SCAT celebrates 25 years
Transcription
SCAT celebrates 25 years
PO Box 11020, Hamilton ph 8570297 www.hillcrest-high.school.nz DECEMBER 2011 SCAT celebrates 25 years Academic, Sporting and Cultural Awards Kapahaka success Outstanding Girls and Boys Cricket Performances Caitlin tops NZ see pages 2, 3 see page 3 see pages 6,7 see page 9 2 SCAT celebrates 25 years Caitlin McElligott Top in NZ Scat celebrated 25 years of performance on September 25 at the Concert Chamber of the Gallagher Performing Arts Centre at the University of Waikato. This was special because many hundreds of children have now become members of the Scat Family over a long period of time and this performance gave an opportunity to reflect on some of the more memorable performances along the way and some of the outstanding students who have made music either a career or certainly as an important part of their lives since being a member of Scat. Year 9 student Caitlin McElligott achieved the top score in New Zealand in the Year 9 English International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) examination. Hillcrest High School students are regular participants in the University of New South Wales ICAS Competition. We congratulate Caitlin on her outstanding achievement, and wish her well as she travels to Auckland on Saturday 10 December to receive her medal at the Award ceremony at Auckland University. Special messages were played at the beginning, first from Kimbra Johnson who has just released her first album ‘Vows’ and who is contracted to Warner Brothers Music, and Scott Hall, now a Hillary Scholar who has also made the Performing Arts his livelihood. The group were joined in performance by Pamela Wallace who is now an established soprano and teacher of voice in the Waikato, Sarah Radford, who has almost completed her Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz (vocals and bass) in Auckland, Kayla Grant, Alexander Ari Swale and Sophie Allen Nairn with Sophie sing ‘Cry Me a River’, and finally eight members of the original Scat (Loretta Pennington, Linda Goodacre, Kerry Bowcott, Carolyn Harrington, Celia Grant , Pamela Wallace, Martin Stiles, Nick Duirs and Carl Horsley) who came together 25 years from the original formation to sing ‘That’s What Friends are For’. This was a really special event and it was evident to all in the Scat Family just how strong the friendships and the relationships that these students make and the experiences that they have are with them forever. Susan Radford Director of SCAT Kapahaka News Mauri ora! Earlier this year Hillcrest High School Kapahaka Group teamed up with Melville High School to prepare for the annual Hauraki Competition. The competition took place on 29th of October at Paeroa. The group performed brilliantly and came second place. The following week a group of our students also competed in a Super 12 competition that was held at the Waikato Museum. Super 12 competitions are a very contemporary interpretation of kapahaka that requires twelve performers to perform for twelve minutes. The Super 12 team earned another second place at this competition and came away with some well-earned prize money! The group has worked extremely hard over the last three months which has resulted in pleasing success. Special acknowledgment must be made to the tutors at Melville High School, namely Whaea Te Mana and Whaea Valetta for all their hard work and for the opportunity that was presented for the two schools to combine. A special thanks also to Hillcrest High School’s tutor Paora Teka and to all our loyal parents Whaea Kei Te Whau, Whaea Rangi Reddy, Whaea Panda Waititi, and Whaea Kay Patena. