Johnston, Victoria Tong, Susie Olssen, Jess
Powell, Isabelle Robertson, Adithi Alexander,
Laura Simpson, Sam Casse, Gabby Hunter and
Mia Knott who were awarded Distinction.
Mrs Judy Maw
HOD English
International Department
Physical Education, Outdoor Education
and Health Department
Report to the Board of Trustees - 25 November
2015
The End of Year Programme has been in full swing.
Marie-Sophie, Yuka, Metoo and Shuri have had a
breath-taking tour of the south. They got to see
the glow worms up close and personal in Te Anau,
they were nearly washed away by the stunning
waterfalls of Milford Sound and soaked in all
things Queenstown: Fergburger, the luge, Walter
Peak Station, the Earnslaw to name a few and they
even saw kiwi in the Kiwi Birdlife Park. Then there
were the things closer to Dunedin as well. The
albatrosses and penguins, the Monarch, Orokonui
Ecosanctuary, Larnach’s Castle, Olveston, the
Chinese Gardens, surfing at St Clair and some of
the local museums as well. What a delightful way to
spend the last few weeks. A big thank you to Nele
and Mr Angus for their help with this programme.
Unfortunately this is the time of year where we have
to farewell many students, and it never gets any
easier. Our international students become such
a strong part of St Hilda’s and the surrounding
community and a real member of their host families.
So when we have had to say farewell to Sumire
Aikawa, Ing Ing Apiratmontree, Johanna Drüppel,
Julia Harten, Metoo Kaiya, Cherdear Ketrungsi, Jinny
Jang, Nan Li, Sherry Li, Ryoko Sekiya, Cheer Cheer
Songsakhon, Shuri Takemae, Jamoon Wu and Karen
Wu, we were saying goodbye to friends. These
girls are off to explore the rest of the world, with
some about to embark on their university careers
around the globe (some are even coming back to
good old Otago to study). To the girls who are
returning to school at home, good luck. It will,
I am sure, be a hard adjustment heading back
home. Oliver Wendell Holmes said that “a mind
that is stretched by a new experience can never go
back to its old dimensions”, so think of how you
can make the most of the new dimensions in your
life. Enjoy the delicious food that you have missed
and share plenty of those lovely smiles with your
families. Keep in touch and tell us what you’re up
to. Remember this is never goodbye, just Auf
Wiedersehen (till I see you again).
Travel safely to those girls returning in 2016 and
a very Merry Christmas and a huge thank you to
all of our homestay families. It really would be
impossible for our international students here
without your unwavering support and care.
Ms Kirstyn Mawdsley
Director of International Students
We have been extremely fortunate to fill the
position vacated by Anna Bruce with Miss Hannah
Wilson, who has returned to the position she held
several years ago. Hannah has added much to
the department; her innovation and dynamism
in the classroom have continued to keep these
subject areas appealing for our students. She
has contributed to the ongoing success in the
department, with 2014 and 2015 showing pleasing
results through all levels of NCEA, in some areas
exceeding those of other single sex decile 10
schools around the country.
Initiatives that our department pursued this
year were to rediscover the benefits of play, and
exploratory learning contexts, where our students
feel comfortable to take risks. We are reviewing
our learning contexts and looking at reducing
‘mainstream’ sports where students may have
existing expectations and are looking at finding
more unique, inspired ideas in which the learning
can occur. Hopefully through this students feel
comfortable taking greater risks in their learning,
and building their resilience through rich learning
experiences.
We are continuing to integrate the use of new
technologies into our teaching and learning. The
iPads at Year 9, and progressing through the
year levels, offer different capabilities, which we
are gaining confidence in using. These such as
interactive assessment modes, ongoing learning
folios and apps will provide us with previously
unobtainable information about movement, and will
open up pathways that we wish to pursue.
Looking further ahead, the department wishes
to embed Tikanga Maori more consistently and
effectively through our courses which will provide
further learning opportunities to our students. This
is a challenge that we as a department are excited
about.
Thank you to all the families that have supported
the PE and OE camps and other initiatives over the
last two years. Your support and feedback into what
we provide allows our department to move forward.
Page
Page 99
Once again the strongest asset to our
department are the students. They really are
capable, engaged young people.
We stayed at the Tautuku Outdoor Education
Centre, which provided the perfect base for a
range of exciting activities, including abseiling,
kayaking, orienteering, a confidence course and,
of course, the notorious “mud-run” followed by
the equally notorious “hose-down.” After the
physical challenges of the day, the girls spent
their evenings on more cerebral tasks, designing
and parading wearable art, competing in a quiz,
and creating performance pieces.
