June 2015 - Porirua College

28
IMPORTANT DATES TERMS 2, 3 and 4 2015
Wednesday 1st July
Parent / Teacher Meetings 4pm - 8pm
Thursday 2nd July
Parent / Teacher Meetings 1:30pm - 6pm
Friday 3rd July
Teacher Only Day
4th July - 19th July
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Monday 20th July
First Day of Term Two
June 2015
Board of Trustees and Parent Café
5pm - 6pm
Come Along and Meet Us and Give Us Your Feedback
Wednesday 29th July
Polyfest Dress Rehearsal
6pm - 8pm
Friday 31st July
Polyfest
Tuesday 25th August - Monday 31st
August
Monday 7th September - Friday 11th
September
Simply Dental Onsite
Senior Practice Exam Week
26th September - 11th October
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Monday 9th November
NCEA Exams for Seniors Begin
Wednesday 2nd December
Senior Prizegiving
Thursday 10th December
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS BEGIN
Parent Portal
It is possible for you to access your child’s attendance and achievement data using the internet.
You can do this by:
1. Going to the school website: www.poriruacollege.school.nz
2. Click on PARENT PORTAL on the Home Page
3. Enter the username and password that have been sent to you or you can ask your child to log in for
you. (Please call the School Office or email JTopp@pen.net.nz if you need assistance)
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
2
27
CONTACT DETAILS
64 Driver Crescent • Cannons Creek • PORIRUA 5024
PO Box 53-023 • PORIRUA 5243
Telephone: 04 237 5465 • Mobile: 027 2375465
K
ia ora koutou!
Also running is the Pasifika Power Up
Holiday Programme (See information at the
bottom of Page 3).
Success at school is finishing school at the
end of Year 13 with NCEA Level 3 and University Entrance.
I would also encourage all students to make
use of the Homework Centre which runs
after school until 5pm in the library every
Monday - Thursday.
This is entirely possible with good
attendance, good learning habits and the
encouragement and backing of the whanau.
Before the end of this term we also have
another Parent/Teacher Meeting so you
can come and talk to your child’s subject
teachers about the next steps needed to
strengthen their learning.
I am pleased to report that about 50% of our
Year 13 last year managed this outcome and this year we are aiming for more. Of the
92 students who left at the end of Year 13
last year, 69 of them have gone onto
University or Polytechnic.
Porirua College provides a lot of support to
help students gain this outcome. In Term
Three we are hosting the Pasifika Power Up
Programme again. This provides 3 hours of
homework tutoring and learning support
from teachers every week. There is a parent
programme too at the same time. This all
takes place in Rangituhi and is on a Tuesday
evening from 5pm – 8pm. A notice will come
home with students to alert you to when this
starts or look on the Pasifika Power Up Facebook page: Pasifika Power Up Porirua 2015.
Details will also be posted on our website:
www.poriruacollege.school.nz
Cover Page Illustrations: AJ Radhi, Tane Hapeta
Now is the time to enrol your Y8 child for Y9
in 2016. You can enrol your child by going to
the PC website, or by using the yellow
enrolment form in the pack your child was
given at their current school to take home a
couple of weeks ago. If you enrol your
child on or before 31st July you will go
into a draw to win a Chromebook, or a
complete set of PC school uniform. One
lucky family won a Chromebook in the first
draw, drawn on 31st May.
Thanks in particular go to Ms Williams, Ms
Hardwick, the PE Department, Ignite Sport and
Conway Matthews for their hard work that
made this such a successful day,
We have had a good Second Term this year
– with some excellent and outstanding wins
in competitions and on the sports field. Read
on and you will find more information about
our successful students.
PC Pride Reigns Supreme.
Susanne Jungersen
Principal
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
26
3
PARENT / TEACHER MEETINGS
WEDNESDAY 1ST JULY 4PM—8PM
Book an appointment to talk to subject teachers
about your child’s learning and achievement.
Also on this night only:
JOB HUB: There will be displays and information
available from representatives from the NZ Careers
Service, NZ Defence Force, Victoria University, Building and Construction Industry
Training Organisation (BCITO), Whitireia Polytech and the New Zealand Institute of
Sport.
THURSDAY 2ND JULY 1:30PM—6PM
On both days information about how to access the Parent Portal to track student
achievement will be available (See the back cover of this Ako also).
PASIFIKA POWER UP HOLIDAY PROGRAMME
Calling all of our Primary and Secondary Pasifika students to come and join our July Pasifika
Holiday PowerUp Programme. These fun filled sessions will continue to support your journey of
unlocking your potential and helping you reach your educational goals and aspirations.
Dates: Tuesday 7th July & Tuesday 14th July 2015
Venue: Porirua College
Time: 11am – 2pm
The Holiday Programme will provide support via
Academic Mentors. These holiday sessions will
focus on strengthening student achievement in the
outcomes of learning areas of National Standards
and NCEA.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
4
When: 5pm - 6pm
Wednesday 29th July
(Before the Polyfest
Dress Rehearsal)
25
Very soon, the Sports Department will be releasing a range of PC branded
sportswear that teams and players can choose to purchase. Every item is
black and yellow and will have the PC Crest, the CUS logo, the student’s
initials. The Jackets, hoodies and shirts will have screen printing on the back.
The following items will be available:
Let’s
Talk
This is an opportunity for parents / caregivers to come and meet with members of
the Board of Trustees of Porirua College.
We would like to hear your ideas about the direction Porirua College should take
in the future and about our current School Vision.
All feedback welcomed. Light refreshments provided.
Windproof/Waterproof Jacket
Hoodie – Zip Up
Hoodie – Pull Over
Pants
$35
$40
$40
$45
Polo
T-Shirt
Sports Bag
Backpack
$20
$20
$35
$25
For students to qualify to be able to purchase items
other than the jacket, their sports fees must be
paid first. Without these fees being paid, we simply
cannot provide sport at Porirua College. The fees are
used to pay for new uniforms (like the awesome new
Girls Rugby jerseys!), laundry of uniforms, rental vans
for transport, purchasing sports equipment that every team requires and paying for regional body subscriptions.
Karma Kards will be able to be used to pay
for Sports Fees and Sports Clothing so go to
morning Check-In with a pen and be
Powerful Learners and you might just get
your gear for free!!
Parents/Caregivers/Supporters:
We
are
always looking for more support in any way
Our Year 9 and 10 students have the exciting opportunity to be part of the
Te Mana o Kupe programme where chromebooks can be purchased to use
for learning at school and at home.
A Chromebook is a personal computer that runs Chrome as an operating system. The device is
made to connect quickly to the Internet and supports apps that are on the web, not ones that are
downloaded to the device and need to be bought.
Many of our junior students are successfully using chromebooks each day in the classroom. Students can join this programme by paying a deposit of $45 followed by minimum payments of $4
per week. In 2016, this opportunity will include Year
11 students.
If you would like to discuss this, please contact Mr
John Topp, Deputy Principal, (jtopp@pen.net.nz).
Further information can also be collected from the
school office.