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini – Success is found through the efforts of many. Caitlin McElligott “Construct” An Exhibition by Year 10 students Uzone Gallery Waikato Museum Construct displays the art of year 10 Hillcrest High School Student. The work explores elements of sculpture, painting, digital design and stop-motion animation. As these four classes have been working across multiple disciplines the results are an eclectic mix. The exhibition demonstrates how one idea can evolve into another in the pursuit of creativity. The exhibition will be on display at the Waikato Museum form the 5th of November until the end of January 2012. Nā Matua Julian Rolleston HOD Māori, TIC Kapahaka 3 Dear Parents and Caregivers, Kelvin Whiting We can reflect on a very busy and successful school year. At the time of writing our Year 11-13 students are busy sitting their NCEA and Scholarship examinations. Our school has a proud history of academic achievement and we look forward to viewing our students results in January. We farewelled our senior students and acknowledged their success at the annual ‘Arts’ Supper, Sports Dinner and Senior Prizegiving at the Founders Theatre. Congratulations to all students who received awards in particular; Dux: Lisa Liu and Proxime Accessit: Cherry Ngan. This year’s Head Students presented the school with a new Lecturn, and provided a summary of the year’s events at the final full school assembly of the year. The formal farewells of our Year 13 students concluded with the annual Senior Dinner held at Vilagrads. All these events were outstanding occasions as each showcased the array and depth of talent and abilities of our students. The academic achievement of our students is well documented. However, it is very pleasing to see the growth in popularity and success of our Transition and Careers Pathway programmes. I am pleased to report on the successes of this year’s Transition and Careers programmes. This year 80 STAR courses provided 620 students with Industry Unit Standards and University papers. 97% of students were successful in these programmes. Hillcrest is one of the top 5 schools in New Zealand for the delivery and success of STAR programmes. Our Gateway programme placed 70 senior students in a range of industry based training and work experience providers with 35 students gaining employment, 24 to Wintec for pre-apprenticeship courses and 5 enrolling at University. A new initiative this year is the Government sponsored Trades Academy with Wintec. Students are dual enrolled with school and Wintec to undertake specific trade training. We have plans to expand this programme to include a Year 11 Student Vocational Pathways programme which leads to Year 12/13 Vocational Pathways at Level 2 and 3 (as described above). Given the increasing diversity of the student population it is very pleasing to see our students succeed in a range of programmes offered at the school. Our approach firmly reinforces our belief that “one size does not fit all” and we cater for individual needs whenever possible. We will farewell several staff at the end of the Year. However I would like to acknowledge Mrs Sally Kelly who leaves Hillcrest after 26 years teaching in the Science Department. Sally has been a committed member of the Science Department throughout this time. Her positive impact on the lives of countless students she has taught, plus the many Science camps she has participated in 4 is much appreciated. Although Sally is retiring I know that we will be calling on her experience as a reliever in the future. We congratulate Ms Karllie Clifton who has received a Study Award for 32 weeks next year. This award is a wonderful reflection of Karllie’s outstanding work and commitment to Hillcrest High, both inside and outside the classroom and as a Dean. Mr. Simon Dench and Ms. Suzanne Weiss have also received part time study awards. Our building programme has really gained momentum with toilets in D and E blocks fully renovated and modernised. The old gym changing rooms will be completely modernised before the end of the year, along with the new International Student Centre. Modernisation of the Library, conversion of the C Block Hall into a ‘Black Box’ Drama facility and extensions to the Music Block are next on the list. Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC) planning is well underway with the Year 10 Great Barrier experience scheduled for Term Two next year. Mr. Uivel, Head of Physical Education and Outdoor Education, and several staff are visiting Great Barrier Island, meeting with OPC staff and planning the five week programme for boys and girls. I have posted out approximately 100 letters of invitation to register for the programme. We are very excited about this unique and challenging outdoor education experience. Currently the Board of Trustees, in conjunction with the Senior Leadership Team are finalising our Annual School Goals and Budget for 2012. Once ratified the Goals, together with the School Charter will be posted on the School Website – www.hillcrest-high.school.nz. The School Annual Report for 2011 will also be available on the website early next year. I would like to acknowledge and thank the staff for their committed effort to student wellbeing and achievement throughout the year. The amount of time and effort that many of our staff devote to our students, often above the call of duty is truly amazing and well appreciated. Thank you also to the Board of Trustees for their significant contribution to the school’s governance, planning, reporting and strategic direction of the school. And finally, thank you to our parents and caregivers for supporting our school, your sons and daughters throughout the year. Hillcrest High School is indeed in good heart and we can look forward to building on the successes of this year when we return in 2012. But first, we all need a welldeserved break. Have a Merry Christmas and an enjoyable and safe holiday break. Kelvin S. Whiting TERM DATES 2012 Term 1 10 WEEKS School Office opens - Monday, January 23 Yrs 11, 12, 13 Course confirmation - Wednesday, January 25 Staff Only Day - Friday, January 27 Auckland Anniversary Day - Monday, January 30 Teacher Only Day/Professional Development Tuesday, January 31 Yr 9, 12, 13 and all new students commence Wednesday, February 1 All Levels/ILC attend - Thursday, February 2 Waitangi Day - Monday, February 6 End of Term 1 - Thursday, April 5 Term 2 10 WEEKS Start of Term 2 - Monday, April 23 Anzac Day - Wednesday, April 25 Queen’s Birthday - Monday, June 4 End of Term 2 - Friday, June 29 Term 3 11 WEEKS Start of Term 3 - Monday, July 16 HHS Leave Day - Friday, August 24 End of Term 3 - Friday, September 28 Term 4 9 WEEKS Start of Term 4 - Monday, October 15 Labour Day - Monday, October 22 End of Term 4 - Tuesday, December 11 Head Students For 2012 Our head students for 2012 have recently been appointed and announced at Senior Prizegiving. Congratulations to: Bridget Lang Abby Connell Ben Hamilton Tom Dench - - - - Head Girl Deputy Head Girl Head Boy Deputy Head Boy The appointment of all senior student leadership positions for 2012, including House Captains, will take place before the end of the year. New Staff Appointments For 2012 (as at 16th November, 2011) Ryan Cox - Asst. Teacher of Social Science Billy Emeny - (Long Term Relieving (LTR) Physical Education Neil Grant - LTR ICT/Music Sam Harris - LTR English Chris Ohlson - LTR Term 1 Spanish Bijendra Prasad - Asst. Teacher of Science and Physics Mary Raleigh - Asst. Teacher of English Maree Thomas - LTR Physical Education Cheryl Ware - LTR English Nicola Walling - LTR Social Sciences Farewell to Logan Roose The Hillcrest High School community is saddened by the passing of Year 12 student Logan Roose. Logan battled cancer for the past 12 months. He did so with extreme courage, humility and with an endearingly positive attitude. blond flowing locks – a role he was born to play. Logan was a voracious reader, seldom seen without a book in his hand. You had to marvel at his ability to manoeuvre through crammed corridors while engrossed in his latest novel. Logan epitomised the Hillcrest High philosophy of B.E.S.T. (Behaviour, Education, Self Respect, Teacher) and its underpinning ethos of respect. This respectful behaviour was illustrated through his courteous and considerate disposition and care for the environment. He willingly gave his time to be a school librarian. Respect for his education; he was always punctual, prepared and striving to develop his knowledge and understanding. Logan fully engaged in class discussion, constantly asking questions to expand his intellect. Respect for self; this was demonstrated by his enthusiasm to develop his skills and talents