Mr Alan West
HOD Physical Education, Outdoor Education and
Health
Year 10 Camp
It was amazing to see how the girls approached
every activity with boundless positive energy,
ingenuity and courage. A big thank you has to
go to the marvellous parent helpers, who happily
cooked, kayaked and slid through the mud to
make this camp a success. It was a great week,
and one we will all remember fondly.
Ms Sandra Muller
Year 10 Camp Teacher
Junior School End of Year Programmes
BEAMS
On the 9th of November, Year 10 headed off for
a week of fun and adventure in the Catlins.
Page 10
BEAMS is an annual programme run by the
University of Auckland to help young Maori and
Pacifika students see the possibilities of tertiary
study in Business, Engineering, Architecture,
Medical Sciences and Science.
Any one school can take a maximum of 10 students
to this day.
The group of St Hilda’s students, accompanied by
Ms Corkery, that went to Auckland 23-24 November
travelled the furthest of all the participating
schools.
All the girls had great fun learning about Auckland.
On the Monday, after settling into our university
hostel accommodation, we visited the zoo, then
returned to the CBD on a local bus, and in the
evening we walked downtown to the Sky Tower and
a view of the city from above.
Impressions of the day at the university on the 24th
were very positive. Here are the girls thoughts:
Business was one of our favourite topics of the day.
The tutors were really chill and made the class fun
by giving us a quiz that provided an insight into
the marketing business for the Warriors. This led
to a bonus round where people got to show their
skills by getting up and dancing, which got us
relaxed and laughing. We learnt about the different
business degrees available in Economics and
Marketing as well as gaining more of an insight into
business.
Going into the engineering workshop we had no
idea what to expect. Something along the lines of
cars and structures came to mind, but we found
out that it was far more than that. Problem solving,
teamwork, creativity, and spatial awareness were
some key skills that were covered in this workshop.
Lots of different challenges were set for us that
enabled us to use the skills that were covered
earlier in the workshop. Overall we really enjoyed
this workshop and were able to gain a clearer
understanding of engineering.
Studying architecture, we learnt in the workshop,
would not just lead to building structures, but could
lead to clothing design, computing and limitless
other options as a career. This was also true for
all the other career paths we learnt about over the
course of the day, as each degree option branches
out into many different careers far from the
stereotypical ones that are associated with them.
We had a session on medicine and health science.
We learnt how to take blood pressure and how to
find the patella tendon. We were also quizzed on
the organs and muscles in the body.
In Science we carried out many experiments, such
as chemical reactions, dry ice and fun practical
work. We also learnt what it’s like to do Science at
the Uni and how Science can be a really interesting
career pathway. We really enjoyed the experiments
and learning new things about chemicals and gases.
Touring different parts of the University of Auckland
and having the opportunity to talk to real students
about their studies was also great.
Hannah Alcock, Poppy Davis, Kiriana Hunter, Kaitlin
Jaeger, Lusia Maia, Helen Knott, Amelia Phillips,
Georgie Pope, Brianna Thomson and Siobhan Whitty.
Ms Geraldine Corkery
Deputy Principal
Science Wananga
As Maori students, we were lucky enough to be
offered the opportunity to attend a science wananga
at Karitane run by the University of Otago’s
Science Department, where we stayed two nights
on the marae. There were 50 students in total
from Kavanagh, Otago Boys’, Otago Girls’, King’s,
Queen’s, Verdon College in Invercargill, and St
Hilda’s. When we arrived, we had to do a powhiri,
where they greeted us onto their marae. After that,
we had kai, and then settled into the whare moe,
which is the area where we slept. Everyone had to
sleep in the same room. After settling in, we had to
introduce ourselves with our mihis.
Later, we were split into groups, and walked down
to the Karitane beach. Half of us set plankton traps,
which were basically glowsticks in a plastic bottle,
as we were testing to see which colour attracted the
most plankton. We tied them to the wharf and left
them there overnight. The other half did a marine
metre by metre square survey, which is where
you set a metre by metre square on the sand and
observe what creatures are within it.
We walked back to the marae and had supper.
Everyone was clearly exhausted as it was almost
midnight. But, even though we’d been warned,
we were woken up unexpectedly at 4am the next
morning by Koro Hata doing a morning karikea/
prayer. The reason it was done at 4am each
morning was to bless the start of a new day, even
though our new day didn’t usually start till a bit
later.
