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Insight
Motueka High School
Term 1 Newsletter – February 2015
In this issue:
From the Principal
Calendar / Breakfast Club
Student Leaders / Board of
Whakarewa Street
Private Bag 1001, Motueka 7143
Telephone 03 5289050
Fax: 03 5286906
www.motuekahigh.school.nz
admin@motuekahigh.school.nz
From The Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Tena koutou katoa.
Trustees / Art Block Photos
Parent Information
• Uniform / Lunch Pass /
Town Passes / Parent Portal
/ NZQA Fees
• Public Counter / DPs &
Deans / Lockers / Student
Absences / School Fees
Student Support / Parents
Who to Contact First
Drama
House Sports Day
Sports
Mathematics
Music
Science
Outdoor Education
The Base / International Room
TERM DATES 2015
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Term 4
- Thu 29 Jan – Thu 2 Apr
- Mon 20 Apr – Fri 3 Jul
- Mon 20 Jul – Fri 25 Sep
- Mon 12 Oct – Fri 12 Dec
Motueka High School staff and
students thank
Konica Minolta for their
sponsorship to Insight
Welcome to the 2015 school year. I would like to extend a special welcome
to the new students and parents who have joined our school community
from contributing primary schools and other secondary schools around the
country and also the international students who have joined us from
various countries around the globe.
At the time of writing, we have 708 students enrolled at Motueka High
School. This represents the most significant roll size for decades (in fact
some of our long serving staff recall that we have reached a roll of 700 in
the past but they can’t remember when!) Contributing to this massive roll
increase is the 170 Year 9 students who have chosen to study at Motueka
High School this year. It is fantastic to see our local parent and student
community supporting their local High School and it is also very pleasing
to see a number of students being attracted from other secondary schools
around the region and country as well as a growing number of adult
students studying both part-time and full-time courses. We are working
very hard to make Motueka High School the school of choice for all
students in our region and we trust that you will enjoy your educational
journey here with us.
To our returning students and their families – a warm welcome back to
you. I hope that you are rested and re-energised after the summer break
and ready for the variety of challenges and rewards that 2015 has in store
for you.
Staff Changes 2015 - Staff Farewells: At the end of 2014 we said farewell
to a number of colleagues who are retiring or pursuing opportunities
elsewhere. Bruce Stare and Lorna Wilson are both taking a welldeserved retirement after 34 and 27 years at Motueka High School
respectively. Allison Jensen is also retiring following a 7 year tenure at
Motueka High School and we farewell Cameron Jensen who has jobshared with Allison recently. Sally Chapman, one of our cleaners for 25
years has also retired. Also retiring is Marian Painter, who has been a
dedicated relief teacher at Motueka High School for the past 9 years,
although she has returned to fill in for Faith Jackson. We also wish all the
best to Bashan King who is traveling overseas this year, John Kane who
has helped us out on a Long-term relief basis for the 13 weeks and to Kate
Hailes who is taking some time away for maternity leave. We also
acknowledge Amy Dalton who has resigned but will fill in as a reliever
and Jess Cooper who commenced Maternity leave from 5 February 2015.
Introducing New Staff 2015 - Natalie Ede - HOD Special Needs,
Roman Birch - English and Media Studies, Ed Adie – Chemistry, Jo
Aberhart – Accounting, Ashlin Kingsley - Visual Arts, May Teo –
Mathematics, Genevieve Grava – English, Oakley Salton - Dance,
Lizzie Graham - Physical Education, Damian Moorhead - Science,
Silvia Turner - English, Michelle Hawthorne - Teacher Aide, Yuki
Yoda - Teacher Aide – Japanese Tutoring.
2014 NCEA Results - Our student’s 2014 NCEA results are generally very pleasing. In particular, it is encouraging to
see that Motueka High School students, performed better than their peers in other schools of similar type across the
range of NCEA levels.
NCEA ACHIEVEMENT 2014
Motueka High School compared with National Average for Decile 4 Schools
MHS 2014
National Average D4
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Scholarship
Another significant feature of the 2014 NCEA result set is the continued improvement in achievement of students who
identify as Māori. For many years, a distinct gap in performance has existed between the achievement levels of Māori
when compared to other ethnicities. We have been working with our Maori community and Te Āwhina, our local Marae
to build a closer partnership. It is fantastic to see this effort being transferred into achievement for our Māori learners.