and be open to new activities. Logan enjoyed Drama and involved himself in Theatresports, Shakespeare and school productions including South Pacific and Spamalot. Respect for Teachers; this was illustrated by his eagerness to assist whenever possible. Sadly, we have lost a valued member of our school community. We will forever miss the winning smile he eagerly shared with those around him. To many of the Hillcrest community, Logan is known as the boy with the long plaited ponytail who was passionate about reading books. His hair was an asset in productions, adding to his vibrant characterisations. The triumphant moment was the 2010 Cabaret, where he dressed as Legolas from Lord of the Rings, with his long Shane Richardson Y12 Dean Logan Roose 5 Major Academic, Sporting and Cultural Awards 2011 Year 13 Top Ten Places Dux - Lisa Liu Proxime Accessit - Cherry Ngan 3rd - Vincent Aw 4th - Ying Ou 5th - Tom Levy 6th - David Chen 7th - Daphene Saw 8th - Yuqing Wu 9th - Tom Sizeland 10th - Helen Chen Dux Lisa Liu (left) and Proxime Accessit Cherry Ngan (right). Special Service Awards Jon Leitch Trust Award - Heidi Arndt - Vincent Aw Principal’s Prize - Danae Cooney (Head Girl) Principal’s Prize - Kieran Ogle (Head Boy) Principal’s Prize - Heidi Arndt (Deputy Head Girl) Principal’s Prize - Rory Lynch (Deputy Head Boy) Level 3 Special Awards Seddon Polglase Award for Science - Nika Korduke Tungston Shi Award for Chemistry - Vincent Aw BioZone Theory Award - Vincent Aw Bio Zone Practical Award - Rory Lynch - Lisa Liu Physics - Jackie Cao NZIP School Physics Prize - Lisa Liu Linda Cowley Award for Calculus - Hao Jeng Trevor Wilson Award for Statistics - Tom Levy Alison Wray Prize for English - Cherry Ngan Doha Trophy for Fictional Writing - Lauren Bell Horan Award for Excellence in English over the past five years - Lauren Bell Media Moneypenny Award - Hannah West Classical Studies - Lauren Bell Stuart Buchanan Prize for Accounting - David Chen Economics - Lisa Liu Andrew Malcolm Award for Computer Programming - Tom Levy Spanish Award - Larissa Coetzee Middlemiss Prize for French - Jeeya Parmar Languages Award - Surie Wu Tourism Award - Kerah Eketone Humanities Award - Ephraim Wilson Weta Award for Geography - Hannah West Waikato Geographical Society Award - Kelly Foote Social Studies - Christa Row History - Kimberley Efondo Advanced Physical Education - Tom Sizeland Diane Beech Award for Textiles - Jess Valvoi Framing Workshop Award - Victoria Miles Wintec Media Arts Award - Valerie Cabadonga Natcoll Creating Futures Award Digital Technology - Martin Neal 6 Year 12 Top Ten Places 1st - Jason Yan 2nd - Kayla Grant 3rd - Amy Martin 4th - Hannah Maxwell 5th - Katie Jo 6th - Ria Nadakkavukara 7th - Dhanya Herath 8th - Angelina Yang 9th - Evon Jude 10th - Hayley Pfeffer Special Awards Year 12 Irene Klymchuk Prize Cambridge English - Dhanya Herath German Embassy Prize for outstanding achievements in German - Barbara Pfahringer Trudy Cowley Cup for the Top Student in Year 12 Mathematics - Katie Jo and David Wang Morrison Memorial Cup for Senior Music - Jason Yan Deidre Tredgett-Smith Cup Year 12 Biology - Jason Yan John Brugh Award Top student in Hard-Metal Technology Myles Derby Andrew Rudge Award for Graphics - Angelina Yang Cameron Crystal for Most Outstanding Year 12 Speech Hao Jeng Konlechner Cup for Year 12 Most Outstanding Student Outdoor Education - Kahurangi CoylePuke Cultural Awards Chess - David Chen Debating - Kayla Grant Drama Trophy - Nika Korduke Drama Cup for all round excellence in Drama - Henry Ashby Globe Award - Philip Garrity Tihipuke Trophy - Hannah Martin Kapa Haka Most Improved - Whaititiri Kairau Contribution and Service to Kapa Haka - Puawai Patena Kaitataki Tane - Taikaora Brown Kaitataki Wahine - Ione Herewini Pasifika Award Iosefa Trophy - Rachel Naulivou Music Theatre Award - Hannah West Nisbet Award for Music Performance - Naomi Whalley Public Speaking Jenny Brown Cup - Ria Nadakkavukaran Shearers Award Contribution to Music - Chris Chen Music Best Allrounder - Alexander Arai-Swale Video Production Trophy - Hannah West - Paige Whiting - Rachel Naulivou Year 11 Top Ten