Newsletter 2016 # 5 - Opunake High School

Newsletter 5
8/6/2016
Opunake High School
Te Kura Tuarua o Opunake
Growing good people for a rapidly changing world
He waihangatanga o te tangata pai i roto i tenei ao hurihuri
Farewell to Jenny Bennett after 36 years teaching at Opunake High School
Principal - Simon Fuller B.Sc, DipTchg
Visit us at www.opunake.school.nz or like us on Facebook
Principals Report
Ngā mihi ō te wā ki a koe me tō whānau
Greetings to you and your family
We are now more than halfway through Term 2, with many successes and activities on the go.
The triennial Board of Trustees elections are complete. Thank you to those parents and staff that put their
names forward to contribute to our school as a trustee. Elected to the BOT are:
Andy Whitehead
Lloyd Morgan
Leonie Purgaric
Diane Weir
Vanessa Smith Robyn Davey – Staff Representative
I look forward to working with the new BOT to govern and continue to move our school forward into the
future.
Last week we hosted the annual Manawatu sports exchange. In its 51st year, this is still a highlight in our
school calendar. Many members in the community over the years will have fond memories of their participation in this exchange. Ours students hosted Manawatu very well displaying Manaakitanga to our manuhiri.
Our students performed exceptionally winning all of the events. A huge congratulation to all the staff and
students involved. The results are as follows:
Manawatu Opunake
Manawatu Opunake
Debating 76
84 Girls Basketball 21
115
Boys Basketball 48
58
Rugby 5
24
Hockey 1
3
Girls Soccer
0
6
Netball 22
39
Girls Volleyball
0
2
Students recently participated in the Taranaki Stage Challenge, the students performed with passion, skill
and enjoyment. Their planning and preparation was evident in the great performance. Results and photos
are on page 9. Well done to Tiana-Vai Taamaru and Ben Morgan for directing the 2016 Stage Challenge.
Staff are currently completing mid-year reports for each student. Our report evening is being held on June
22 I invite all parents and caregivers to come and discuss their young person’s report and progress with
their subject teachers. The conversations held at report evening can play a crucial part in the success of the
academic year. I will be available in the school hall with staff during this evening. If you have any feedback
or concerns, please do not hesitate to raise these with myself or another member of the Senior Leadership
Team. During the report evening I will be demonstrating the new school website and portal that will allow
parents and caregivers quick and easy access to attendance data, NCEA results and school notices. The new
website can be found at www.opunake.school.nz jump online and check it out. The portal will be up and
running for June 22.
With the term trucking on its an important time for senior students to take stock of their progress and make
the necessary plans to reach their academic targets. Part of the plan may involve targeting an increase in
their attendance. With the many events that have been occurring this term it is very easy to miss vital learning while away from class. Maintaining good attendance habits is vital to quality learning.
The last few weeks have seen a focus on lifting the level of how students are wearing their school uniform.
Thank you for your support in ensuring your young person is wearing the correct school uniform. Students
are responding and the uniform is looking great. With temperatures dropping it is important students stay
warm. School jerseys, polar fleeces and jackets are available from Karams Clothing. We have a limited supply
students can borrow from the office. I am more than happy to help support families purchase the correct
uniform. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of help.
As always if you have any questions, concerns or feedback do not hesitate to get in touch.
Noho ora mai anō
Simon Fuller
Principal
Jenny Bennett
After 36 years at Opunake High School Jenny has retired. Students Ben Morgan, Atayla Fakavamoeanga,
along with Vincent Edwards and Simon Reid spoke of
her contribution and dedication to school where she was
presented with flowers and gifts in appreciation.
Words from Simon Reid
When I asked my son Sam, in the course of our daily conversation, what he remembered about Jenny Bennett? He was
effusive in reply, ‘A Street Car Named Desire’ opened my eyes
to the power of the playwright and Mrs. Bennett showed me
the two sides of War through the poems of Sassoon, Brooke
et al. Such vivid and lasting memories from sixteen years
ago are a testament to the art of a master teacher.
I have been lucky enough to have had Jenny as my Head of
faculty for the entirety of my tenure at Opunake High and it
has been a privilege to work with her. Her expertise in English, her ability to design resources that fit the ‘Opunake student’ and her relentless pursuit of success for
students at Opunake High have been a cornerstone of the teaching and learning in the English faculty.