Student IDs
Get your Student ID ($5) and be able to use it to release your
printing from the copy machines.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
possible. This could be coaching, managing,
driving or any other way that you would like
to be involved. Contact Sports Coordinator Rachel Falemaka or HOD Sport Dan Squire here at
school to help out. Thanks!!
Porirua College was recently donated two cardio bikes
and a treadmill by Les Mills.
The PE Department is using the cardio and weights
equipment to support our senior PE classes. Sports
teams will be able to use the equipment to gain the
fitness and strength required for team sports. Students
will be able to use this room during lunchtimes when a
teacher is available to supervise. In order for the
equipment to last the machines will need to be used
with care, the room left tidy and weights put away
properly. We want everyone to be able to make use of
these new machines to improve fitness and well being.
Ms Hardwick
HOD PE & Health
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
24
Malo e lelei!! It has been an exciting and
successful Term One and Two for the Sports
Departments at PC. At the time of the last Ako
edition, our Athletes were readying themselves
to go up against the best in the Western
Zones. Last year we had 7 Top 3 finishes. This
year our awesome students were in the top 3
places for their events an amazing 14 times.
This included 6 fantastic Golds! Then at
Wellington Regionals we had Pule Mamea
dominating the field, coming 1st in the 100 and
200m. We look forward to next year when a
new interschool Athletics competition between
5
all the Porirua Secondary Schools will begin.
Winter sports have kicked off with students
representing Porirua College with pride and
passion in Badminton, Basketball, Indoor
Bowls, Netball, Soccer and Rugby. All the
teams are developing their individual and
team skills and we all applaud their efforts as
well as the extremely valuable time and
expertise of their coaches, managers and supporters. The next Ako will feature a wrap of all
the winter team sports and we all wish our
teams the best in their sports over the coming
months.
We have some amazing talent at our school and the following achievements are worth particular
note.
Richard Faimalo: NZ Hawks U16 AFL. Travelled to Sydney and played against NSW All
Stars and Sydney Swans Academy. Recently selected for the NZ U18 Training Squad.
(Front centre of AFL team photo below).
David Tiotala, Jossie Tosime, Mau Tealei, Pule Mamea 1st Placings at Western Zone
Athletics. Pule Mamea 1st 100m, 200m Wellington Regional Athletics.
Pule Mamea, NZ Interclub Athletics 100m Champion. Representing Titahi Bay Club.
Dante Collier, Porirua U15 Basketball Team
Quelem Kirkwood, has been offered a Rugby League contract. He is still in talks with
regards to which Australian club he is to play for.
Blessing Faaaliga, Richard Faimalo, Moiono Nua and Junior Time Taotua have been
invited to the ‘Mick Williment Coaching Week’ in the holidays with a view towards the
Wellington U16 Rugby Team.
Congratulations to everyone representing Porirua College in their chosen Sports.
The chill of winter is firmly here. Students need to layer up to keep warm and dry whatever the weather.
The Porirua College uniform includes the ability to wear any plain black or plain dark blue
raincoat.
There are a limited number of school jackets available at the office
for $35 each. Be quick! Once they are gone, they are gone.
Also available from the school office from Term 3 will be rain jackets
that provide protection from most rain showers. These jackets have
been tested by our sports coaches this term.
Price:
$28 (plain black)
$35 (black with the PC emblem and the student’s initials)
One way to keep warm is to wear layers beneath your uniform.
Polyprop vests provide maximum thermal
insulation and dry quickly.
Polyester vests are also good but take a
little longer to dry and do not trap the
heat quite as much. These can be bought
from shops such as Postie Plus or Kathmandu.
Students receive Karma card points for
following the Porirua College Expectations.
These points can be cashed in at the school office for rewards.
These rewards include each Karma card point providing $1 towards
the cost of uniform items.
Students in full Porirua College uniform look sharp. Sometimes
students face obstacles that prevent them from achieving this.
We are surveying students, parents and staff to find the best way
forward so that we can all look smart every day.
PC Pride in Our Uniform and Ourselves!
The staff team (also with Toa Madar and Rachel
Falemaka). who played lunchtime netball against
a student’s team—narrowly losing 12-10 but
having lots of fun.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
6
23
My TOP 3 Challenges:
Conceptualizing ideas in time for deadlines
Drawing and making models
Looking at a computer for 12+ hours a day
Ako: How hard did you have to work?
The first year, as I said, was the most challenging because it was a new way of learning and seeing
and it was the year I worked my hardest because I knew if I didn’t make it to second year I would
repeat and that wasn’t an option. The second year of study became even more intense because
university demanded more of your work. Reading textbooks and writing essays was more of a focus that year. By my third year, my sleeping patterns were everywhere. I worked until I finished and
prepared myself (enough) for the next class. One saying I learnt through university was ‘the more
you put in the more you get out’. It’s one of the sayings which helped me endure the battles of
university.
It’s the end of an era! The partnership of Phil
and Con – our redoubtable Community
Liaison Officers - is ending with our farewelling Conway Matthews at the end of this
term. Phil stays on and Conway takes off for a
new adventure.
if they were one combined unit. And all the
things Con did for our “kidz” along with Phil
brought uncounted blessings and immeasurable solutions to difficult problems, finding the
answers with whanau, teachers and of course
students.
Conway has been with us since the year 2000
– 15 years! – and during that time has become
the expert on Restorative Conferencing and
on chasing naughty kids and on following up
on our absentees.
We will miss you a whole lot, Con and I
know all those students who you helped to
find their feet again after the spills and frights
and fights that come with growing up
through the College years will feel the same. I
think some few words we say at the end are
inadequate to express the appreciation we
feel for the work you have done for us. God
bless and all the very best.
When we wanted an ace MC, Conway was the
man, entertaining the crowds with his really
terrible puns but also with his quick wit and
“wikkid” sense of humour. Conway MC’d our
Awesome Aprils, our Spelling Bees, our big
performance nights, Polyfest events and got
us going in the best ways possible.
Conway, as part of the partnership of the CLO
team, which also included Gavin a couple of
years ago, took on a zillion different roles and
did whatever we needed and whenever we
needed it done. Very flexible job description
these guys have. All done with great good humour and all done with the welfare of the students to the forefront.
“Phil and Con” sort of rolls off the tongue as
Arohanui – from all the PC people
Term One: Lupe Anamani on Safari with Lyn and Lucy!
You cannot visit Abu Dhabi without going on a Safari
where you get to experience as much as possible the
real desert life. You go on a crazy dune bashing ride
where you speed through the dunes in a 4WD, camel
riding, you get to
hold a falcon
(with special
gloves for safety)
eat a traditional
Arabic meal and
wear traditional
Arab wear.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
Ako: What kept you going?
What kept me going were my parents. They encouraged me every day and prayed for me. Without
their support I wouldn’t have completed my studies. My mum would always tell me to read over
my assignments and triple check if I had everything before I left for school. Dad was the same. He
would tell me to talk about the struggles of university and he would listen. After our talks he would
disguise the challenges with stories of when he grew up in the islands and how hard it was. It
made me realise that what I was facing at that point was only temporary. Working through the
pain made me prepare for the next wave of obstacles.