Places 1st - David Wang 2nd - Naomi Kumar 3rd - Emily Duke 4th - Sarah King 5th - Cathy Zheng 6th - Grace Buckland 7th - Prajakta Modak 8th - Syn Yun Phee 9th - Claire Wang 10th - Marc Herrmann Special Awards Year 11 Year 11 Maori Language - Mona Oliver Level 3 Maori Language - Te Whaingaroa Barton 2011 Sports Awards The 2011 Hillcrest High School Sports Awards Dinner was held at the Waikato Stadium. Clarissa Eshuis, an ex-pupil and a vital member of the Black Sticks, was the guest speaker touching on the struggles and euphoria of being an international sportsperson. Her passion for the sport shone through. Kerry Eynon was the superb MC for the evening supported by Hans Uivel in the merging of information. Sydney Crocker and Sebastian Curry presented a concise review of the 2011 sporting year. Congratulations to the following outstanding sportspersons who were the Major Award winners. Administrator of the Year – Mr Matthew Bryant Presented to the administrator who has made an outstanding contribution in the HHS sports arena. Mr Bryant receives this award in conjunction with the Hillcrest High School Football Club. Coach of the Year – Mr Ben Kennedy Presented to an individual who through leadership, enthusiasm, and skill has achieved outstanding improvement in player attitude, team cohesion and playing performance with a HHS team. Mr Kennedy coaches the highly successful Girls 1st X1 Cricket Team. Hillcrest High School Referee of the Year – Cameron Adam (Football) Consideration is given to refereeing/umpiring achievements, commitment and contribution to sport. Old Pupils Trophy for Team of the Year – Cricket Girls 1st X1 Zealand in 2010 and have qualified for the Nationals against this year. Heidi Arndt (Captain), Felicity Leydon-Davis (ViceCaptain), Haley Brown, Maddy Bull, Sydney Crocker, Courtney Curry, Steph Goile, Erin Mascelle, Meena Pandey and Paige Whiting. Margaret Forsyth Shield for Service – Sydney Crocker Awarded to the student for outstanding contribution to HHS Sport. Boys All Rounder of the Year – Damen Waitere Awarded to a boy for outstanding achievement across a range of sports endeavours; Candidates must have reached a high level in one or more codes and been involved in at least three sports. Anniversary Cup for Girls All Rounder of the Year – Felicity Leydon-Davis and Holly Sprosen Awarded to a girl for outstanding achievement across a range of sports endeavours; Candidates must have reached a high level in one or more codes and been involved in at least three sports. Olympic Trophy for Outstanding Sportsperson – Henri Bardoul This trophy is awarded for a recognised sport. The student must play for a school team unless the sport is not offered. Consideration is given to the level of representation (e.g. Regional National and International levels), participating numbers, sportsmanship and commitment. Awarded to the school team taking part in competition with the best team record, training, commitment and sportsmanship. The team were runner-up in New 7 The ‘Arts’ Supper Stationery 2012 The Hillcrest High School Arts Supper was held on Thursday, 27th October in the beautiful surroundings of the Verandah Café, Hamilton Lake. Students, staff and parents gathered to celebrate the year in the Arts and recognise students’ outstanding achievements. We offer an online alternative through Office MaxSchool Supplies to purchase your stationery and have it delivered to your home prior to school beginning. Guest speaker, Emily Russell, inspired us all with an account of her artistic journey. Emily is a local graphic designer and producer of ‘Riff Raff’, a magazine dedicated to celebrating creativity in the Arts. Congratulations to the students who received awards for their outstanding achievements in the Arts and many thanks to all the Arts Faculty staff for their expertise, effort and encouragement during the year. A huge thank you also to our Arts Captains, India Hendrikse and Henry Ashby, for their enthusiastic promotion of the Arts at Hillcrest High School. To order your stationery visit our school website www. hillcrest-high.school.nz and follow the links to stationery or visit