On the second day we went on a walk around
Karitane peninsula where we learnt about the
history of the land and how important it is to take
care of it. We stopped at a rocky shore and did
another marine metre by metre square survey, but
instead of doing it on soft sand, we did it on rocky
shore. This meant there were different creatures
second time round. After the walk, we checked our
traps to see which colour had attracted the most
plankton. Ours was green.
The whole Tuesday BEAMS experience has taught
us much about teamwork, career options, and
motivation. It was a very memorable experience and
definitely helped us to shape the decisions that we
will make in the future.
Page 11
We were then split into groups again. Half of
us did chemistry-based activities. One of the
activities was the ‘Lab in The Box’. The ‘Lab in
The Box’ is a science lab in a shipping container,
where we investigated small creatures such as
crabs and plankton using microscopes. The
other activity was looking at dry ice, which is a
solid form of carbon dioxide. The other group
did waka ama. Waka ama is where you do
canoeing, paddle boarding and sailing. While
doing this, a sample of water is collected and
taken back to the lab to see what things were
inside the water.
That night we had an ice cream competition,
where we created ice cream using the dry ice.
We made a mango flavour with some students
from King’s, East Otago and Verdon, and
actually ended up taking out first prize. After
the competition, the rest of the night was
all about kapa haka and waiata. It was great,
participating, watching and learning all the
different Maori songs and hakas. Everyone joined
in and it was just such a fun time.
On the last day, the weather turned sour, and it
poured down with rain. We were all pretty sad
because no one wanted to leave, as everyone
was having lots of fun and we all had made such
good friends. That day, we basically just played
a lot of games, did some more kapa haka, had
dance battles, and had to do a massive clean up
of the whole marae.
We really encourage Maori rangitahi in Year 10
next year to go on this trip. You learn heaps
about not only science and caring about the
environment, but also about your culture. You
meet lots of new people, and some great friends
can come out of it. It also changes your views on
studying Science. Many, at the beginning, didn’t
want anything to do with Science, but now are
having second thoughts and have developed a
real interest in the subject. The wananga also
made you feel more connected to your Maori
culture, and made you want to have more
involvement in it.
Maori Language Week
Maori Language Week is a week for learning
and embracing the Maori culture. The Year
9’s recently had multiple language lessons
in which we learnt the basics and how to say
our own mihis.
We also spent an entire day visiting Arai Te
Uru Marae. We participated in the protocols
of entering a Marae and exiting. As we
entered, each one of us had to Hongi the
tangatawhenua (people who belong to the
Marae). The majority of us were worried, but
after felt such a relief as they were lovely
and welcoming people. The purpose of
this week was to keep the Maori language
alive and introduce it to those who were
unfamiliar with it so that later on in life we
can teach it to others and, as a result, New
Zealand’s native language is kept alive. We
all throughly enjoyed our week and learnt so
much that we can share with other people.
By Tyra Styles and Holly Nicholls on behalf of
the Year 9s.
Thank you to Ms Corkery, Mr St Louis, and all
the university students and teachers who made
it happen and Hiria Tutakangahau the overall
organiser of the programme from the Univesity
of Otago.
Cameron Taylor and Tuihana Ngamoki
Year 10
Page 12
Page 12
Year 9 Passion Projects
Sophie Dempster whose Passion Project is sewing
Passion, is a word we use to describe something
that we love and we enjoy doing and the “Passion
Project” is an opportunity to present our passions
in creative ways. Near the start of Term 3, Year 9
students selected a project to do until week 8 of
Term 4, a project that allowed them to express their
passion in various ways - maybe a video, science
board, baking or a trained dog.
Year 10 Rich Task
(as the prize-giving is a very lengthy affair) we
arranged that each prize-winner should receive at
one time all the prizes that fell to her lot. These
were tied together with pale blue ribbon, and many
small libraries were carried off by their happy
owners. May Macalister was Dux for the year,
and received the Gold Medal. May Bentham was
awarded the Bishop’s Gold Cross for Divinity – a
much-coveted honour.
The winners of C.E.A. medals (from London) were
delighted with the design, and many others made
up their minds
to write
such
examination
Planning
stages
of a splendid
new country
papers that they too would be awarded a silver
medal
thisisyear.