Other things that kept me goingEndless YouTube hours of motivational videos
MUSIC (Take it everywhere)
Friends (you’ll need them)
Basketball
Ako: What does this year hold in store for you?
The remainder of the year I will be focusing on my Masters portfolio while working small design
jobs.
Porirua College wishes
you well with your
next adventure!
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
22
7
An Interview With Faitasi Talamaivao
T
Ako: When were you at Porirua College? What have you been up so since?
I started at Porirua College back in 2007 and finished in 2011. I have been at Victoria University for
the past 3 years studying towards a Bachelor of Design Innovation which I completed at the end of
2014.
Ako: What were the highlights and challenges of study at Vic?
There are many highlights for me during study. The first would have to be getting accepted into the
2nd year of the design course. The first year was a test to see who could explore their abstract talents
towards a chosen major. I wanted to study Industrial Design so I pushed myself during my first year
to create and learn as much as I could. Being accepted into 2nd year and studying towards a major
in Industrial Design meant that I was in a secure place to continue through my 3 rd year of study. Out
of 500 students only 150 were selected to move onto 2nd year. This was 60 into Industrial Design, 40
for Media Design and 50 into Culture and Content. Only 4 students were of Pacific Island descent. I
am glad I put in the hard work and took opportunities that were given.
he Spelling Bee this year
was a great success and the
finalists totally wowed us
with their knowledge.
Brave students from each house
competed for the title of 2015 Spelling Bee
champion. It was really impressive to see so
many students challenging themselves to
learn new vocabulary and improve their
spelling skills.
University is full of challenges. The biggest challenge for me was adapting to a new culture of design
that I wasn’t familiar with. I had to learn words I never knew existed but which my lecturers used
every day. It was the same when I had to explain to my tutors about my concepts. I made it a
priority to define each new word and become accustomed to the jargon of design.
Ako: How many years did you need to study?
Three years of undergraduate study towards my Bachelor’s degree and now two years added for Masters.
Ako: What challenges did you face over the years?
To name a fewGetting to school (on time)
Having the right tools for design
Adjusting to crazy sleeping patterns
Handing in work ON TIME
Presenting in front of students, lecturers and tutors
Transport – not sleeping on the train (Ako: Yes we heard about your unscheduled trip to Paraparaumu)
Rent – stay at home, it will save you money
Food – it’s a must have
Not wearing the same clothes everyday aka ‘Keeping up with Town Fashion’
Staying awake during lectures
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
GOOD LUCK FOR THE NATIONALS!!
The Junior Winner was Umme Hussein
(Tangare) and Senior Winner Marjorie
Molimau (Kenepuru).
It took just 90 minutes for Wiki Mackey
and Michala Rei to prepare their winning
entrée of Beetroot Gelee with chevre,
orange and walnut salad, followed by a
main course of Stuffed Chicken and
Madeira jus with Dauphinoise potatoes,
buttered carrots and broccolini—and to
then take out the Regional Winners spot in
the National Secondary Schools Culinary
Challenge (NSSCC).
The judges were impressed, commenting:
"Great knife skills, good seasoning. The
entrée was very nice and refreshing, the
main course, chicken, was very moist, and
nicely cooked. The potato was delicious!
Overall very good team-work throughout the event and plate up, with
excellent communication."
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
8
21
Students who have passed NCEA standards with Excellence so far this year:
Biology 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life
Tuiuli Tialia
Chemistry 2.1 - Carry out quantitative analysis
WON! Yes,
you read itofcorrectChemistry 2.7 - WE
Demonstrate
understanding
oxidation-reduction
ly
Porirua College’s band "Blue
Dance 1.2 - Perform dance sequences
Rhythm" came first and took out
the Smokefree Pacifica Beats
Digital Technologies 1.41 - Implement basic procedures to produce a specified digital information outcome
(SFPB) Regionals 2015 CompetiDigital Technologies 2.43 - Implement advanced procedures to produce a specified digital media outcome
tion on June 12th!
Drama 1.1 - Apply drama techniques in a dramatic context
Barbara Faraimo, Marjorie Molimau
Marjorie Molimau, Toafa Tealei
Peter Cooper, Blessing Faaaliga, Melisha Mihaka, Laban Miller, Whakaira Nukunuku, Caitlyn Ruaporo,
Pokotea Ruaporo, Orlaina Sipili, Kincaid Taulaga, Armstrong Tengaru, Rigot Walters
Tuvale Hili, Alma Iasona, Palekiau Ielemia
Blessing Faaaliga, Kincaid Taulaga, Armstrong Tengaru
Thedrama
bandtechniques
membersinare
Kalo context
SaDrama 2.1 - Apply
a scripted
masoni,
Tiresa
and
metechniques in performance
Drama 3.1 - Interpret
scripted
text toFomai
integrate
drama
(Tupe)
on vocals,of visual
and our
aweEnglish 1.11 - Show
understanding
and/or
oral text(s) through close viewing and/or listening,
some
instrumentalists
Obeda
using supporting evidence
By Tupe
felt even more nervous (especially the singers)
Ngatuakana
Christian
Tuiala
Smith
English
2.10 - Analyse
aspects of (Drums),
visual and/or
oral text(s) through
close
viewingwe
and/or
by evidence
and we
thought
werelistening,
going tosupported
ruin our perRuaporo (Electric Guitar), Zion Seformance by forgetting the words, but luckily we
pelini
Seti Sinoti
(Ukulele)
and Filipo
English(Bass),
3.9 - Respond
critically
to significant
aspectsFoof visual all
and/or
oral text(s)
through
close reading,
managed
to wow
the crowd
and judges! :)
mai (Piano).supported by evidence
Geography 2.5 - Conduct geographic research with guidance Coming 1st definitely made PC proud because
Our tutor is Sonny Miti who brought our group
we have so much talent in our school, not only
Making Music
- Perform
two substantial
piecestwo
of music as a featured soloist
together
for 2.1
this
competition
just under
musically but in all areas such as academic and
weeks before we had to compete against other
sports. Our support from the teachers Mr de
schools such as Aotea College, Rongotai College
Blois and Mrs Avia and from friends and family
Mathematics
andHigh
Statistics
1.1 - -Apply
and
Hutt Valley
School
who numeric
all did reasoning
amaz- in solving problems
helped us do the best we could have :)
Mathematics
ingly
well on and
the Statistics
night. 2.5 - Apply network methods in solving problems
Music 1.1 - Perform two pieces of music as a featured soloistNow we hope we are going to the Nationals up
We
gave up a lot of time on the very last week
in Auckland in September! Cheeeehoooo!!!
Physicalthe
Education
1.1 - Participate
actively
in a variety
before
competition
to get more
confident
on of physical activities
and explain and
factors
that influence own participation
stage, by having lunchtime
after
Physicalpractices.