www.myschool.co.nz and choose Hillcrest high School to complete your order. School Stationery - Accounts office - is open to students for top up supplies during the year. We will be open for the year beginning week 13 February, 2012. The hours for purchasing stationery are: Before School8.30am – 9.00am Interval: 11.00am – 11.30am term time only Wednesday: 8.30am – 9.00am and 10.50am – 11.20am Green Team Paper 4 Trees Garden Waikato Junior Shakespeare Festival Members of the Green team spent a wet Thursday morning of the October holidays planting the 54 plants earned by the efforts of students in all classrooms recycling paper through the Paper 4Trees programme and have created a wonderful garden of New Zealand natives. The site chosen was adjacent to the existing kauri tree and large rock (which came from Tauwhare many years ago) by the sports fields. This annual festival once again went off successfully on Sunday, 13th November at the Morrison Memorial Theatre. Junior students from Waikato Secondary Schools acted out a range of short Shakespearian scenes throughout the day. Dr Mark Houlahan from Waikato University very generously gave up his Sunday to be our adjudicator and share his thoughts about Shakespeare and acting with us. Our students were a real credit to Hillcrest, helping to run errands, introduce scenes and tidying up afterwards. Onstage, they were also talented and lively performers gaining 4 awards in different categories: Best actor in a comedy Jess Yang Best supporting actor Mick Hougaard Most promising actor Michael Hockey Most effective use of stage Romeo and Juliet Act 1 sc 1: Jacob Hall, Richard Hart, Michael Hockey, Mick Hougaard, Isa Ibrahim and Joseph Simblett. Thanks to Lynne Pollard who always, at short notice, photocopies our programmes so quickly and professionally. Thanks are also due to the wonderful team of Katrina Stevenson, Merran Cash, Claire Brougham and Margie Spiller who gave their time and expertise to enable the Festival to run so smoothly and pleasantly. Elizabeth Pamment ID Cards Remember to bring ID cards back to school in February. Students will need ID cards to issue text and library books next year. ID cards do not expire until the new ones are issued. Green team members (from left) Emma Ryder, Lauren Bell and Lisa Dowling. 8 1st X1 Boys Cricket Girls 1st XI Cricket The boys 1st X1 Cricket Team, under the guidance of Coach, Grant Edwards, were undefeated in the 1B competition and have gained promotion to the top 1st X1 division for next season. The girls First XI Cricket Team has again qualified for the New Zealand Communtiy Trust national finals, to be held in Palmerston North from 5-8 December. Results to date: Hillcrest vs Morrinsville 1st X1 – match abandoned due to rain Morrinsville 168 all out (Seb Curry 3/29, Shaun Reed 2/16) Hillcrest vs Hamilton Boys Emerging – Hillcrest won by 268 runs Hillcrest 334/5 (Nigel Lim 84, Josh Edwards 70, Seb Curry 54, Sam Christey 44) HBHS 78 all out (Albert Bannister 4/9, Sean Rudman 2/11, Sam Christey 2/12). Hillcrest vs Fraser HS 1st X1 – Hillcrest won by 92 runs Hillcrest 150 all out (Josh Edwards 33) Fraser 58 all out (Patrick Wilson 3/12, Shaun Reed 3/15) Hillcrest vs Te Aroha College 1st X1 – Hillcrest won by 333 runs Hillcrest 424/9 (Seb Curry 167, Sean Rudman 145 no, Josh Edwards 36) Te Aroha 91 all out (Huw Elias 2/9, Patrick Wilson 2/13, Albert Bannister 2/17) They qualified by beating both Kamo High School and Gisborne Girls High in the regional finals held at the beginning of the term. Stand out performances on the day were Heidi Arndt capturing 5 wickets for no runs (including a double hat-trick) against GGHS and smashing 41 not out against Kamo. Felicity Leydon-Davis knocked the stuffing out of Gisborne by capturing 3/11 including the key wicket of Northern Spirit squad member Jordie Hardacre. This year’s squad will be much younger than 2010 (5 year 9’s!!) but with the bulk of the squad back from last years loss in the final, they will be expecting to go one step further and become national champions. Captain Heidi Arndt and Felicity Leydon-Davis, both members of Northern Spirit will lead