In particular we are delighted to see a large number of students who achieved NCEA with endorsements for either Merit
or Excellence. In order for a student to receive NCEA with an endorsement, they must achieve “Merit” or “Excellence”
grades for at least 50 of the 80 credits they need to attain NCEA. It is great to see the efforts of students and teachers in
the pursuit of academic excellence being recognised. Congratulations are extended to the students below who obtained
NCEA with endorsements for Merit or Excellence:
LEVEL 1, 2 & 3 – Excellence & Merit Results:
Year 13
NCEA Level 3 with Excellence:
Gemma Lamont
Tika King
NCEA Level 3 with Merit:
Molly Dicks-Drewery
Tarryn Palmer
Victoria Hart
Vincent Madden
Julian Mittman
Year 12
NCEA Level 2 with Excellence:
Isabelle George
Livia Strub
Brittany Puata
Mikaela Grant
NCEA Level 2 with Merit:
Nathan Peacock
Christopher Hendrickson
India Mikaere-Girvin
Hannah Grimwood-Small
Chloe Taylor
Halina Horn
Gabrielle Hope
Nari Casley
AJ Binns
Tino Deplazes-Berl
Ayla Walker
Shania-Jay Nicholson
Amy Pratt
Will Garland
Elena Beleites
Alex Parry
Morgan Clark
Rebecca Sandlant
Anita Reiter
Alok D’Hondt
Kora Appleton
Luken Bisley
Liana Piggott
Russell Adams
Robbie Jensen
Mackenzie Lusty
Milly Townsend
Molly Gray
Hannah Kelly
Christie Ahern
William Sowerby
Tyler Goodall
Irene Post
Year 11
NCEA Level 1 with Excellence:
Emily Garland
Hannah Gordon
Georgia Elliston,
Jack Tibbs
Laura Langridge
Rachael Wood
NCEA Level 1 with Merit:
Regan Hunt
Lani Richards
Luken Bisley
Fletcher Frater
Jamie Cudby
Aimee Goodman
Vito Lammers
Max McAlpine
Ashlee White
Victoria Walls
Kelsey Barrett
Amanda Fitisemanu
Samantha Trevurza
Anita Garland
Hannah Rubie
Tess Haunch
Jemima Meegan
Hayley Garlick
Aaron Bunn
Abigail Seymour
Kendall Spark
Soerign Johnston
Luke Cunningham
Liana Piggott
Thomas Armit
Heidi Grainger
Ari Cumming
Bethany Gentry
Ella Doty
Eden Meser
Amber Sixtus
Dylan Sixtus
Conor Kennedy
Hinemoana
Markham
Billy Bathgate
Lawrence Parry
Molly Shand
We are delighted to see the results of this work
beginning to reflect in our NCEA results. However
while in general our result set is among the best
we have ever produced at Motueka High School,
we know we can still achieve more. It remains
disappointing see to a number of very capable
students not achieving to their potential through
lack of effort or lack of motivation. An enduring
goal for our school is to support these students to
understand the importance and the relevance of
the qualifications they are potentially missing out
on.
Student Accolades - The 2014 end-of year prize
giving was a formal acknowledgement of the
achievements and successes of our students.
Congratulations to the 2014 Dux - Gemma
Lamont, the 2014 Proxime Accessit - Tika King
and the Top All-Round Year 13 Student - Daniel
Tideman.
POWHIRI 2015 - The new staff and students
were formally welcomed to our school with an
awesome Powhiri led by our whānau class. Our
thanks to our HOD Māori Hāmahi Duncan, the
whānau class, and Te Āwhina Marae for their
support and organisation with this special event.
Above: Whanau Class
Below: Mr Haines with Head Students – Kora Appleton & Nathan
Peacock
My congratulations also to the five recipients of
the prestigious Kina Beach Scholarships awarded
to departing Year 13 students “working to their
potential”. These scholarships valued at $10 000
are awarded by trustees outside the High School –
their selected recipients for 2014 were:
Louis
Attenborough,
Daniel
Breakspeare, Victoria Hart, Emma
Bowdler, Gemma Lamont.
Other significant awards included:
• Top 5 All-Round Students:
Gemma Lamont, Daniel Tideman,
Tika King, Emma Bowdler, Will
Garland
• Academic Blues:
Tika King, Will Garland, Gemma
Lamont,
Alex
Parry,
Vincent
Madden
Congratulations go to all students who were
awarded prizes or scholarships in 2014.
2015 SCHOOL-WIDE GOAL
“Accelerating Student Achievement for all
of our learners”.
The staff and trustees at Motueka High School
will be looking to further build on our levels of
student
successes
in
raising
student
achievement.We are looking at this goal through
four different lenses/perspectives:
Learner focus - What will this look like for the
learner?
Teacher Focus - What will this look like at the
Teacher/Department and School-wide level?
Priority Learners - Who are the students who
are not achieving or at risk of not achieving?
Examine our cohort and put faces and names
next to the learners that we need early
intervention
Self-Review - What will a robust self-review
process look like in our classrooms, in our
departments, at school-wide and BoT level?
Nari Casley - Board of Trustee Student Representative
Spirit of Adventure Student Trustee Course
Near the end of January I was lucky enough to go on a 5 day
board of trustee training session on the spirit of adventure. We
embarked on the adventure with exciting and challenging tasks,
with breath taking views every day and the best company
possible. It was the perfect classroom. Throughout the week
the days ranged from climbing up sail masts, jumping off swings
into the ocean, to rowing a shore for walks on islands. There
was never a dull moment on the spirit.
The voyage was so beneficial in the simple fact that I was
surrounded by a whole bunch of student trustees like myself,
we all were able to share ideas and get an insight into what the
other students roles are like as trustees and also how other
schools are run. The lesson themselves were great, Kate our
teacher, did a fantastic job informing us all of what our roles as
student trustees involve and expanded our knowledge of the
board processes. In the short period of 5 days, all 41 students
became the closest friends and had an amazing voyage. So I
would like to thank everyone who made it an unforgettable
experience and those who gave me the opportunity to partake
on the voyage.
Calendar
Term 1 - 2015
MOTUEKA HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK
March
5
11
16
17
17
18
24
28
29
School Swimming Sports
Parent Focus Group Meeting 5.30pm
PTA Meeting 7pm – parents welcome
Rununga Matua Meeting 5.30pm
Board of Trustees Meeting
Otago Junior Problem Solving Maths
Competition
Primary School Music Tour
SGCNZ – Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival
Music ‘Showcase’
“Have you seen our Facebook Pages?”
http://www.facebook.com/motuekahigh
April
1
1
2
3
6-17
Cross Country
Last Day Term 1 – for students
Teacher Only Day
Good Friday
School Holidays
http://www.facebook.com/motuekahighinternational
Term 2 - 2015
April
20
24
27
28
30
1st Day of Term 2
Big Science Competition entry fee $8 due
today
ANZAC Day Holiday
Rununga Matua Meeting 5.30pm
Board of Trustees Meeting
May
5
6-7
7
20
Parent Evening – 4pm-6pm
Year 11 Play ‘Much Ado About Clubbing”
Parent Evening – 4pm-6pm
Talent Quest Final
Emerging Talent Recipients
Year 9 Recipients for 2015 are:
Isabel Neal, Alex Brogan, Sophie O’ Cain
BREAKFAST CLUB & DONATIONS
Breakfast Club is served in the Tuckshop corridor from
8.15 am to 8.50 am Monday to Friday. We receive milk
and Weetbix supplies from Fonterra and Sanitarium
respectively, together with subsidies from New World and
donations of food and money.