Rich
Task
a three day activity that the Year 10s
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atplay
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You LikeFirst
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Throughout
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providedininformation
that
and carried
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The effect was lovely.
helped
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countries.
We thought up everything (with help from our
John Huggett countries) to develop our own
neighbouring
School Archivist
country,
for example, language, festivals, climate,
government, towns/cities etc and then displayed
the information on a board for judging.
C
Lilly-Anne Adam with her Tower of London
Passion Project
After the holidays, we were given one period a week
to work on our projects in class. Everyone worked
hard to get the project completed before the big
night arrived. At 5:30pm on Tuesday, December 1,
we met in the Chapel with our parents to view all
the results. After viewing an amazing movie by Izzy
Gold on her life with swimming, we moved to the
Library to see the rest of the projects. Finally, the
results of everyone’s hard work was on display.
I think I can speak for all the Year 9s in saying that
we had a great time making a project to express
to everyone. I really enjoyed piecing together, over
a number of weeks, my iBook on Travel and my
science board. I learned that having the majority of
my project completed before the last week really
helped. I also learned to keep an open mind of how
to present my passion in new creative, interactive
and fun way.
To the 2016 Year 9 students, good luck and have
fun with your Passion Projects.
Tamara Mason
Year 9H
ommunity
Though there were many
fun activities there were
definitely some challenges. So many different
ideas
PFA from eight people in a group means a lot of
discussion and compromising. I think that after Rich
Task
everyone
has
definitely
gained to
team
and
I wish
to extend
my
sincere thanks
theskills
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to our
people’s
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association.
Everyone has a busy life these days.
That so many volunteers continue to work on the
One
of thebehalf
highlights
was
watching the
school’s
is most
commendable.
presentations on the last day. Seeing everyone’s
hard
work focus
and cool
ideas presented
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Our main
at present
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Fairboards
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great team
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andisamazing.
of organisers,
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Kyleen Brook,
well into The
the
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face paint
every group
made
planning. and
We have
takenthat
the decision
thathad
funds
their
presentations
that much
more interesting.
All
raised
will go to improving
teaching
environments
of
the Year
10’s enjoyed
we were all
within
the school.
There performing
is abundantand
research
very
keenthat
to get
involved.
to show
good
teaching, when combined
with flexible and modern learning environments,
produces better results. We hope that the whole
school community will swing in behind this
important event and make it a great success. If
you can help in any way, be it donating materials,
running a stall or providing sponsorship etc., I urge
you to contact Kyleen.
Fair Donations - Silent Auction
We would love contributions to the Silent
Auction for our Fair in March (such as holiday
accommodation, vouchers or new items). If
you have any items can you please email Lisa at
[email protected] to arrange pick up.
If you would rather donate anonymously, please
place it in an envelope marked Silent School Auction
and leave at the school office from February next
year.
Page 13
We will also have a strong focus on our Sports and
Cultural Fund for 2016. This year we have improved
the system by which activities and individuals can
Overall the Year 10 Rich Task was really fun and
improved our teamwork skills and helped us
bond with our fellow classmates.
Emily Perry and Madison Byers
Year 10
Extension Science for Years 8 and 9 –
Rocketry and Robotics
Ever wondered what it might be like to be an
engineer for the space programme or to work
in the field of robotics? A small group of Year
8 and Year 9 students had an opportunity to
discover this in the last weeks of Term 4 when
Anna Murphy came to school and ran extension
programmes on these very topics.
Her main responsibility on Orion was to
design the Fault Detection Isolation and
Recovery systems for the spacecraft that would
autonomously detect and respond to critical
faults to protect the vehicle from damage,
continue the mission and safely return future
astronauts on-board. The school programmes
highlight the need for critical thinking, creativity
and curiosity to solve problems in the context
of Rocketry or Robotics. The students become
familiar with using engineering design and
test methods while working to solve problems
familiar to engineers and scientists on an
every-day basis. Anna is currently taking a year
sabbatical to explore New Zealand.
Year 9 Rocketery
Last week Anna Murphy from USA came to
speak to us about her experience in aerospace
engineering and worked with us to design our
very own water pressurised rockets. Anna is
very experienced and has worked with NASA to
help build and design Orion, a modern space
capsule. We learnt about how the space capsule
was launched, its route, safety procedures, the
materials and its landing.
Anna is an aerospace engineer who worked on
Orion, a next-generation spacecraft designed
to take astronauts into deep space, to explore
Mars, moons and asteroids.