the way. Other team members are: Haley Brown, Sydney Crocker, Courtney Curry, Eden Healey, Steph Goile, Emily Hanrahan, Braidy Lidington, Erin Mascelle, Samantha Nation and Casey Steiner. Ben Kennedy Coach Girls Cricket 1st XI Netball After a season where most players showed enormous improvement, 5 teams reached the play-offs with 4 actually winning their section. These were coached by the following: 10A1- Amelia Hamilton/Zoe Thomas, 9A1 – Erin Coman/Singa Addi, 9A2 - Becks Oppert/Sam Wheeler and 9B1 – Rangi Reddy/ Alexis Walsh. The Development Team coached by Nicole Foster and Kendra Fell was runner- up. 9A2 won the WNA Goaling Average Cup for the whole of secondary school netball - what an amazing tribute to the team and their coaches. The team members were Jessica Aird, Kelsey Beech, Lauren Empson, Rebecca Endres, Greer Jackways, Casey Mackay, Kayla Mikkelsen, Sophia Newton, Tasha Robinson and Maddy Walsh. These results concluded a very rewarding season for many supporters. Table Tennis Football Hillcrest had a good year on the table with Teams A, B and C placed 2nd, 4th and 6th respectively in the Waikato competition. Jason Yan went on to earn second place in the open championship A Grade singles. The 2011 Football season was again a successful and enjoyable one for the 16 Hillcrest teams. Hillcrest Netball Club Prize Giving The Hillcrest Netball Club held their prizegiving on Thursday 6 October at Berkley Normal Middle School Auditorium. Guest speaker was Elias Shadrock - captain of the Waikato Trust Team and selected in 2012 Waikato Magic - who explained the challenges and work required to achieve at the top level. Major award winners were: Umpire - Sydney Crocker Coaches - Sydney Crocker/Libby Phillips Most promising - Danielle de Waard Maria Tutaia Trophy for Outstanding Junior - Leilani Baker Laura Langman Trophy for Outstanding Senior - Nicole Foster The Club Prize Giving Awards included player of the year and players’ player for each team. Thanks to everyone who contributed in 2011 especially the club committee - without your contribution such a great programme couldn’t exist! Trevor Foster President The League competition involved games every Saturday with the Hillcrest Boys’ Senior and Hillcrest Boys’ Senior Blue teams finishing Runners Up in this competition while the Junior Gold and Junior Development teams won their Division. Our Boys’ First Eleven team finished 3rd in the Waikato Premier Division – a great result. The girls first X1 had a great finale to their season only losing 2-3 in the knockout to the National Champions. Football Club Prize Giving This year the inaugural ‘Player of the Year’ trophy was awarded to Cory Daysh (Colts). 9 International & Exchange Students At the Senior Prizegiving, 16 of our International & Exchange Students received a combined total of 13 Distinction Awards and 20 Diligence Awards. These students should be very proud of their achievements. Two students deserve special mention, Syn Yun Phee and Daphene Saw. Syn Yun was 8th in Y11 with Distinction in Graphics, Science, Geography, English and Mathematics. She also gained Diligence in Accounting. Daphene was 7th in Y13 with Distinction in Chemistry and Diligence in Physics, English and Maths with Calculus. In the Sports Awards, Agustin Rudisi was the Boy’s Footballer of the Year and Lily Kim was the Girls Champion for Golf. Anouk featured in the NZ Herald’s on going celebration of the rugby World Cup. The photo was supplied by Sandra. Leavers BBQ The annual Leavers BBQ was held at my home in Rukuhia. Unfortunately the weather prevented some activities taking place (golf and horse-riding was planned). Despite the showers, the BBQ was fired up, delicious food was provided by the Leavers and their families and conversation flowed easily. One of the unexpected high lights was Jodie’s surprise fishing trip to the bottom of the gully. The very large eel she caught was smoked and cooked and the more adventurous students had a taste. A true ‘kiwi’ experience. WEI Scholarship Wei Cheng Phee is the recipient of the annual Waikato Education International Scholarship. This scholarship of $2000 is