If you would like to help us, we welcome donations of
fruit, spreads (especially jam), and Milo or
equivalent to help us to continue to provide breakfast to
those who leave home without it, please drop off at the
school office or contact Ali Comins – 021 02360959.
If you would like to help out each morning – please
contact Lorraine Mullings – 5289050 xtn 8211
Student Leaders 2015
HEAD STUDENTS
Nathan Peacock
& Kora Appleton
Photos of some of our
Student Leaders
BoT STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Nari Casley
ARTS CAPTAINS
Stella Bogdanoff & MacKenzie Lusty
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ian Palmer
Evan Garland
Brent Maru
Miriana Stephens
Jill Wipou
Nari Casley
Lealofi Pouri-Lane
Alistair Smart
Gary Fitzgerald
Chair
Deputy Chair
Parent Representative
Co-Opted Representative
Staff Representative
Student Representative
Parent Representative
Parent Representative
Co-Opted Finance
Representative
Scott Haines
Paula Dempsey
Principal
Board Secretary
Student Contacts & Mentoring: An
enthusiastic group of new Student Contacts
completed their first 2 days of training at the
end of last year, and are ready to take on some
new students in a mentoring capacity. If your
young person would benefit from a big sister /
big brother-type mentor, please contact
Lorraine Mullings @ The House or pick up an
application form from the Student Office
SPORTS CAPTAINS
Livia Strub, Callum Seymour & Hannah Kelly
(Deputy)
COMMUNITY SERVICES CAPTAINS
Alok D’hondt & Shania-Jay Nicholson
INTERNATIONAL CAPTAINS
Irene Post, Chloe Taylor & AJ Binns (Deputy)
KAITAUNAKI
Ariana McKinlay & Eliza Harris
HOUSE CAPTAINS
KOWHAI
Georgia Teakle & Robert McIntosh
GREEN
Zander Glasgow & Flora Welte
RED
Oscar Hadley & India Mikaire-Girvin
BLUE
Wheretere Henry & Tyler Goodall
Attention – Parents / Caregivers
Change of Contact Details & Email
Please remember to update the school office –
5289050 or email admin@motuekahigh.school.nz
whenever you change address, phone numbers or
your email address - Thank You 
ART BLOCK PHOTOS
Parent Info
PUBLIC COUNTER
Parents are encouraged to use the public counter at the main entrance (entry off Whakarewa St) to avoid the
congestion of students at the student counter. Please do not enter the school grounds seeking students without
signing in at the office first.
The school office is open Mon – Fri from 8.15am to 4.15pm during term time only.
Email: admin@motuekahigh.school.nz OR phone 528 9050
DEPUTY PRINCIPALS/DEANS
If you would like to see a Deputy Principal or Dean, please make an appointment, either directly with the person
concerned by email or through the office, leaving your name and contact details. If you have an appointment with
staff, please check in at the public counter and then take a seat in the waiting room while office staff advises your
arrival.
DEANS – 2015
Year 9 – Dan Crossley
Year 10 – Rebekah Wolfreys
Year 12 – Lesley Paxton
DEPUTY PRINCIPALS – Paul Blackbeard (Year 9, 11 & 13)
Assistant Year 9 – Greg O’Donnell
Year 11 – Karen Wells
Year 13 – Brian Jones
Stacey Fry (Year 10 & 12)
LOCKERS
Secure school lockers are available for students to hire through the School Office. The cost is $50 for the year with a
refund of $10 on return of the school padlock. If a padlock is lost, a replacement may be purchased at a cost of
$15.00.
The student’s responsibilities include:
•
•
•
•
•
Using the lock allocated, do not lend or use any other lock. The caretaker will cut off non-school locks and
the contents will be removed
Keeping the combination number to the locker private
Ensuring that valuables and devices are stored away securely
Looking after the locker and padlock for the duration of the year
Lockers must be cleared at the end of the year and locks returned to the office.
STUDENT ABSENCES
If your student is sick or has an appointment during school time, please ring or email the school office (528 9050)
on the day of the absence. Staff will code the absence accordingly. Students are to report to the office on return to
school from an appointment.
The only justified absences (other than for school planned activities) are for: illness, medical appointments or
bereavement. For medical absences, a doctor’s certificate is required after 3 days of absence.
For any other leave, please write to the Principal advising the date and reason for absence, well in advance of the
planned absence. It is at the principal’s discretion as to whether this leave will be recorded as justified or
explained. The Principal can only ‘justify’ up to 5 days leave. A family holiday is not a justified absence but we
appreciate you advising the school of the details of the absence. If leave is explained this could potentially
jeopardise NCEA assessments, affect attendance rates and also attendance to the School Ball.
SCHOOL FEES
The beginning of the school year is a stressful time financially for families. At MHS we encourage you to take
advantage of our automatic payment option for your student fees. Forms are available online (under Our School) or
by request to the school office. If you are paying your fees online, please remember to include your student’s
name.