Page 14
Using this information we designed our own
space capsules which were launched into the air
using water and an electric air pump. We had to
design parachutes so that our “space” capsule
could return to the ground safely without
cracking the egg inside. We came across many
different challenges such as how to deploy the
space capsule from the rockets and getting the
parachutes to open in the air.
We learnt a lot about aerospace engineering and
the different aspects we had to think of when
making our own capsule and rockets. It was a great
experience and we all enjoyed it a lot.
Junior Performing Arts Concert
Meg Anderson and Lily Mole
Year 9
Year 8 Robotics
The Year 10 Music class held an Arts Assembly
on Tuesday Dec 8th. Their task was to organise
the acts and then run the event for the rest of the
school and what an incredible job they did. The acts
they chose were a complete mix of music, drama,
comedy, dance, duos and trios and variety acts with
each performer showing huge courage and skill.
The performers were well supported, not only by
the way the Year 10s organised the event, but by
the super supportive school community.
Have you ever wondered how a Robot works? Along
with a group of lucky Year 8 girls, we had the
opportunity to find out from a two day session run
by Anna Murphy who has worked with NASA.
Well done Year 10 Music class and huge
congratulations to all who performed. It was at
times moving, funny and astounding, and truly
entertaining.
Robots are already a big part of today’s technology
whether it be in sophisticated space programmes,
manufacturing or domestically . For example,
robots are currently being trialled in New Zealand
to support elderly people in their own homes with
basic medical advice and support. So far, the trial
has been successful.
In preparation for Anna’s visit, we were assisted
by our resident Robot Expert, Mr Janssen, to build
our Robot. Using a manual, we constructed a kit
set robot, but a Robot will not work without being
programmed accordingly...
On Anna’s arrival, we split into pairs, and learned
how to programme our robots to perform simple
tasks such as turning around on a circle and even
dancing. We also learnt how to control our robots
using colour and ultrasonic sensors. By the end of
our session, we were able to programme our robot
to complete an obstacle course.
In the future, robots are going to be a huge part of
everyone’s daily life. Like it or not, it may not be
long until we walk into a cafe and are served by a
robot. The two days provided an amazing insight
into the scope of robotics. We all are extremely glad
we gained this insight into programming and came
away with a much better knowledge of how robots
work. A huge thanks to Anna and Mr Janssen for
making this possible.
Madeline Bilkey and Amelia Hall
Year 8
Farrin Quin and Meg McLaughlan
Samantha Herbert, Meg Kenny and Darcie Crowle
As Arts Co-ordinator I felt very proud and humbled
to be able to watch such an array of amazing talent.
Page 15
It was an an ideal and positive end to my first
half year in the role and was another indication
of the strength of the Arts programme at St
Hilda’s.
I am even more excited about what we will
achieve together in the Arts in 2016.
Ms Barbara Power
Arts Coordinator
They participated very strongly in the 13+ relay
team, unfortunately missing out on a semi-final
berth. Grace Brenssell competed in the 12+ High
Jump and made the top 4, jumping a new PB of
1.40m. Junior Sports Week
Waterpolo
SPORTS
Cricket
The season at school is winding up but the 1st
XI is travelling to travel to Palmerston North to
compete in its 6th consecutive NZCT National
Schoolgirls’ Finals.
The team was placed 3rd last year so is hoping
to do better in 2015. The T20 format sees
each team playing the others and the winner is
determined as the team with the most points.
The balance of the 1st XI is exciting. Captain
Bella James is in the Otago Sparks Team and
Bella, Kate and Georgia Heffernan are in the
Otago Under 21 team.
We had a great day with the girls playing well
against the mixed competition in preparation for
the South Islands.
Tennis
St Hilda’s had 11 teams (22 Students) involved,
and came out on top in the championship and
non-championship tournament.
Dodgeball
The depth of cricket at St Hilda’s is shown by
six Year 9 players being selected for the Otago
Under 15 Team to play in a national tournament
in Wanganui in January.
Thanks for all the support this year, especially
from Adam Gain, Trish Conrad and Dave Patchett
who will accompany the 1st XI to Palmerston
North and Bart Meltzer who has been involved
with the Development Team.
Neil Rosenberg
1st XI coach
Sports Scholarship recipients for 2016
We are very happy to announce our two Sports
Scholarship recipients for 2016 are Sarah
Langsbury and Sarah Johnstone. Congratulations
to both girls.