Education 1.3 - Demonstrate quality movement in the performance of a physical activity
school
Ann Miti
Physical Education 1.5 - Demonstrate interpersonal skills in a group and explain how these skills impact on others
We had to compose our own
songs
and 2.2
Change
The World
with
PhysicalShine
Education
- Demonstrate
understanding
of how and why biophysical principles relate to the learning of
the help of Sonny Miti.physical
He also
helped
the
skills
vocalists
to polish2.3the
minor mistakes
we
Physical Education
- Demonstrate
understanding
of the application of biophysical principles to training for physical
always made (haha - activity
forgetting the lyrics)
Physical
Education
3.4
Demonstrate
quality performance of a physical activity in an applied setting
and he always told us just to be comfortable
and2.1
confident
ona stage
byphysics
getting
the
Physics
- Carry out
practical
investigation
that leads to a non-linear mathematical relationship
crowd
bandpresentation
also had some
Samoanhyped!!!
1.2 - GiveThe
a spoken
in Samoan that communicates a personal response
help to become even better than we
already
witha the
helppresentation
from ZaneinGraSamoan were
2.2 - Give
spoken
Samoan that communicates information, ideas and opinions
ham (PC Drum tutor), Pai Aperehama
Samoan
3.2 - Give
a clear
spoken
and
Caleb
Haapu
(from
thepresentation
Whanganuiin Samoan that communicates a critical response to stimulus material
band L40) which was also awesome!
Science 1.8 - Investigate selected chemical reactions
I think I can speak on behalf of the band
about how everyone was feeling pretty
(ALOT)
nervous
we were
the last
Te Reo Maori
1.1 because
- Whakarongo
kia mohio
ki te reo o tona ao
act to perform. While watching the bands
Visual Arts 1.2 - Use drawing methods and skills for recording information using wet and dry media
and performers do their thing on stage, we
Ontreal Arai Panapa, Malia Baker, Maanga Cummings,
Drelyn John, Eli Moataa, Orlaina Sipili, Tungane Tomokino
Teariki Akavi, Tupe Smith,
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
Tuiuli Tialia
powers his way
towards another
Excellence grade
in PE.
Shantal Jose
Tina Paulo
Sipaia Fuli, Hiara Kie, Denzel Patolo, Christina Poko,
Melanie Sword, Joy Tuangalu, Sirilak Yurathep
Teariki Akavi, Malaea Eni, Maina Fuimaono, Elina Iata, Shantal Jose, Milo Malutaua-Tupuivao,
Marjorie Molimau, Atimalala Sefo, Latifah Talaoloa, Tuiuli Tialia, Ariana Venu
Iosefa Lafaele, Luluvita Pese Akerise, Sebastian Va'auli
Malaea Eni, Barbara Faraimo, Maina Fuimaono, Sera Kaiau, Atonio Kemp, Tupe Smith, Ariana Venu
Barbara Faraimo, Oikoumene Foisaga, Leesah Hosking, Atonio Kemp, Elijah Kome, Obeda Ngatuakana,
A J Pauesi, Anzac Pese Akerise, Kalo Samasoni, Atimalala Sefo, Zion Sepelini, Celestial Sianava,
Terrestrial Sianava, Scotty Talanaiga-Solomona
Malia Baker, Christina Poko, Melanie Sword, Joy Tuangalu, Melesisi Tuliakono, Jasmine Wirangi
Shantal Jose, Robin Wratt
Eli Moataa, Joy Tuangalu
Misilifi Faimalo, Nash Kemp, Laban Miller,
Tungane Tomokino
Teariki Akavi, Toafa Tealei, Tuiuli Tialia,
Lotomalie Keresoma, Sorann Penn
Milo Malutaua-Tupuivao,
Some pages from Atonio Kemp’s
Excellent Geography Project
Tuvale Afa, Gordana Chong Nee, Rosalia Fomai, Jespamal Fretton,
Togatuki Sua, Dominique Tavina, Fa'apaolo Tialia
Oikoumene Foisaga, Ioane Lafaele, Moetu Moetu, Wesley Semi, Herman Seuava, Sirila Sirila, Tuiuli Tialia,
Tuvale Afa, Elina Afamasaga, Domanic Brown, Epi Lafaele, Laki Polutea, Anzac Sheck, Talima Tuimalo,
DJ Wesley-Lelilio
Maanga Cummings, Sipaia Fuli, Tuvale Hili, Palekiau Ielemia, Drelyn John, Nash Kemp, Jerome Lilo, Tiatala
Mailo-Alexander, Moe Maora, Whakaira Nukunuku, Paul Otukolo, Tanumia Sagaga, PJ Sheck, Melanie
Sword, Armstrong Tengaru, Junior Time Taotua, Jared Tuifao, Melesisi Tuliakono, Jasmine Wirangi
Jahzanna Tohu, Te Manakore Haley-Potangaroa
Shaya Taiki Turua
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
20
Students who have passed NCEA standards with Excellence so far this year:
Biology 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of adaptation of plants or animals to their way of life
Tuiuli Tialia
Chemistry 2.1 - Carry out quantitative analysis
Barbara Faraimo, Marjorie Molimau
Chemistry 2.7 - Demonstrate understanding of oxidation-reduction
Dance 1.2 - Perform dance sequences
Digital Technologies 1.41 - Implement basic procedures to produce a specified digital information outcome
Digital Technologies 2.43 - Implement advanced procedures to produce a specified digital media outcome
Drama 1.1 - Apply drama techniques in a dramatic context
Drama 2.1 - Apply drama techniques in a scripted context
Drama 3.1 - Interpret scripted text to integrate drama techniques in performance
English 1.11 - Show understanding of visual and/or oral text(s) through close viewing and/or listening,
using supporting evidence
English 2.10 - Analyse aspects of visual and/or oral text(s) through close viewing and/or listening, supported by evidence
English 3.9 - Respond critically to significant aspects of visual and/or oral text(s) through close reading,
supported by evidence
Geography 2.5 - Conduct geographic research with guidance
Making Music 2.1 - Perform two substantial pieces of music as a featured soloist
Mathematics and Statistics 1.1 - Apply numeric reasoning in solving problems
Mathematics and Statistics 2.5 - Apply network methods in solving problems
Music 1.1 - Perform two pieces of music as a featured soloist
Physical Education 1.1 - Participate actively in a variety of physical activities
and explain factors that influence own participation
Physical Education 1.3 - Demonstrate quality movement in the performance of a physical activity
Physical Education 1.5 - Demonstrate interpersonal skills in a group and explain how these skills impact on others
Physical Education 2.2 - Demonstrate understanding of how and why biophysical principles relate to the learning of
physical skills
Physical Education 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of the application of biophysical principles to training for physical
activity
Physical Education 3.4 - Demonstrate quality performance of a physical activity in an applied setting
Physics 2.1 - Carry out a practical physics investigation that leads to a non-linear mathematical relationship
Samoan 1.2 - Give a spoken presentation in Samoan that communicates a personal response
Samoan 2.2 - Give a spoken presentation in Samoan that communicates information, ideas and opinions
Samoan 3.2 - Give a clear spoken presentation in Samoan that communicates a critical response to stimulus material
Science 1.8 - Investigate selected chemical reactions
Te Reo Maori 1.1 - Whakarongo kia mohio ki te reo o tona ao
Visual Arts 1.2 - Use drawing methods and skills for recording information using wet and dry media
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
9
Meet
Marjorie
TiareMolimau,
Tamaiva, Toafa
14 years
Tealeiold, of Tuhoe
The
interesting
andPeter
Cook
IslandBlessing
descent.