Parent Info
UNIFORM
Uniforms are expensive so please name all your student’s items (including shoes/sandals). We will return named
items if they are handed in to the office. It disappointing that we regularly have a large pile of unclaimed, unnamed
items in the office. Unnamed items will be given either to the clothing mart for resale, or for non-school uniform, to
the Salvation Army or Red Cross. The Uniform Shop is open on Wednesdays during school lunch-time.
Both DPs carry spare uniform for students not wearing a correct item of uniform. Please send a note with the
student to explain the absence of uniform to the DP and to let us know when it is expected that the incorrect item
will be replaced.
Uniform passes are only written before school so your student should seek these prior to going into class. Please
help your student comply with the rules by insisting that boys are clean shaven, students have no visible piercings
and that only the approved school shoes are worn.
LUNCH PASS
If you live in town and your son/daughter wishes to have lunch at home, and you are satisfied that there will be
adequate adult supervision, please complete the application form for a permanent pass. This can be obtained from
the office or online (on the Home page of the website)
Students must carry the pass when leaving or returning to the school grounds. Students may only go home to the
address on the pass. If the pass is lost, a replacement is available for $1. Please ask at the office.
TOWN PASSES
All students who need to go to town require a town pass. Please provide a note stating: the reason for leaving
school grounds and your name and contact phone number. The note must be placed in the box on the student
counter in the morning and the pass will be available at lunchtime.
Buying lunch downtown is not a valid reason for leaving the school grounds. We have a tuckshop for students to
purchase lunch or snacks.
PARENT PORTAL
This can be found on the MHS website under Sign in and Links. To access this you will need a password from
school. Please contact your students form teacher or the office to obtain this. In here you will find useful
information about your student including: attendance, pastoral (discipline matters), timetable, fees, as well as daily
student notices
NZQA FEES
For students in Years 11 – 13, the NZQA fee will be $76.70 per student. Scholarship entry is $30.00 per subject. Do
you hold a Community Services card or are you on a benefit? If you are, you will be eligible for Financial Assistance
which will reduce the fee to $20.00 per student, up to $30.00 for two or more students. A Financial Assistance
form will need to be completed (under “Our School” or “Sign-Ins & Links” on the website) and returned to the office
before the fee is able to be reduced.
I hope this is of help to you. Our office staff are happy to provide assistance if you have any queries.
Helen Westrupp
Office Manager
Student Support
Looking for some extra help or support for your
young person? Our Deans, Form Teachers and Class
Teachers are usually the first people on hand to offer
advice and guidance to help students reach their full
potential. More specialist help is available at Te
Whare Pora, or “The House”, as it is known to the
school community.
Her successor is another Tracey! Tracey Pickforth has
already taken her post at the Clinic, now open on
Monday lunchtimes and by appointment during
period 5.
The House is a “safe haven” for any students in
distress, whatever the reason. Some regular helpers
who provide a service at the House include Andrew
Brown, an Alcohol and Other Drug Counsellor; Paul
Johnson and Jane Coleman, the SVS Living Safe’s
Youth Workers.
This includes individual or group counselling, and
guidance programmes provided by our professional
counsellor, Lorraine Mullings, who oversees the
Student Support Services. Carol Fowler, the Truancy
Officer, also has an office there, as does Jan Trafford,
SENCO, who can provide testing and assistance for
students who find elements of their learning difficult.
Our 21 Student Contacts are available at the House
on a rostered basis to provide mentoring, mediation
and support for any students who request help.
Across the deck from the House is Whare Nicora or
“Nic’s Place” where Tony Aikenhead, the Careers and
Gateway Specialist and his assistant Kathryn Beatson
are based.
Requests or referrals for any of these services can be
made through Lorraine at the House, by telephone,
or by students themselves through appointment
request slips. All services respect confidentiality,
within ethical limits – thus parents and caregivers
will be advised of imminent harm or of barriers to
learning.
We have farewelled Tracey Harrison, MFSC’s Sexual
Health Nurse after many years’ faithful and cheerful
service at the Monday Clinic.
Classroom
Problem
If the problem
becomes
more serious
Approach the
teacher first
If the problem
remains
unresolved
See the Dean
See the
Deputy
Principal
Who To Talk To
Uniform Pass
Order of
Contact
Lunch Pass
Advising school of student
absence other than
medical, bereavement,
physio, doctor or dentist
appointment
Deputy Principal
Note to office
Classroom Problem
Subject Teacher
(Initially)
Teacher / Form
Teacher
Deans
Guidance &
Careers
Advice in writing to
Principal who will
respond with explained or
justified
Deputy Principal
Principal
Parent Communication to School: Who
should I contact first?
Dean
attendance, courses, welfare,
discipline, enrolment
Deputy Principal
for serious issue or complaint S Fry - Yr 10 & 12
P Blackbeard - Yr 9, 11, 13
Drama
SGCNZ UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO SHEILAH
WINN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Saturday 28th March, 2015
This years Shakespeare festival is being held on the
above date at Waimea College. The year 12/13 Drama
students are entered for NCEA assessments. The
festival is open to all students so if anyone wants to
enter the festival see Ms Jephson
Year 10 Drama
Year 10 Drama is dramatising the 12 tasks of
Hercules. They will then dramatise their own choice
of legend and then design and make a mask for their
chosen character. The year 10’s have the opportunity
to earn 3 NCEA credits for their mask work.
Production 2015
Yes! This year there will be a Motueka High school
production. Written by Robynne Jephson, this will be
a tribute to all of those men and women involved in
WW2, told from a New Zealand perspective.