This was a great introduction to competitive
sport. The girls loved it and have already asked
if they can play next year in the weekly league.
They came 3rd against the OGHS A and B teams
which do play in the weekly league competition.
Volleyball
Lunchtime Activities
Each lunchtime this term, there have been
fun activities for the girls to participate
in. Dodgeball and tennis have been the most
popular with table-tennis a close third. It has
been most rewarding to see the girls picking up
a racket or a ball and having fun. Athletics
Four Year 7 and Year 8 girls competed at the
Otago Primary Schools’ Athletics Championships. Page 16
Two teams competed, the 10A and 9A teams
being successful in their respective competitions.
Touch
Two teams competed strongly, with 10A winning
the competition and 9A coming 3rd.
Page 16
SISS Junior Tournament 27 - 29 November
Athletics
With some tough competition the girls learnt heaps
and had a wonderful opportunity to gain some
valuable insight into higher level competition.
St Hilda’s athletes shine at New Zealand Secondary
Schools’ Track, Field and Road Race Nationals.
Good luck to our travelling sports teams
Cricket
The 1st XI travels to Palmerston North to contest
the National Secondary Schoolgirls’ T20 Finals in
December.
Athletics
The school track, field and road team attend the NZ
Secondary School Championchips in Timaru from
the 4 - 6th December.
Condor Sevens
The 7s Rugby Team travel to Auckland to compete
in the NZ Condor Sevens Tournament after winning
the regional competition.
Term 4 Results
Congratulations to all the girls who participated in
sports events in Term 4.
Special mention to:
Senior A Water Polo team for winning the Section A
competition.
Senior A Touch team for winning the Senior Girls
competition and the Junior Girls for winning the
Junior Section A competition.
Year 11 Futsal team for comimg second in the
Senior B grade competition.
Year 9 Blue team for winning the Junior competition.
Year 9 White team for coming second in the Junior
competition.
Year 7 and 8 White Futsal team for winning its
competition.
Well done:
Cricket Selections:
Bella James becoming a member of the Sparks
Women’s Cricket team.
Bella James, Georgia and Kate Heffernan being
named in the Otago Under 21 squad.
Olivia Gain, Eden Carson, Megan Meltzer, Olivia Hall,
Emma Black and Ella Goggan being named in the
Otago U15 squad.
A small, but highly successful athletics team of
Cecilia Crooks, Danica Davies, Caitlyn George,
Kate Higham, Georgia Mitchell, Joccoaa Palmer,
Leonie Palmer, Sophie Sinclair, Mikayla Thorn and
Suzie White competed in this event on the 4-6th
December in Timaru.
All the girls either posted personal bests and/or
and made finals in their respective events. What a
fantastic effort.
Special mention must go to the Junior 4000 metres
Road Race team of Cecilia Crooks, Georgia Mitchell
and Sophie Sinclair for winning the Silver in this
event and our Senior Girls 4x100 metres relay team
of Danica Davies, Caitlyn George and Joccoaa and
Leonie Palmer who also won Silver in this marquee
track event with a time of 49.34 seconds.
Mrs Lana Morrison
Sports Coordinator
From
the
Archives
St Hilda’s Only All Black
Yes, that’s correct!
St Hilda’s has produced
an All Black, a real Richie
McCaw-type All Black. No
he wasn’t a Phys Ed teacher,
but a former student.
His name is Ian James
Botting and he toured
South Africa with the All
Black Team in 1949. He
played on the wing, and I
can remember him clearly
sprinting down the the
touch line at Carisbrook
scoring tries for the famous
Otago rugby teams of 1948
and 1949.
He was fast and considered
one of the best wingers
in the country at the time.
That’s why he was selected
as an All Black, St Hilda’s
only All Black.
What is the connection with St Hilda’s you are
possibly wondering? Well, Ian Botting (born 18 May,
1922) was enrolled at St Hilda’s, aged 4, in 1926
into the infant class that existed in those days.
Otago U15 Cricket Representatives
L-R Ella Coggan, Emma Black, Olivia Hall, Olivia Gain,
Megan Meltzer and Eden Carson
Page 17
He was one of a small group of boys who
attended and he can be seen standing at the left
hand end of the row in the accompanying photo,
probably taken in 1926.