She’s in
Year 10
at Laban
thingMiller,
is thatWhakaira
many Nukunuku, Caitlyn Ruaporo,
Cooper,
Faaaliga,
Melisha
Mihaka,
Pokotea
Ruaporo,She
Orlaina
Sipili,
Kincaid
Tengaru,the
Rigot Walters
Porirua
College.
plays
guitar
andTaulaga,
sings, Armstrong
predicted
andTuvale
lovesHili,
nothing
jamming
scheme would fail.
Alma better
Iasona, than
Palekiau
Ielemiawith
herShantal
friends.
There were many
JoseSounds like your typical Year 10
girl Blessing
at PC. Faaaliga,
Yet TiareKincaid
is notTaulaga,
your typical
Year
who told them not
Armstrong Tengaru
10 girl at PC because, currently, she’s also onto bother trying to
Ann Miti
ly one of two students who learn the cello.
teach
violin
Tina Paulo
or cello in
PoriSipaia
Fuli,
Hiara
Kie,
Denzel
Patolo,
Christina
Poko,
Every Friday for the past 8 months she has
rua / Cannons
Melanie Sword, Joy Tuangalu, Sirilak Yurathep
arrived at school at 8:15am for her cello
Creek
as
the
Teariki Akavi, Malaea Eni, Maina Fuimaono, Elina Iata, Shantal Jose, Milo Malutaua-Tupuivao,
lesson and has gone from strength to
students were only interested in hip hop
Marjorie Molimau, Atimalala Sefo, Latifah Talaoloa, Tuiuli Tialia, Ariana Venu
strength. She recently gained two First Prizes
music and playing guitar. It’s great to see
Iosefa Lafaele, Luluvita Pese Akerise, Sebastian Va'auli
in the Bowed String section of the Kapi-Mana
programmes like this prove deficit thinking
Music
Festival.
Her siblings
and Serawrong.
Malaea
Eni, Barbara
Faraimo, play
Mainaviolin
Fuimaono,
Kaiau, Atonio Kemp, Tupe Smith, Ariana Venu
now mum has started learning violin so she
Barbara Faraimo, Oikoumene Foisaga, Leesah Hosking, Atonio Kemp, Elijah Kome, Obeda Ngatuakana,
canA Jsupport
the Pese
tamariki
practiceAtimalala
“Mozart
mySepelini,
favourite
classical
composer
Pauesi, Anzac
Akerise,during
Kalo Samasoni,
Sefo,isZion
Celestial
Sianava,
time.
Asked Sianava,
why she
decided
to learn the
because…just because,” says Tiare, but when
Terrestrial
Scotty
Talanaiga-Solomona
cello,
Tiare
is quick
to answer
“because
I didasked who
herTuliakono,
favouriteJasmine
artistsWirangi
are when
Malia
Baker,
Christina
Poko, Melanie
Sword,
Joy Tuangalu,
Melesisi
n’t want to be like my sisters and brother
singing or on guitar, she says, “Oh, you mean
Shantal Jose, Robin Wratt
who learned the violin”.
normal artists – that’s Eminem and Tupac”.
Eli Moataa, Joy Tuangalu
So Misilifi
what inspired
TiareKemp,
and her
whānau
Faimalo, Nash
Laban
Miller, to
So, what’s next for Tiare? She’s currently busy
learn a string instrument? The answer is simpractising for her Grade 4 (Trinity) exam later
Tomokino
ple:Tungane
the Virtuoso
Strings Schools Programme.
this year and she continues to get embarArai Panapa,
Malia
Maanga
Cummings,
ThisOntreal
programme
is run
byBaker,
Elizabeth
Sneyd
rassed when her HOD Music asks her to play
John, Craig
Eli Moataa,
Sipili, Tungane
andDrelyn
husband
UttingOrlaina
and together
they Tomokino
the cello in class. She still loves jamming and
Teariki
Akavi,
Tupe
Smith,students in the Pohave
taught
many
young
is always happy to play guitar for her friends’
rirua Basin. So how does it work? Craig and
assessments. In many ways she is a typical
Teariki Akavi, Toafa Tealei, Tuiuli Tialia,
Elizabeth, through their Virtuoso Strings
Year 10 girl at PC despite her particular
Charitable
purchase
instruments for
Lotomalie Trust,
Keresoma,
Sorann Penn
musical talent. She just happens to have
students at local Decile 1 schools and give
been hooked by the sound of the cello and
Milo Malutaua-Tupuivao,
them free lessons. The only proviso is that
grabbed
the opportunities offered to her.
Tuvale Afa, Gordana Chong Nee, Rosalia Fomai, Jespamal
Fretton,
they must be in their Virtuoso Strings OrTogatuki Sua, Dominique Tavina, Fa'apaolo Tialia
chestra which meets every Tuesday night at a
Tiare Semi,
doesn’t
needSeuava,
to be one
onlyTuiuli
two Tialia,
celOikoumene Foisaga, Ioane Lafaele, Moetu Moetu, Wesley
Herman
Sirilaof
Sirila,
local primary school. The scheme is so suclists at PC. I’m sure she would love others to
Tuvale
Afa,Elizabeth
Elina Afamasaga,
Brown,
Laki Polutea, Anzac Sheck, Talima Tuimalo,
cessful
that
predicts Domanic
there will
be 50Epi Lafaele,
learn
a
string instrument so we can have a
DJ Wesley-Lelilio
young
violinists within the Porirua Basin enstring
group at PC. Will you take up the opMaanga
Sipaia Fuli,
Tuvale Hili, Palekiau
Ielemia, Drelyn John, Nash Kemp, Jerome Lilo, Tiatala
tering
YearCummings,
9 next year.
In recognition
of
Just check
the Melanie
Virtuoso
Mailo-Alexander, Moe Maora, Whakaira Nukunuku, portunity?
Paul Otukolo, Tanumia
Sagaga,out
PJ Sheck,
their work, both Elizabeth and Craig have
Trust’s Jasmine
Facebook
page and
Sword, Armstrong Tengaru, Junior Time Taotua, JaredStrings
Tuifao, Charitable
Melesisi Tuliakono,
Wirangi
been awarded a QSM in this year's Queen's
maybe you’ll get hooked too.
Jahzanna Tohu, Te Manakore Haley-Potangaroa
Birthday Honours for their services to music
Shaya Taiki Turua
education.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
10
19
NEW BOOKS:
Evelyn Tea in Year 13 was invited to perform for the
Sarah Lilli Foundation. A concert was held at Queen
Margaret College and Evelyn performed alongside hip
hop dancers, classical pianists, opera singers from
Victoria University, the Queen Margaret College choir,
the Royal NZ Airforce Band drummers and heaps more.