“We’ll Meet Again”
16th June- 20th June
Tech Rehearsal: 12th June
Dress Rehearsal: 14th June
Rehearsals every Wed after school from week 5
Auditions: Week 4 - 23rd- 27th February
Jonty Comins, Izaak Behringer, Liam Reid performing from a scene from
The Tempest 2013
TheatreSports 2015
Theatresports is every Thursday in the Drama room
for all. This term we will be selecting a new junior
team and some ne senior team members
Year 11 Drama
This year, we have a very large Year 11 class.
Currently they are auditioning for roles in the up and
coming class play “Much Ado about Clubbing”. This
will be performed on the 6th and 7th May.
House Sports Day
After only 8 school days, our Annual House sports
were held on Friday 13th. Our fabulous student
leaders worked hard to prepare their house groups
for outstanding parades and fiercely contented
events. The high level of participation and
enthusiasm from house members was a credit to the
quality of leadership from the House Captains.
In the incredible parades, Kowhai celebrated the
place of social media and in their lives with their
‘Snapchat’ theme while Blue and Green Houses
embraced their younger selves with themes from the
Frozen movie and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
respectively. Being Friday 13th, Red went with a more
sombre House of Horrors theme, rising from the
dead to take the highly prized first place in the
parade.
Throughout the day, house spirit was intense with the
lead changing round by round. The Karaoke was
entertaining as always, due more to the song choice
and dance moves than the quality of singing. The
energy and support from the audience was a positive
part of the event.
Races in the Pool after lunch included the T-shirt and
‘Under and Over’ relays, as well as the Dry Carry. The
energy from the students increased and the chants
became louder as house pride seemed to increase
tenfold as the day drew to a close.
Green House broke their drought and were victors at
the end of the day, with a well-deserved win.
Congratulations to Green House Captains Flora
Welte and Zander Glasgow who lead a determined
and worthy winning group of students.
Thank you to the team in the PE department and all
the staff and students who were so positive,
enthusiastic and proud, making the day a success.
Sarah Cumming - House Coordinator
2015
WINNERS
GREEN
HOUSE
Sports
Welcome back to all our sporting followers and
competitors. 2015 will again be a busy one with Motueka
High School competing in the following sports this term:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Gillette Cup Cricket with our 1st X1 team - Feb 16th/17th
TSS Boys/Girls tennis - Feb 20th
TSS Bowls - Feb 26th
TSS Touch - Mar 1st
TSS Triathlon - Mar 3rd
TSS Ki O Rahi - Mar 10th
TSS Athletics - Mar 12th
TSS Volleyball - Mar 14th/15th
TSS Golf - Mar 16th
TSS Jnr Volleyball - Mar 28th/29th
TSS Mountain biking - Apr 1st
Results from the 2014 end of year tournaments:
•
NZSS Touch – placed 14th from 20 teams in the
Mixed grade. The team played exceptionally well and
were fantastic representatives for the school.
•
NZSS Girls Rugby 7’s – placed 10th
Sports Captains Livia Strub and Callum Seymour will
work with the student sports committee this year to provide
a great lunchtime sports programme and to assist in the
organising of school sporting events throughout the year.
These will be non-competitive and competitive. During
each term there will be a Staff verses Student competition
which proves very popular. 2014 champs were the Staff.
Lunchtime Sports Activities – Various sports will be
played each day in the gym or out on the field. The school
Sports Shed will be run by the senior school and will be
open at the beginning of every lunch hour.
Winter codes - will be holding trials soon for various
sports (dates and times tba in school daily notices). If
anyone would like to coach or manager a winter code please
contact the Sports Coordinator. Coaching courses will be
available on request. Coaching is a challenge but a very
rewarding one so I would recommend you give it a go.
Sport Registration Night - will be held in the assembly
hall early March (date tba) from 6.30 – 8pm for – Rugby
Boys/Girls, Netball, Basketball, Girls Football, Squash.
Here you will pay your sports fees at the office to enable
your child to be included in a team. There will be a lucky
draw where a student will win a Canterbury t-shirt and
have half their sport fee paid. You must pay on the night to
be eligible. Eftpos available, automatic payment available
and purchase of school winter jackets.
Buller Sports Exchange – We are the host school this
year and require host families to billet the Buller High
School students for 1 night. This will take place on Monday
29th June with Buller arriving on Sunday 28th June.
If you would like to become a new coach or manager please
contact Adrienne.fry@motuekahigh.school.nz or phone
5289050 extn 8225.
National Secondary Schools Athletics Championships 2014
A team of 19 competed at the Nationals in Wanganui in early
December.
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The junior girls 4 x 400m relay team won their 3rd consecutive
gold medal with a time just 4 seconds outside the New Zealand
record. The team was: Sydney Wilkins, Risi Pouri-Lane, Chevy
Walker and Kelsey Barrett.
Amanda Fitisemanu gained a bronze medal in the senior girls
400m in her first year in that grade. She will be in the same
race for the next 2 years. Her time of 56.61 was a huge
personal best and won her a place in the Athletics New Zealand
Potential Performance Squad.
Eliza Harris won a silver medal in her first year in the senior
girls javelin. Her throw of 40.60m was her first time over the
40m barrier.
Kai Mason was the only athlete to reach the final of all three
throws so could claim to be the best all round thrower in NZ at
the moment. Kai’s personal best throw of 15.74m in the shot
put gained a bronze medal and was his first time over 15m. Kai
was also 6th in the discus with another personal best throw of
47.85m. This effort was a new Tasman record. Kai also
reached the final of the javelin with a throw of 48.52m
Connor Bithell reached the final of the 200m where he ran a
personal best time of 24.42 for 8th place
Jacob Bryan ran a person best of 2:08.95 in the 800m to reach
the semi-final. Jacob will be in the same race again next year.
Chevy Walker only missed the final of the 400m by 0.26
running 62.28 in the semi-final.