The importance of literacy and its’ place in the lives of young people in Opunake has been paramount for
Jenny and Opunake High School’s annual success at the prestigious Ronald Hugh Morrison Literary Competition each year speaks volumes to the ability of our young writers and the tutelage and encouragement of the
English department under the fair but firm leadership of Jenny.
Staying up to date and modern in an educational landscape that is constantly changing is a challenge for
teachers. This was never shirked by Jenny as she adopted new ways to assess students and became an expert
at gathering, collating and presenting data to inform teaching and learning. Technology was not a problem
for Jenny, as it is for many older teachers today, and her teaching was enhanced by the use of modern teaching aids to foster engagement for students.
Loyalty to the school, her subject and her colleagues was a hallmark of Jenny’s career at Opunake High
School. This was best seen in her passion for Whanau Awhina and Maori being successful as Maori. She was
a true champion of Maori achievement and completed a post-graduate diploma in Maori achievement in the
early 2000s to enhance her ability to encourage success for Maori students.
Thank you Jenny for the dedicated and expert contribution you have made to education at Opunake High and
in the community as well. Your random acts of kindness will be missed as will your expertise and knowledge
in English. Your determination to make English available and understandable to all students will be the lasting
legacy you leave behind.
‘It is better to have a meaningful life and make a difference than to merely have a long life.’
Bryant H. McGill
Wishing you all the best in your retirement and getting onto your bucket list.
Minister of trade - TPPA
On May 11, Mrs Hooper took myself and 6 other Enviro Fitness students to New Plymouth Boys
High School where we would meet and listen to New Zealand’s Minister of Trade, the Hon. Todd
McClay. The minister talked to us about the current affair surrounding the enforcement of the
TPPA - the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, and the effects that this agreement will have
on our nation, particularly economically. The signing of the TPP agreement, means that we will
be able to export goods from New Zealand, and likewise other nations goods into New Zealand,
without the extremely high tariffs that are currently being charged to do so. We learnt about the
positive influences that this will have on our economy, as well as briefly looking into the job opportunities that this agreement may bring, and the politics surrounding the whole affair. This was
a very beneficial discussion, as it allowed us, and other students from around Taranaki, to better
understand the agreement and the current going-ons of our country, and in turn be able to establish our own opinions on what will soon be the largest fair trade agreement in history.
Tara Clement
BOARD OF TRUSTEES ELECTION
Congratulations to the following Parents that have been nominated
and elected as Board of Trustees for the next three years.
Lloyd Morgan
Leonie Purgaric
Vanessa Smith
Diane Weir
Andy Whitehead
Staff Representative: Robyn Davey
Student Representative: Sophie James
Banking
Year 11 students were introduced to Amali
Larsen the Manager of Opunake TSB. Amali
spoke to the students about the benefits of
saving and planning for the future.
Loans were discussed, what is required,
what happens if you are loose your job and
other different scenarios. Insurance cover,
to guarantee your assets in the advent of a
mishap occurring.
An informative presentation for the
students.
Right: Andrea Hooper and Amali Larsen
FREE LIVE ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION
FOR Opunake High School STUDENTS AND
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE IN 2016
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand is a not-for-profit organisation that is registered with all
state and territory Departments of Education around Australia and with the Ministry of Education
in NZ. We are the first and only secondary exchange organisation in Australia and New Zealand to
be certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) and we ensure the highest standards of
care and support to our participants.
We would like to invite your students and families to our FREE Live Online Sessions in June. Students are welcome to register for Wednesday, 8th June at 7.30pm - 8.30pm NZT. The next session
will be held on Tuesday, 12th July at 9.30pm NZT.
The LIVE Online session gives students and families the opportunity to learn more about becoming an exchange student and the various scholarship options that are available in 2016. Students
can find out more about our exchange programs to over 26 countries, listen to former exchange
students share their experience and learn about our scholarships and discounts on offer in 2016.
We offer scholarships and discounts worth over $100,000 to students each year. These include
3 x Language, 2 x International Affairs, 2 x Indigenous and 3 x Digital Video Scholarships and 2 x
Volunteer and Community Involvement Scholarships.