The Sarah Lilli Foundation raises money in memory of
Sarah Lilli who died of a rare brain disorder just after her
10th birthday (Evelyn is standing beside her photograph).
The money raised helps the Foundation give money to
young people to achieve their best by giving funds for
sports coaching, dance and/or music lessons. They have given out 10s of 1000s of dollars in
support.
Evelyn chose to sing her own composition called “Journey”. It was a huge success and many
members of the audience congratulated her during the interval. Donald Armstrong, Associate
Concert-Master of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, organised the concert and had this to
say about Evelyn’s performance: “Thanks so much for your wonderful contribution to the Sarah
Lilli concert. You have such a natural talent and warm personality in your sound, plus the ability
to write your own beautiful songs.”
Mr de Blois, HOD Music, said “I am extremely proud of how Evelyn agreed to perform at this
concert. She showed that our musicians can stand proud. Her song was beautiful and the
audience really loved it. She got very positive comments from the other musicians including a
student who has a scholarship to study in London. He was blown away by Evelyn’s song.”
Since the start of Term One we have enjoyed visits
by Zim Boys acrobatic group from Zimbabwe and
Whitireia Dance Team who have been tutoring
our Level 1 Performing Arts class in the Samoan
Sāsā. (The Level 1’s lowest mark was Merit!!!)
Level 2 / Level 3 have been doing Epic Theatre. This is a form of
theatre that aims to get the audience to adopt a critical perspective
and to be moved to go out of the theatre and make changes in the
world beyond.
Before the end of term there will be a Year 10 Performing Arts class
show. This includes dance, acting and a short film.
There will be a school production in 2016 :)
Karl Payne , HOD Performing Arts
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
Lani Wendt Young, author of The Telesa Series, has published Part One of her
new Scarlet Series – SCARLET LIES. The back cover reads, “Sixteen years ago,
Scarlet’s family sent her away in disgrace. She’s been back once – with disastrous
consequences. Now, her little sister is getting married and Scarlet’s heading
home to Samoa once more “. This is a love story aimed at adults so can be found
in our Senior Fiction Section.
In other news, Lani Wendt Young’s first book in the Telesa series, ‘The Covenant
Keeper’ will be made into a movie with funding from the NZ film commission.
David Riley has a number of new books on the New Books shelf in the library.
Check out SAMOAN HEROES which showcases inspirational Samoan achievers. There is a mix of legends,
historical figures and contemporary heroes. Read
short stories of women and men who have excelled in
sport, arts, music, politics and
academics and have
succeeded with hard work. This book is packed with
colour photos and illustrations by Michel Mulipola, a
Samoan comic book artist.
STEPPIN’ WITH BENJI MARSHALL,
JAMMIN’ WITH STEVEN ADAMS, and OFFLOADING WITH SONNY BILL WILLIAMS
are three other sporting books written by David Riley that give great insight into the
sporting legends. Read about the athletes’
school experiences, their positive attitudes
and the dedication that has shaped them.
Patricia Grace has released her first book in ten years called, CHAPPY. Twenty one
year old Daniel is sent to New Zealand in disgrace and starts to learn about his Maori
history and the love story between his Maori grandmother and his deceased
Japanese grandfather Chappy.
New Zealand Book Awards 2015 winners have just been announced and
I AM REBECCA by Fleur Beale took out the top spot in the Young Adults Category.
This is the follow up to I am not Esther and tells the story from the perspective of
The Children of the Faith and growing up within the strict confines of a cult.
There are lots of other new reads in the library so come in and have a look at the New Books
shelf for new graphic novels, quick reads, and fantasy/science fiction.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
18
11
STUDENT
BOOKCLUB
A new bookclub will
start Term 3
in the library
on Monday
lunchtimes at 1:00pm.
Come hang out in the
warm library, find your
favourite book to share
and hear what others
have enjoyed reading.
A casual chance to
find new books to try.
All welcome!
Our Garden
(by 9DGU)
From a few seeds, we now see the magic behind Science and the
wonders of miracles. During Term 2, 9DG have been dreaming of
changing the withered away garden next to the gym. We want to
remake a garden where we can grow fruits and veggies, flowers and all
sorts of things— A place where we can relax and enjoy nature to its
fullest.
We started off with the idea of planning, and, man, that was challenging, figuring out where things should
fit. Last term, four girls and Mr Sutherland made a trip to Cannon’s Creek School and the Wesley
Community Action Garden where we gathered information and ideas for our new garden. We also had a
visit from Jane Hocking and she also helped us plan effectively. She works for an organization called
Partners Porirua. We are hoping that the community will help and support our garden. We want all kinds of
voices to be part of our decisions.
So far in our garden each class member has participated in planting some vegetables and fruits. We also
added a lot of mulch from a pile of woodchips. Now in the garden the vegetables and fruits have grown.
We are growing peas, pak choi, lettuce and spinach inside. When they are a bit stronger we will move them
outside and see how they go. Strawberries and lettuce and tomatoes are already out there! We could grow
food and maybe fruits for people in need. We would really like to plant a little orchard. Ms. Gunson has
asked if we could grow some herbs for the Hospitality class. This could also put a lot of healthy options on
the School Canteen Menu. Gardens not only make the school itself look better but it's an option for when
people are hungry.
Senior Students Noho Marae 2015
Read more books
by Kevin O’Mara 2010
These days the library is not just about books.
It’s a place to find information, a place to study, a place to meet
and a place to find new or exciting books or ideas.
Think of the PC Library as your TOOL.
You choose how you use it and how much you get out of it.
Class time is to learn or research.
Lunch time is to relax, hang out or for entertainment.
Homework club is a quiet time to study or complete school work.
On Wednesday, the 6th of May, our senior students participated in a Noho Marae at Maraeroa Marae
in Waitangirua. There were approximately 25 students who participated in the Noho Marae. The
kaupapa of this stay was one of Whanaungatanga, Kotahitanga and Mātauranga - celebrating the
success of our Māori students, and those taking a Māori subject at school. This was a great opportunity
to involve our students in Māori culture - also to involve parents and caregivers of students, and show
them some of the cultural competencies that the students have gained throughout the first and second
terms. On the Thursday evening we held the Whanau Wananga which involved the following panui:
Presentation of NCEA Results for 2014 by our Principal Ms Jungersen
Information about Academic Tracking and Attendance Mrs Williams
(Deputy Principal)
School Website Parent Portal information Mr Topp (Deputy Principal)
Dinner with the whanau and Maori Performing Arts Performance
Maori Department Staff Involved : Whaea Kila Haitana - HOD Maori,
Saviour Nua - Maori Performing Arts, Matua Puihi Timoti - Kaiako,
On top of all of this, we were also able to give our students some well
deserved credits that went towards their NCEA Levels 1 and 2. This was a
very successful experience and we will endeavour to have another one
before the end of the year.