Kelsey Barrett reached the final of the 400m running a time of
61.59 which was right up to her best.
Livia Strub just missed out on the final of the 300m hurdles
with a personal best time of 48.07.
Sydnee Wilkins ran 2:30.74 in the 800m to get through to the
semi-final.
Risi Pouri-Lane just missed out on the final of the javelin
coming in at 9th place with a throw of 31.45m.
Tess Haunch recorded a huge personal best of 5.24m for 8th in
the senior long jump. Tess was also a very creditable 11th in
the triple jump with a distance of 10.65m
The senior girls 4 x 100m relay team of Tess Haunch, Kelsey
Barrett, Amber Sixtus and Amanda Fitisemanu were 2nd in their
heat and 7th in the final in a Tasman record time of 50.28.
We entered a team in the senior 4 x 400m for the first time.
The junior girls 4 x 100m relay team of Jade Kenning, Danielle
Wember, Ani Kirkwood Thorp and Risi Pouri Lane got through
to the final but unfortunately were disqualified in the final for
running out of the zone.
Ani Kirkwood Thorp was 5th in her heat of the 200m - 28.68.
Lillian Russon was 8th in her heat of the 200m - 29.01.
Jade Kenning was 5th in her heat of the 100m - 14.25.
Amber Sixtus ran 13.88 in her heat of the 100m
Kirsten Walker was 17th in a field of 42 in the 4km road race in
a time of 17 minutes.
International German student Danielle Wember was 6th in her
semi-final of the 100m in a time of 13.62.
We entered a team in the 4 x 400m senior girls for the first
time. The team of Livia Strub (62.8) Amber Sixtus (71.3)
Georgia Teakle (68.1) and Amanda Fitisemanu (58.0) were 13th.
The team will have a more serious attempt at this event this
year in Timaru.
Mathematics
A very warm welcome to Ms May Teo. May is from
Singapore (a country highly regarded for its
Mathematics education at all levels) - her passion for
the outdoors brought her to New Zealand several
years ago. May is teaching 3 classes – 2 at Y11 and 1 at
Y9. She is an expert kayaker and is an experienced
teacher in both Maths and PE as well as being fluent
in Mandarin. The Maths Department is really
enjoying having May on board with her youthful
energy and many skills. A big thank you to Mrs
Marian Painter for coming out of ‘retirement’ rather
quickly. Marian is teaching Faith Jackson’s 4 classes
until the beginning of March. Faith is making a rapid
recovery from knee surgery.
Homework Books: We emailed the details of the
costs at the beginning of the school year. Thank you
for the excellent response. Most students have now
fully paid or have made arrangements for regular
automatic payments through the office.
Competitions: The Otago Junior Mathematics
Competition is on Wednesday March 18. We
generally have a total of 20 students from Y9, 10 and
11 tackle this competition. It is designed for intuitive
problem solvers and entry is by invitation. Letters
will be sent out to the students we feel will benefit
from this challenge. Past papers are available on
Moodle as well as at www.maths.otago.ac.nz/jmc .
We encourage as many students as we can to enter
the Australian Mathematics Competition which is
held early in Term 3 (Thursday 30 July). Preparing
for the competition (multi-choice with no calculator
allowed) is a great extension activity for our students
with a strength in Mathematics. We will be sending
letters home with details later this term. Our aim is to
have at least 100 students enter the competition.
Practice papers are on Moodle and further
information on the competition is available at
www.amt.edu.au/ .
2014 NCEA Endorsements for Mathematics
and Statistics:
We extend our congratulations to these students who
gained a subject endorsement in Mathematics – well
done!
Level 3:
Calculus:
Excellence: Gemma Lamont
Merit: Louis Attenborough, Morgan Clark,
Alex Parry
Statistics:
Excellence: Gemma Lamont
Merit: Emma Bowdler, Louis Attenborough
Level 2:
Excellence: Brittany Puata
Merit: Anita Reiter, Christie Ahearn, Chris
Hendrickson, Hannah Kelly, Kora Appleton,
Livia Strub, Manu Vink, Michaela Grant,
Nathan Peacock, Rebecca Sandlant, Robbie
Jensen, Ryan Lomas, Shania-jay Nicholoson
Level 1:
Excellence: Dylan Sixtus, Hannah Gordon,
Jack Tibbs, Kendall Spark, Rachael Wood
Merit: Aaron Bunn, Abby Seymour, Bethany
Gentry, Billy Bathgate, Culainn Stringer,
Emily Garland, Fletcher Frater, Hannah
Rubie, Hayley Garlick, Heidi Granger, Hine
Markham, Jade Wilson-Brown, Jessica
Jacobson, Kelsey Barrett, Laura Langridge,
Lawrence Parry, Luke Cunningham, Max
McAlpine, Sean Byles, Thomas Armit, Tori
Walls.
Level 2 Merit or Excellence endorsements in Mathematics (L to R):
C Hendrickson, A Reiter, H Kelly, M Grant, B Puata, C Ahern, R
Jensen, R Lomas, S Nicholson, R Sandlant, L Strub
Not present: K Appleton, M Vink, N Peacock
Level 1 Merit or Excellence endorsements in Mathematics:
Back: H Gordon, A Seymour, K Barrett, D Sixtus
Middle: J Tibbs, A Bunn, L Cunningham, F Frater, K Spark, T Armit
Front: H Rubie, H Garlick, R Wood, L Langridge, B Bathgate, E
Garland, L Parry, S Byles
Not Present: T Walls, C Stringer, M McAlpine, H Grainger, B Gentry,
H Markham, J Jacobson, J Wilson-Brown
Music
We are looking forward to another busy year in the
Music Department. Term 1 is a short one so it’s not
too early to start thinking about the Talent Quest,
heats start week 4 Term 2. Combining all the arts,
Talent Quest is one of the highlights of the year
where our students amaze us with their creativity and
innovation. The final is on May 20.