FREE LIVE ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION
Hear from our very experienced, National Director, find out more about
discounts and scholarships available and ask questions.
Wednesday, 8th June at 7.30pm or Tuesday, 12th July at 9.30pm
Register now
Visit www.studentexchange.org.nz
or call 0800 440 079 for more information
Newsletters
Would you like to receive your school newsletter by email?
Please email Maree on mdw@opunake.school.nz and you will be added to the list.
The newsletters are also posted on the website for viewing. www.opunake.school.nz
Pathways
We welcome all whanau to attend any of the presentations or information sessions, as it helps for all to be aware of whats available and
making the transition process smooth.
June 14
- Otago University Here 2:15pm
17/18 - WITT Open Days @ New Plymouth
21 - Electoral Roll Details 2:45pm at school
23
- Law Careers: 1.30pm - 3:30pm at NPGHS
28
- Victoria University at Quality Hotel New Plymouth
6pm
July
5
- BCITO Construction Tour
4-8 - Yr 12 Work Experience Week
• Defence Forces Applications for next years intakes are now open.
Visit - www.defencecareers.mil.nz
• New Scholarships available: Detail and Applicaitons are available on websites for;
Auckland University of Technology, Victoria University of Wellington,
Keystone Trust (Construction)
• Yr 12 Work Experience Week 4-8 July, students should have sourced and secured a position
for the week. If they are still having issues contact their Mentor, Dean or School Careers
Advisor.
• www.careers.govt.nz. There is a large amount of information regarding vocations, pathways,
entry requirements, renumeration, future prospects etc. If undecided or just interested in a
particular job, it is definitely worth a look.
Leaving School Magazine
All Year 11,12 & 13 students have received a Leaving School magazine, these are a valuable
source of information about supporting and informing school leavers on a range of topics: from
career opportunities to paths of study: from financial literacy to valuable profiles of inspirational
New Zealanders following their dreams. The website available is www.leavingschool.co.nz
RON BURROW
It is with sadness that we acknowledge the
passing of ex Principal Mr Ron Burrow.
Ron was Principal for OHS from 1969 - 1988.
At the age of 39 Ron was appointed OHS
Principal in 1969, replacing Brian Cooper.
During 19 years as Principal these were
some of the major items undertaken. Raising $30,000 for the gymnasium 1971, Fire
and rebuild in 1982, cover and heating
of the community baths in 1984. He was
awarded the Woolf Fisher Award, which
provide overseas study and travel for outstanding secondary school principals and
teachers, polytechnic senior managers and,
most recently, primary and intermediate
school principals. Thoughts are with the Burrow Family at this sad time.
Big Sister
Senior Girls introduced a Big Sister programme to the junior
girls. This programme gives the junior girls an opportunity to
buddy up with a senior girl for support and help with making
good choices around relationships and social media.
Below: Ashleigh Clement, Tara Clement, Brooke Heaps,
Danielle Hasler, Monique De Cent, Krystal Read-Gray, Catriona Tulloch, Atayla Fakavamoeanga, Puanani Tahau, Tiana-Vai
Achievements
Congratulations to the following that have been selected as Taranaki Basketball Reps:
Under 15 Isabelle Cook and Scott Quinnell
Under 17
Iritana Hohaia, Regan Bloemen, SImone Cook
Under 19
Tara Clement
SWIMMING RESULTS
From the swimming sports in March.
Junior Boys Ben Sinclair
Junior Girls
Leila Symes
Intermediate Boys
Cormach Hughson-How
Intermediate Girls Katie Sinclair
Senior Boys Brody Hitchcock
Senior Girls
Aleisha Cram
Right: Katie Sinclair diving
CROSS COUNTRY
results
The first person home was Lucas Feek at the
cross country on May 10.
These are the 1st placings in each catergory.
Junior Boys
Lucas Feek
Junior Girls
Jamiee Siciliano
Intermediate Boys Benjamin Shelford Intermediate Girls Aimee Abplanalp Senior Boys
Christian Rosewarne Senior Girls
Krysten Johnson
Left: Jamiee Sicilliano, Benjamin Shelford
stage challenge 2016
stage challenge 2016
On May 23, 38 Opunake
High School students
competed in the 2016
Stage Challenge. Held nation wide Stage Challenge
is a inter school competition, where schools must
choreograph and perform
a 8 minute dance telling a
story developed by the
students. The New Plymouth event is held at the
TSB Showplace and gives
students the opportunity to experience a show
in an authentic environment and venue.