Kila Haitana, Head of Maori Department
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
12
17
In January of this year two teachers from Porirua College, Mike
Brady and Katherine Smyth, were among 20 New Zealand
teachers selected to take part in a 2 week study programme
based at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum and International
Institute for Holocaust Studies in Jerusalem, Israel.
The purpose of this study programme was to help teachers raise awareness about the Holocaust in their teaching programmes. This is their report:
“It takes a long time to get to Israel. We departed
Auckland on a Friday morning, stopped over in
Korea on the way and did not arrive at Tel Aviv
airport until the Saturday evening. It was about
midnight when we finally arrived and settled into
our hotel in Jerusalem. At 8:30 am the next day
we were into our first 2 hour lecture! There were
more lectures and a tour that Sunday, so we didn’t
have a lot of time to catch our breath.
Over the next week we got used to the daily routine and began to find our way around Jerusalem.
They kept us pretty busy, but the range and quality of these lectures was superb. While the
Holocaust was our primary focus, much thought
had gone into providing us with the historical and
cultural background to this tragic event. We
received presentations from rabbis, academics, a
news reporter and a Nazi hunter on topics that
ranged from Jewish history, the origins of antiSemitism in the middle ages, art history, literature,
the portrayal of the Holocaust in film, Holocaust
denial... the list goes on. All presenters were
experts in their respective fields, passionate about
their subject and generous with their knowledge.
We were informed, challenged, inspired and
moved. It was great to be a student again.
The highlight for many of us was the opportunity
to hear and speak with Holocaust survivors, who
gave us a personal insight into these events. Our
head lecturer treated these living treasures with
the respect and mana they deserved and served to
heighten the sense of privilege we had being able
to listen to them. Their stories and observations
made history real. For instance, Hannah Pick, who
was a good friend of Anne Frank, told us that one
of the restrictions the Nazis imposed upon her
Jewish community was to only allow them to shop
for food between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm, after the
rest of the population had the chance to buy the
freshest of the rationed food. This meant they only
got the scraps that were left over. Such petty
attention to detail brought home how systematic
and cruel the Nazis were towards the Jews.
The weekends were when were got to see the rest
of Israel. Israel is a land of contrasts, especially between the old and the new. Our experiences
ranged from boating on the Sea of Galilee, to the
epic majesty of the ancient fortress of Masada. We
looked out over to Syria and Lebanon from the
(in)famous Golan Heights and met a Kiwi UN observer who was dying for a mintie. (We left him a
small bar of Whittaker’s Chocolate under the
windscreen wiper of his UN car.) We went to that
Dead Sea where you don’t really swim, but float.
The high salt content of the water made the usual
splashing and ‘doing bombs off the jetty’ that Kiwis do whenever they are in water, a no go.
THE WELLINGTON OCEAN SPORTS PROGRAMME
ROYAL PORT NICHOLSON YACHT CLUB
Nine of our Y12 students attended this course held over
three days. The Day Skipper course is a 15-hour, theoryonly introductory course designed for all those who are
interested in boating. No experience was necessary.
The aim of the course is to help boaties to avoid getting
into difficulties by knowing the capabilities of their boat,
the correct safety equipment to carry and what action to
take in an emergency.
The knowledge gained was applicable to a range of vessels - including launches, yachts, runabouts,
jet skis, sea kayaks, trailer yachts and waka ama.
The course focuses on knowing the boat, basic navigation, rules and regulations, emergencies
and knots.
Congratulations to the following who gained six Level Two NCEA credits and gained their Day
Skipper Certificate:
Unity Marsters,
Tyra Woodley-Moke,
Ngane McGregor,
Ana Lealaogata,
Sarina Hapeta,
Matetoru Tangi-Joe,
Obeda Ngatuakana,
Jah-rom Waaka,
Jordan Waaka
YEAR 10 IGNITE SPORTS PROGRAMME
A group of 32 Year 10 students took part in a recent Ignite Sport Ontrack Academy.
Ignite Said: “There is some awesome talent and integrity in this group and these students will be a
credit to Porirua College over the coming years”.
For just over two weeks we were exposed to and
immersed in ‘Taha Judaism’ (all things Jewish). The
Yad Vashem complex is dedicated to the 6 million
Jews who were killed during the worst moment of
human history. Its’ ethos of seeing each of these
victims as people and not just a number has not
been lost on us.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
16
My recount about: ‘Horse-Riding in Ohariu Valley’
by Tiresa Fomai (Y9)
Our English class studied the movie ‘War Horse’ for ANZAC Day. The film was about a horse called
Joey, born on an English farm and raised by a young boy called Albert, just before World War 1.
Albert’s father sells Joey to a soldier and he goes to war. That’s how Joey becomes a War horse.
800 million war horses were killed during that war.
When we finished studying the ‘War Horse’ , Ms Moefa’auo and
Ms Tuitupou took us horse riding at the Ohariu Valley Riding
School. When we got there, all we could smell was poop! I was
trying to hold it in but it was too hard, so I tried my best to get
used to the smell. As we walked into the riding school, we saw
horses eating wheat. I was so amazed because I was looking at
the horses closely for the first time.
When we entered the stables, you could see all the horses in their spots. We had to put helmets on for
protection when riding the horses. I was scared of the young horses on the right because they were
still wild and could be a bit vicious. I was about to touch a young horse but it looked like it was going
to bite my fingers. It snapped its teeth at me! I ran to the other side of the shed to see the other horses.
There was one white horse that caught my eye. I went close to it but it didn’t move. My hands were a
bit shaky when I tried to touch the white horse. Finally at last I could feel its white fur. When I was
getting used to touching it, I tried to feed the horse with some wheat but it wasn’t hungry.
It was time to ride on the horses, so I said goodbye to the white horse. As I walked outside, I got a bit
nervous and excited at the same time! After Tuluvao went on the female horse, named ‘Charm’, it was
time for me to get on. As I hopped on, I was so happy because I wasn’t nervous anymore! The name
of the horse I was riding was ‘Vader’. It had white fur and black hair. I was having a lot of fun and I
was patting Vader on the back. We went around the field four times and then I had to come off! I felt
sad because I wanted to stay on for longer!
When I jumped off, I had plenty of time to go and say ‘Hi’ to the white horse. I saw a tag with it’s name
on it. The name of the horse was ‘Storm’. I really needed to hug the horse because I felt close to it.
Next I said ‘Hi’ to the other horses. There was one horse with only one eyeball on the right hand side. I
felt so sorry for that horse because it was pretty old. After that, we had to put our helmets away.
I hugged my white horse and said goodbye.
13
Both of us were profoundly moved by our
experiences. The knowledge we gained has already
informed our teaching practice. Rick Sahar, our tour
leader, has come out to school and spoken to some
of our students about being Jewish and the child of
Holocaust survivors. We will continue to take
students into the Holocaust Centre in Wellington
and act as resource people for other teachers.
To our students we would say: If you ever get an
opportunity to travel, take it! The benefits are
bound to outweigh the costs”.
Mike Brady and Katherine Smyth.