Ian Botting stayed at St Hilda’s until the end of
1928 and then moved to the all boy environment
of John McGlashan College where he continued
his education before going on to Christ’s College
in Christchurch which he attended from 19381940. During World War 2 he was a Flying Officer
in the RNZAF stationed in Europe, and after the
war returned to Otago University where he made
his name as a rugby player and became an All
Black. After the South African tour he moved to
England and completed his studies at Oxford
University graduating with a Master of Arts
degree in 1952. While in Oxford he continued
to play rugby and in 1950 played two tests for
England against Wales and Ireland.
Excerpt from the “1904 Chronicles of
S. Hilda’s” Prize Giving 1903
The “break-up” and prize-giving took place at
the Choral Hall on Thursday, December 17. As
usual, a large concourse of friends and relations
assembled to witness the bestowal of prizes
on the happy recipients. To expedite matters
(as the prize-giving is a very lengthy affair) we
arranged that each prize-winner should receive
at one time all the prizes that fell to her lot.
These were tied together with pale blue ribbon,
and many small libraries were carried off by their
happy owners. May Macalister was Dux for the
year, and received the Gold Medal. May Bentham
was awarded the Bishop’s Gold Cross for Divinity
– a much-coveted honour.
The winners of C.E.A. medals (from London)
were delighted with the design, and many others
made up their minds to write such splendid
examination papers that they too would be
awarded a silver medal this year.
The play consisted of several scenes from “As
You Like It.” On the whole it was very well
done, R. Whitson rousing much applause by her
representation of Touchstone.
Miss D. Gardiner’s Division went through a
marvelous mazy kind of hoop drill invented by
herself. It lasted for quite 15 minutes, but as all
onlookers were entranced they did not notice the
time. The girls were dressed in soft white frocks,
and carried white hoops. The effect was lovely.
He became an Anglican Minister working in
England before becoming Vicar at Wanganui
East. He was later appointed Chaplain at Christ’s
College a position he held for 13 years. In 1975
he became Chaplain at St Margaret’s College, but
his life ended tragically in 1980 when, aged 58,
cycling through Merivale he was hit by a motor
car, and killed.
Mr John Huggett
School Archivist
Ian was not the only Botting with a St Hilda’s
connection. His mother, Mary, was an old girl.
She enrolled here in 1910 as Mary Simpson,
and later in life as Mary Botting played a very
important part in school administration, being
a member of the Board for 21 years. The Mary
Botting Memorial Awards presented at our
prizegiving remember her contribution. The
Bottings must have liked the
St Hilda’s environment for young boys, as his
three brothers, Stanley, Miles and David all
enrolled at St Hilda’s over the 1926-1936 period.
The Board of Trustees met on 25th November
2015.
Prize Giving 1903
With Prize Giving such an important part of the
school year, we forget that all prize givings are
not alike. Those in the past were very different.
I was fascinated to read this account of the 1903
Prize Giving, which sounds as if it could have
been a rather lengthy event. Perhaps one year we
will have “a marvelous mazy kind of hoop drill”.
Page 18
Board
of
Trustees
Departmental Presentation
The Board received a presentation from Mr West
– HOD Physical Education and Health. Mr West
discussed achievement statistics for 2014, which
were consistent with previous years.
He informed the Board of trialing achievement
standards he will incorporate into the 2016
learning programme and of the importance
that students do not miss milestones along the
way to ensure they earn desirable achievement
outcomes. Outdoor Education at Level 2
continues to be a popular course with students.
Mr West highlighted his department’s goals for
2015 and progress to date. He spoke to the
meeting regarding student profiles, access to
course outlines and digital resources.
Initiatives and developments, barriers to achieving
desired outcomes and the need to keep costs as
low as possible for families were highlighted. The
department operates two Google sites – one for
staff and the other for students.
Languages Presentation
Mrs Kruger presented a proposal to the Board that
requested permission to research a trip in 2017 for
senior students studying French and Spanish. She
explained the difference between a trip (group of
students with teacher(s) and an exchange (a student
- reciprocal arrangement). Mrs Kruger explained
the benefits for students visiting countries and
immersion into the language and culture – everyday
life. It also increases self confidence, independence,
self esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
Successful trips undertaken in the past to Japan
and New Caledonia were highlighted. Working with
schools that we have established links with in the
areas to be visited is the preferred option as the
safety of students and staff travelling to foreign
countries is paramount. The Board requested an
updated proposal that included alternative options
for countries to visit bearing in mind the costs to
families and the need for as long a period of time
for a payment plan should a trip be approved.