Our entry for 2016 titled
Doubtful Deception, told
the story of two young
girls who get lost in the
woods and encounter all
sorts of strange and spooky entities. The team has worked on the production since the start of
the school year and have been practicing lunchtimes and Sundays for months in order to get
themselves ready. The students put together the soundtrack, designed the costumes and made
the sets to be included in the performance.
Overall, the Opunake High School students demonstrated high levels of diligence and presented
themselves with mana and pride on the night. Although we didn’t come in first place, the students and all the staff involved were very pleased with the team performance. Huge amounts of
praise needs to go to all the performers and backstage crew for making this years Stage Challenge
a very positive experience.
Awards received:
• Health, Life Skills &
Creative Thinking,
• Environmental or Social
Awareness,
• School Community,
• Choreography,
• Visual Enhancement,
• Costuming Character,
• Set Design & Function
Manawatu College exchange 1 & 2 june
Manawatu College students and
staff were welcomed to Opunake
High School on Wednesday June 1
at a powhiri, followed by refreshements and then the games began.
Senior Girls Basketball was played
at Sandfords Event Centre, with a
win to Opunake.
The rugby was well supported and
we came away with a 24 to 5 win.
Both hockey teams travelled to
Stratford for the artifical turf,
Opunake took the win 3 -1.
Thursday morning at 9am the
Senior Boys Basketball commenced, Opunake won 58-48.
Girls soccer had a 6-0 win by
Opunake, along with a win in the
volleyball 2-0.
Boys Basketball
Soccer
Rugby
Debating
“That social media is anti-social” was the moot, for the
debating team. Sophie James, Hone Heron, Jakartia
Munro-Smith left the Opunake debate team. A very well
debated subject making it a very close decision by the judge
Nicole Hawke, teacher at Opunake Saint Joseph’s with 84 76 to Opunake
Volleyball
Netball
Hockey
Graduations
Congratulations to the following students that have continued on with their learning and have
recently graduated.
BEATE WEIR
Beate studied at
Victoria University,
Wellington and
completed a Bachelor
of Science majoring in
Environmental
Studies and History.
www.opunake.school.nz
ANNA YOUNG
Anna gained her Bachelor
of Arts at Victoria
University. She is working
currently in Wellington,
then travelling overseas
in August to November.
Next year Anna is
returning to Victoria to
complete a Masters of
Teaching and Learning.
Nicole Brophy
& Alison
Sandford
TROY
WHITEHEAD
Troy - studied at
Massey University
and completed a
Bachelor of
Agriculture Commerce majoring in
International
AgriBusiness and
minoring in Rural
Valuation.
Nicole and Alison studied
at WITT and both received
a Bachelor of Nursing.
Nicole is working at
Maryanne Rest Home in
Stratford.
Alison is currently working
at Trinity Rest Home and
Hospital in Hawera.
TSSSA INDOOR BOWLS
On May 25, 2 teams of 7 students from Opunake High School
competed in the Taranaki Secondary School Sports Assoc (TSSSA) Indoor Bowls Competition at the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth. Teams played other school teams from around Taranaki
i.e.. Hawera, Stratford, Sacred Heart, St Mary’s, Spotswood,
Girls High and InglewooD. The team with Brittany Simpson
(singles), Scott Quinnell & Jamie Pretty (pairs), Liam Phillips,
Emma Phillips, Hayley Quinnell and Shaun Brider (fours) came
second over all. And the pairs team of Scott and Jamie were
winners in their division. Well done to all. Really exciting for
next year as they are all back to go for number 1 spot.
Below: Hayley Quinell, Scott Quinnell, Shaun Brider
REPORTs
interviews
Quiz
night
17 June
The Samoan fundraising group are holding a Quiz Night at
Rahotu Tavern on 17 June.
Teams of up to 6 players $10 each.
Supper included
Please contact Dave Seymour on 0276818083 for more information.
Reports for all Opunake High
School students will be issued
by their Whanau mentors on
Friday June 17. This will be followed up by Report Evening on
Wednesday June 22 starting at
4pm, taking place in the school
hall.