Gerald - by Aaliyah Uitime (Y10)
The sky is grey - the sun having little effect on the dull place below. The air heavy and thick. The
stench of unwashed bodies fills the emptiness. A thick layer of snow rests on the camp. The place
has a cold, dark feeling to it. Hopelessness.
A group of armed-soldiers surround the prisoners. They’re
ghost-like figures: hunched-backs, hollow-eyes, pale from
the cold and hunger. Their heads hang low. Stripped of everything and left with nothing but their bare bones. These
people among them: a man who once owned a successful
business, a woman who dreamed of being a T.V star. Their
dreams and hopes now nothing but faded memories. Now
a group of purposeless people.
“Move!” The commandant booms. They don’t have to be told twice. They trudge forward, their
feet dragging behind them in the mud.
Then someone stops and is panting heavily. The rest of them move on silently bidding that person goodbye. “I can’t take i--- “ BANG! A body falls to the ground. Whoever the brave soul was
they don’t dare look back. An example of what will happen if you step out of line.
One of the prisoners, Gerald Berkowitz. Aged in his late 60s. Slumps, his shoulders rolled forward. He mutters something unintelligible. Beyond care of what they’ll do to him. He pretends he
doesn’t care to everyone. He appears cold. But deep down is a sensitive man. A man who once
owned a vegetable garden. Who used to spend hours gardening. Who treated his plants like his
own children. A part of that man is still there but he hides it. He refuses to look weak. The others
think he’s lost it. Almost but not quite. The truth is he’s just broken. Many times he was on the
brink of insanity. What kept him sane enough every day of this living hell, was the thought of his
family.
Gerald, whose long since given up on trying to keep himself alive. Who would give anything to
see his family one last time. Everyday he torments himself, thinking of the many ways he could’ve
saved his family. If only he got home faster (from the job that barely kept his family alive) he
could’ve of hid them somewhere safe; they could’ve fled the country…...
Only today he is happy. Because for the first time, since he last saw his wife, his three kids at the
train station. He sees hope. Today the suffering will end. The soldiers didn’t tell them. But he
knows. They all know where they’re going. Wherever his family are, he’ll soon find out. He’ll meet
them some place better. Gerald lifts his head up and wears a smile on his face. Because even
though death awaits him, at least he’ll die with some dignity.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
14
15
It is ironic how the winds were blustering outside on the day of the
naming of the Porirua College Cook Island Drums: 'Te Ara Matangi e A'
or 'Nga Ara e A' meaning 'The Four Winds'. Our tupuna were definitely
there with us from all the corners of the earth!
The Porirua College Dress Rehearsal will take place on Wednesday 29th July 2015 in WTR.
Entrance: By gold coin.
Time: 6pm-8pm.
All performing groups must wear cultural costumes.
On behalf of the Cook Island Community of Porirua College,
we want to say a big Meitaki Ma'ata to the Board of Trustees
and our Principal for choosing to invest in this set of
Cook Island Drums. It's been a very long time coming and we
are very grateful for having such a learning tool available at
PC......a Precious Taonga......
Polyfest: Friday 31st July 2015.
Please buy tickets prior to Polyfest from Te Rauparaha Arena
All performers must pay for their costumes before Polyfest.
Return Bus Fare: $5.00 must be paid by 29th July.
Parents, please make sure your children attend all practices from now onwards as we have
very little time left.
Parents must also sign permission slips and return to school if you want your child to
participate.
A huge thank you to Papa Tinokura Tairea for being the
spokesperson on behalf of Porirua College and seeing to the
safe arrival of these drums!
Tokelauan & Samoan Poly Groups:
Payment for costumes to the school office please.
O le aso Faraile 29 o Me 2015 sa faamanatuina ai e Niu Sila atoa le Vaiaso o
le Gagana Samoa . Sa fai ai matou siva, pese ma meaai. Sa fai ai le matou
umu i tua o le fale ta’alo. Sa fai foi e le Vasega 9-13 talo, palusami, fai’ai
eleni , faausi, vavalu talo ma le tele o isi taumafa eseese. Na amata le matou
lotu i le 11.30 am i le taeao, na saunia e le faafeagaiga o Patrick Fenika Na iai
matua, faiaoga, pulea’oga, ma aiga, uo ma e masani e matamata. Sa matou
patipatia ma faamanatuina lenei faamoemoe taua.
Na manaia le lauga a le faifeau , e faatatau i le autu o le aso “Tautua
Faamaoni nei mo sou Taeao Manuia .” Sa fai foi Tautalaga a tamaiti e uiga i le
Samoan Language Speech Competition 2015.
Theme: Tautua ma le Faamaoni Nei mo Sou Taeao Manuia'
Wellington Regional Competition: 25 June 2015 at Akapuanga Hall, Cannons Creek.
We have 11 students competing for the regional competition.
National Competition: 30th / 31st July 2015 in Mangere, Auckland
Meetings:
Tuluvao Alauni
aso ma lona autu. Na uma loa matou lauga, faasolo loa i luga teine aulelei o le Vasega 9. Na manaia le aso i le felanulanuai o puletasi a tamaitai. Sa fai ai ma taaloga eseese e pei o le sipelaina o
upu, o le taliina o fesili ma le mateina o fesili. Sa vaevaeina matou i kulupu e fa, o Manono, Apolima, Savaii ma Upolu. Sa ave e Manono le tulaga muamua, ave e Savaii le tulaga lua ae ulivaa atu ai i
Samoan Parents Meeting: Wednesday 24th June at 6pm & 22nd July 2015
Samoan Tausala Fundraising: Friday 24th July 2015
We encourage all our parents to support our Polyfest and attend Parents meetings please.
'Many hands make light work'.
Faafetai lava!
Ali'imuamua Lalau
tua le matou ‘au o Upolu. Sa maua faailoga a kulupu uma. Sa fai ai foi ma ta’iga sua a le Vasega 12
& 13.
Sa lelei atoatoa le faiga o meaai ma le polokalame. Sa aai fiafia tagata ma talatalanoa i le manaia o
le meaai ma le manaia foi o le polokalame. Sa sosoo ai loa ma le siva Samoa a le Vaega matutua 11-13. Sa faaiu i le pese le aso i le matou pese
“Lota nuu moni”, ma fai ai loa le tatalo faaiu e le susuga i le faifeau. Na manaia mea uma i le alofa ma le agalelei o lo tatou tapaau sili i le lagi.
Tusia e Tuluvao Alauni
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.
“ This week was such an important week celebrating our language because our language is part of our identity. This is one of God’s gifts to us that we shall hold on to
and shall cherish. Representing my culture in all aspects of my life makes me proud to
call myself a Samoan. The importance of this week was to celebrate how important
the Samoan language is to the people of Samoa. It was also another way to show our
understanding of the history of our culture. Being a Samoan comes with
responsibilities such as holding tight to our language. It’s our responsibility to keep
the knowledge and teachings that our parents taught us when we were young, so
that in the future we are able to teach the next generation”.
Elina ‘Afamasaga
Porirua College develops powerful learners who are willing and able to use this quality in
the service of their communities.