Reports from the Principal and Student Trustee
Mrs Barron spoke to the Board of the development
of four strategic goals that extend over a three
year period that reach across the different groups
that make up the St Hilda’s community. Each goal
will be underpinned by an operational plan for
each of the three years. Mrs Barron will present
the operational plan for the goals at the February
2016 meeting of the Board. The continuation of the
wellbeing programme goal was endorsed.
Miss Wilson-Stewart’s report highlighted the
St Hilda’s Day Service, preparation for NCEA
examinations and activities taking place in the
Junior School. Year 10 students travelled to
Tautuku for their camp while Year 9 students
participated in Te Reo Week. Te Reo Week provides
students with an opportunity to learn some Māori
language, how to use poi and a visit to a Marae.
Students develop a better understanding and
respect for our Māori culture and its place in our
society.
Self-Review
The Board adopted the following policies, which
had been reviewed and updated by the following
committees:
Reviewed by the Health & Safety Committee
- Harassment Policy
- Health and Safety Physical Policy
- Health Harming Substances Policy
- Healthy Food and Nutrition Policy and Procedures
- Smoke Free Policy
Reviewed by the International Committee
- International Fees Protection Policy
- International Group Student Policy
- International Students Policy
Reviewed by the Personnel Committee
- Staff Development Policy
Next Meeting
The Board’s last meeting for the year is planned for
17th December 2015.
On behalf of the Board, we wish you and your family
a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Nicola Williams
Chair, Board of Trustees
Community
Parents and Friends Association
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the parents
and friends who give their time and talents to our
association. Everyone has a busy life these days.
That so many volunteers continue to work on the
school’s behalf is most commendable.
Our main focus at present is the School Fair which
is set down for 5 March next year. Our great team
of organisers, led by Kyleen Brook, is well into the
planning. We have taken the decision that funds
raised will go to improving teaching environments
within the school. There is abundant research
to show that good teaching, when combined
with flexible and modern learning environments,
produces better results. We hope that the whole
school community will swing in behind this
important event and make it a great success. If
you can help in any way, be it donating materials,
running a stall or providing sponsorship etc., I urge
you to contact Kyleen.
Fair Donations - Silent Auction
We would love contributions to the Silent
Auction for our Fair in March (such as holiday
accommodation, vouchers or new items). If
you have any items can you please email Lisa at
[email protected] to arrange pick up.
If you would rather donate anonymously, please
place it in an envelope marked Silent School Auction
and leave at the school office from February next
year.
We will also have a strong focus on our Sports and
Cultural Fund for 2016. This year we have improved
the system by which activities and individuals can
apply for assistance. In some ways we have been
the victims of our own success. We now find that, to
continue with the current levels of support, we will
need to take our fundraising to a new level.
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If you have a passion for the sporting and cultural life
of the school and believe you can help out we’d love
to have you on our committee.
Finally I wish to thank Kath Keown for her work as
treasurer. We now have an able replacement and
Kath can take a well earned rest. Leanne Reid will
take up the treasurer’s role in 2016. Lisa Mason has
continued to do great work as our secretary and
we all thank her for her hard work and attention to
detail.
Mr Nick Simpson
PFA President
2016 Term Dates
Term 1 Variety of start dates see below
Monday 1 February – Friday 15 April
11 Weeks
Term 2 Monday 2 May – Friday 8 July
10 Weeks
Term 3 Monday 25 July – Friday 23 September
09 Weeks
Term 4 Monday 10 October – Thursday 8 December
09 Weeks
Ihlara McIndoe
The St Hilda’s Collegiate
Cup for All Round
Achievement
and the
The Sophie Elliott
Proxime Accessit
Memorial Award
Amy Jones
First recipient
of the
The Paterson Family
Award for first in Physics
2016 Start Up Dates
Monday 1 February Years 7, 8 and 9
1.30 pm mihi wakatou
All families of Year 7, 8 & 9
are welcome to attend.
Tuesday 2 February
Years 7, 8 and 9
8.40 am – 3.25 pm
Year 10
8.40 am – 12.30 pm
Year 11
1.30 pm – 3.25 pm
Year 12
8.40 am – 12.30 pm
Wednesday 3 February Years 7 – 13 School operating as normal
Peer Mentor
8.30 am – 1.15 pm
Training
Mhairi Rowbottom
First recipient of the
The Bishop Penny Jamieson Scholarship for
university study in
Theology and Religious Studies
Jessica Fleming
The Eugenie Avent-Hunter
Memorial Award for
All-Round Service
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