Students will bring home an
appointment time sheet with
the teacher meeting times
filled in. We look forward to an
evening of learning conversations around our DREAM students here at OHS.
report evening
22 june
Make sure you have
appointment times
COASTAL
LIFESTYLE EXPO
Saturday 11 June
10am - 4:30pm
SANDFORDS EVENT CENTRE
OPUNAKE
$5 Entry Fee, Under 12 Free
All proceeds from door sales will be donated
to Barbara Fakavamoeanga to help with her
family at this difficult time.
All stalls cash only.
Stalls of candles, homemade lollies, preserves,
cards, crystal healing reiki, massage, soaps,
jewellery, cake haven, nails, readings, clairvoyance reading, aura photographs, art, pottery,
wedding flowers and more!
Find us on Face-book
http:/www.facebook.com/coastallifestyleexpo
Contact : Helen for more info 0273921225
WHOLE DAY
SURFING
Drivers required every second
Friday from June 10, please
contact Murray Weir
email: mw@opunake.school.nz
Phone 067618723
MICROSOFT OFFICE
Students are eligible to download
microsoft for free visit
microsoft.co.nz/studentoffice
use your school email to login and download
your copy for up to 5 computers
school SUPPORTERS
Thank you to the following supporters of Opunake High School
with the maize growing scheme.
GOODIN CONTRACTING - Mark Goodin
DAVY GOPPERTH & LANGLANDS CONTRACTORS
- Mark Gopperth
FINER SPRAYING SERVICES
- Jim Finer
SANDFORD SPREADING
- Phil Sandford
NZ FARMSOURCE
- Carol Dodunski
RAVENSDOWN
- John McFadgen
PIONEER SEEDS
- David McDonald
BALANCE AGRI-NUTRIENTS
- Karn Dhaliwal
finer spraying
services
GOODIN CONTRACTING
DAVY, GOPPERTH &
LANGLANDS CONTRACTORS
2016 Calendar term 2
June
9
10
11
14
17
17/18
22
23
23/24
24 26 27
July 3
4/8 5
6
8
25
Thur
Fri
Sat
Tue
Fri
Fri
Wed
Thur
Thur
Fri
Sun
Mon
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Fri
Mon Yr 13 Health & Safety Units
Whole Day Course
Coastal Lifestyle Expo
Otago University 2:15pm, TSSSA Junior Basketball
Reports Issued, Quiz Night Rahotu
WITT Open days
Report Evening from 4pm in the hall
Opunake Library Plus - Tania Roxborough
Pae Rangatahi - Regional Whanganui
TSSSA Badminton, Whole Day Course
TSSSA 10 Pin Bowling
Board of Trustee Meeting 6pm
TSSSA Squash
Yr 12 Work Experience Week
Project Presentation Day
Home and School Meeting 7pm Whole Day Course, Last Day of Term 2
Start of Term 3
TOOL & LAWNMOWER SERVICING
Year 11 AGRICULTURE are servicing garden tools and lawn
mowers.
Any parts, oil, blades, spark plugs for lawnmowers will be
charged otherwise a koha will be
appreciated. Drop off to Room 8,
labelled with your name and
contact phone number.
Paora Laurance
067618723
Have you checked
out our new
website??
www.opunake.
school.nz
Home and School next meeting 6 July
The Home and School Committee meet the first Wednesday of the month in the staffroom at
7pm, with the next one on Wednesday 6 July. We desperately need more parent involvement
and support. Please come along. Next fundraiser Bobby Calf donations, ringers please to assist.
Dates for this years meetings:
3 August, 7 September, 12 October, 2 November, 7 December.
Opunake High School
Te Kura Tuarua o Opunake
Growing good people for a rapidly changing world
He waihangatanga o te tangata pai i roto i tenei ao hurihuri
2017 Enrolments
OPEN DAYS
29 & 30 June 2016
10am - 1pm
PO Box 4, Opunake, 4645
P: 06 7618723,
Attendance 0800 288 363
PO Box 4,
E: admin@opunake.school.nz
Opunake, 4645
W: www.opunake.school.nz
P: 06 761 8723 | E: admin@opunake.school.nz
Attendance: 0800 288 363
PRINCIPAL - Simon Fuller B.Sc, DipTchg