Make the most of your time at high school and take
advantage of our fabulous instrument and vocal
classes, consider learning an instrument or joining
one of the choirs. Private lessons for drums and piano
are also available. Brochures are available at the
office. There are also student led groups for ukulele
and violin and a possibility of a recorder group if
there is enough interest.
Tutors available this year are as follows:
Singing Hilary Sinclair
Brass Chris Harris
Woodwind Simon Williams
Activities planned for this term include ‘Showcase’,
Sunday, March 29th at 2pm, featuring our many
talented singers and instrumentalists, and a
Primary School Tour scheduled for Tuesday,
March 24, where we will be joined by the High
School Kapahaka group.
As well as lessons, the various music groups are also
getting underway. We have; The Motueka Singers, an
all-comers choir, Suono Bellissimo, an auditioned
choir, Jazz Band, Senior Band for strings, wind, brass
and percussionists and Junior Band for those just
starting to learn their instrument. Students are also
encouraged to start their own bands and use the
facilities of the music department.
Look out for the NCEA performance evenings to
follow our talented senior performers and
international students’ progress throughout the year.
A school band Rictor Scale is playing in the Just
Metal Tour in Nelson on 28 February and
Rockquest is on 16 & 22 May.
Guitar Aroha Pascoe & Arrion Love
Drums Gabor Irmalos
Piano Julie Rodgers
Welcome to our new tutors Chris Harris, brass, and
Arrion Love, guitar.
Kase, Sapphire, James, Jayme Rae, Jack
Jack Inglis Junior Concert, Nov 14
Arrion Love
Chris Harris
Chris began itinerant teaching in Philadelphia in 1997
followed by a number of schools in Christchurch. He
started out playing brass in the Salvation Army Band
in Christchurch, has been involved with the New
Zealand Army Band and spent eight years as a Music
Director for cruise lines. These days he teaches
various private students, plays in several local jazz
bands, works at Port Nelson as and ‘on call’ Security
officer and still pops back overseas to fill in on cruise
ships during school holidays.
Arrion has been teaching guitar since 2000 after
completing
the
Nelson
School
of
Music
Contemporary Performance Course. He teaches fulltime, learns songs from you tube “like everyone else”,
and the Fender Stratocaster is his favourite guitar.
Kora
Hamish
Chanel Arts Centre Concert, Oct 14
If you have any enquiries please contact Hilary
Sinclair by email or phone.
hilary.sinclair@motuekahigh.school.nz
Ph 528 9050 x 8226
Mobile 027 499 9601
Science
Sciences - Endorsement congratulations
We are extremely proud of the following for the
endorsements they obtained in Science subjects and
congratulate you all:
Level 1 Science: Excellence (8): Gordon Hannah,
Langridge Laura, Bunn Aaron, Seymour Abigail,
Spark Kendall, Wood Rachael, Sixtus Dylan, Garland
Emily. Merit (15):Tibbs Jack, Frater Fletcher,
Nicklin Hinemoana, Garlick Hayley, Grainger Heidi,
Armit Thomas, Barrett Kelsey, Wilson-Brown Jade,
Parry Lawrence, McAlpine Max, Trevurza Samantha,
Cumming Ari, Lammers Vito, Sixtus Amber, JarvieBrown Taylor.
Level 1 Agriculture / Horticulture:
Excellence: Rachael Wood Merit: Dylan Sixtus
Level 2 Biology: Excellence (2): Sandlant
Rebecca, Reiter Anita Merit (9):Walker Ayla,
Nicholson Shania-Jay, Pratt Amy, Grant Mikaela,
Appleton Kora, Puata Brittany, Goodall Tyler, Hope
Gabrielle, Gray Mollie.
Chemistry: Merit (4):Reiter Anita, Puata Brittany,
Peacock Nathan, Hendrickson Christopher.
Physics: Merit (7):Hendrickson Christopher, Hope
Gabrielle, Ahern Christina, Deplazes-Berl Tino,
Jensen Robbie, Gray Mollie, Casley Nari.
Level 3 Biology: Excellence (1): Lamont Gemma
Merit (3): Madden Vincent, Beleites Elena, Clark
Morgan. Chemistry: Merit (2): Lamont Gemma,
Parry Alex. Physics: Excellence (1): Lamont
Gemma, Merit (1): Parry Alex
Otago University Advanced School Sciences
Academy - Anita Reiter attended a week long camp
at the University of Otago this summer and
thoroughly enjoyed working with silver nanoparticles
and meeting new people. She has another camp in
the July holidays and will also be taking part in
online tutorials and activities. Science teacher Heidi
James represented us at the 3-day teachers’ course at
the end of January.
Big
Science
Competition - Win
one of hundreds of
prizes. It is a onehour competition of
30 multiple choice
questions and is held
at school during the
week of 20th-27th May. It challenges students to
think critically and solve scientific problems using
everyday examples. www.asi.edu.au. Please pay $8
at the office for the Big Science Competition
by Fri 24th April.
Cawthron Science and Technology Fair
All students are encouraged to enter this - an online
search will give you more details. It is perfectly
acceptable for parents to help their children. Some
classes will be expected to work on projects both in
class and at home. There are some great (financial)
prizes to be won.
Principles of flight
During the Rich Learning (for Years 9 and 10) days in
Term 3 we will offer a Principles of Flight course run
in conjunction with Nelson Aviation College at the
Motueka airfield. The course will include an
experiential flight. If your child is interested in taking
part the cost will be $50.