awarded by the Waikato association of Education institutions who enrol International Students. This award is open to all International Students from all participating institutions, including the University of Waikato & Wintec and all Hamilton secondary schools. Ivy Huang, from Hillcrest High, won the scholarship last year. Our French Rugby supporters & AFS Exchange Students, Anouk Coffy and Sandra Meplomb, travelled to Auckland to watch France play rugby. A photo of Enrolment 2012. There are limited positions remaining for 2012 NEW International Students. Applications are still being accepted but numbers are restricted in some year levels. If you have any questions regarding International matters or enrolments, please contact Raelyne Selby, Ph 07 8570297, ext 839 or email rselby@hillcrest-high. school.nz Mrs Raelyne Selby Director of International Students LENSCIENCE Liggins Institute visit. In mid November a mixed level group of HHS senior students visited the Liggins Institute in Auckland and spent a day in their classroom laboratories working with scientists to analyse a segment of DNA and determine the number of base pairs it contained. The students and teachers( Mr Bryant, Mrs Sayer, Miss Talbett and HHS science technician Mrs Lee) used PCR techniques to multiply up the small sample of DNA, used gel electrophoresis techniques to separate out the fragments into sized pieces and then used a software programme to determine the number of base pairs. The tutors commented on the accuracy with which our students performed the tasks resulting in a high degree of accuracy of the results. The students learnt about the latest developments in epigenics and also had an opportunity to talk with “real” scientists about their work. 10 Clockwise from top right: International students at the leavers BBQ; French exchange student Anouk Coffy at the rugby; scholarship winner Wei Cheng Phee; Jody Liu and prized catch at the International Student BBQ it was delicious! 2011 Year 13 last day farewells and celebrations 11 A Great Experience OPC Manager Simon Grainey gives Hillcrest teachers a tour of the facilities at Orama on Aotea/Great Barrier Island. From left: Hans Uivel, Sandy Talbett, Simon Grainey, Lloyd Smith and Sheilendra Achary A view from our accommodation looking out over Karaka Bay towards Kaikoura Island and Little Barrier in the far distance. Five Hillcrest teachers headed to Aotea/Great Barrier Island for three days in week 5 to plan for the proposed Year 10 Outdoor Experience programme to take place in Term 2 next year. Sandy Talbett (HoF Science), Sheilendra Achary (HoF Maths), Lloyd Smith (representing English), Hans Uivel (HoF Health and Physical Education) and Simon Dench (HoF Social Sciences) spent time meeting locals and designing an inter-disciplinary programme of schoolwork that the students will undertake during their 5 week stint on the island. As well as the Outdoor Education focus of the OPC programme and the lifeskills involved with organising their food (the barge from the mainland arrives once a week) and coping with limited resources such as electricity and water, students will investigate aspects of environmental, economic, social and cultural Some swimmers, including Hans Uivel, got to interact with a pod of dolphins which spent several hours in the bay while we were there. sustainability on the island by connecting with local groups such as Orama (a community on whose land they will be staying), the local primary school, the tangata whenua Ngati Rehua, DoC and the local artistic and writing communities. Students will also take part in a hands-on project involving pest monitoring in an adjacent fenced sanctuary or habitat restoration through forest or wetland replanting. The teachers were thoroughly impressed by the enthusiasm of all of the locals we met to support our proposed programme and we are confident that the students will experience an enhanced curriculum in a more authentic and embedded manner than is usually possible at school. Simon Dench HoF Social Sciences Hillcrest High School would like to thank and for assistance with the production of this newsletter 12