Skydiving
Senior Physics students learn the principles of
projectile motion. With this in mind we are
organising a trip to the local skydiving outfit. The cost
for a jump is at a reduced rate of $200. A date will be
confirmed shortly. There are some good free device
apps for recording acceleration, altitude and
gyroscopic action available through the student pages
of Moodle.
2015 International Science Opportunities
offered by the Royal Society of New Zealand
http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/programmes/compet
itions/international-secondary/
London International Youth Science Forum,
22 July - 5 August
(Open to Year 13 students only)
Three students will be selected by the Royal Society of
New Zealand to attend the London International
Youth Science Forum which takes place over two
weeks in July/August of 2015. This is a residential
event held at Imperial College London. Participants
will attend lectures and demonstrations from leading
scientists, visit research centres, scientific institutions
and world class laboratories and universities.
Professor
Harry
Messels
International
Science School, Sydney, 28 June - 11 July
(Open to Year 12 and Year 13 students only)
5 students will be selected by the Royal Society of
New Zealand to attend the Professor Harry Messels
International Science School which will be held at the
University of Sydney. The theme of ISS is BIG - big
experiments, big discoveries, big ideas. Students will
be treated to a unique lecture series by leading
researchers, participate in hands-on activities and
attend formal University events and social outings.
Students will be accommodated on the university
campus.
Outdoor Education
Kia Ora koutou and welcome back to Outdoor
Education 2015. We are looking forward to an
exciting year with course and camp offerings in Yr 9.
Work is continuing on improving and extending the
successful Yr 11 course, and following the successful
introduction of Level 2 Achievement Standards in the
Yr 12 classes. There is a strong and enthusiastic new
crew of Year 13’s ready to get out and explore. It has
been great to hear of the adventures and see many
past and present students out and about over the
holidays tramping, climbing and kayaking. This term
the focus for senior students is mainly on kayaking
both white-water and sea kayaking. Already some
have mastered kayak rolling in the school pool, and
over the coming weeks we will learn more about boat
control and travel to the eddies and rapids of the
Motueka River and for the Yr 13 class down to the
rivers around Murchison. Early next term, the Yr 12’s
have a 3 day sea kayak expedition in the Abel Tasman
NP to further consolidate their skills.
N.B. Outdoor Education Course Information letters
including the years schedule, health and risk
acknowledgement
and
2015
fees
payment
information should have been brought home. Can
these be read and discussed with your child, signed
and returned. If you have any questions about this
please contact the school and your OE teacher.
Term 1 Outdoor Education Trip Dates:
•
•
•
•
•
Yr 9 Adventure Camp, Abel Tasman NP, Wed to
Fri, March 25-27
Yr 11 overnight expedition, Abel Tasman NP,
Mon, March 9
Yr 12 Whitewater Kayak day trips Motueka River,
Tues – Thurs, March 17-19
Yr 12 Sea Kayak Expedition, Abel Tasman NP,
Tues – Thurs, May 5-7 (Term 2)
Yr 13 Whitewater Kayak expedition Murchison,
Tues – Thurs, March 31 - April 3
If you have any questions about the coming trips or
Outdoor Education in general please do not hesitate
to contact the school or your Outdoor Education
teacher.
Yr 11 OE students enjoying the warm weather and two new Dagger
Axiom kayaks in the school pool.
A well balanced team of Yr 12 OE kayakers!
The Base
The Supported Learning Centre, affectionately known
as ‘The Base,’ has welcomed two new staff and three
new students this year. Natalie Ede has joined us as
our New Head of Department and Michelle
Hawthorne is joining the team as a teacher aide.
INTERNATIONAL ROOM
UPGRADE
Teachers at the Base this year include Natalie Ede,
Stefan Laing, Michelle Green and Ken Winter. These
staff members are well supported by our highly
valued Teacher Aides, including Trish Taylor, Marian
Herrick, Jean Nikkel, Morris Lawrence, Ellie
Tomsett, Fiona Wright and relievers Christie Creed
and Lisa Hood.
One of the highlights for some of our students, staff
and parents at the end of last year was the Special
Olympics Athletics Day which was held at Saxon
Field, in Richmond. The students looked great in
their Motueka High School tracksuits and all
participated
with
enthusiasm
and
true
sportsmanship. All students returned home with
ribbons. The positive and supportive atmosphere and
the camaraderie with the other schools was superb.
The next big event on the calendar is the Special
Olympics Swimming Sports day at ASB Richmond
Aquatic Centre in March. Some of our students are
busy preparing for this event.
Jan Trafford - Special Education Needs co-ordinator
SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETICS DAY 2014
While most of you will know that I have retired, and
a number have taken some time to convey their
memories and best wishes, I would like to convey
my thanks and appreciation to the parents and
students of Motueka High School as I leave. Thirtyfour years at one School is a long time and I have
met and worked with a huge number of people in
this district, many of you both as a student and a
parent. I have had an amazing time and enjoyed
your enthusiasm, support and determination to do
the best you can, both as a student and a parent. I
have masses of memories going back all those years,
and have especially enjoyed the renewal of
friendships that occur when people leave school as a
student and eventually return as a parent. The
cheerful greetings wherever I go in the district are
also appreciated and bring back treasured
memories. Your support of me and of Motueka High
School has made my career here the best years of
my life so far. Now I intend to take some time out
for a few months before exploring some of the many
projects I have lined up for my retirement. I will still
be keeping in touch with the School and look
forward to doing the same with you as the
opportunity arises. Your continued support of
Motueka High School will ensure all of us can look
forward to a happy and productive future. Thank
you again, take care of yourselves and all the very
best.
Bruce Stare