glendowie news - Glendowie College

glendowie news
Friday, 13th May 2016
Kia Ora
Welcome back to term 2. The school is busy as
ever with the cross-country over for another year,
our production 'Blood Brothers' gearing up for
next week, and the Ball shortly after that.
Upcoming Events:
May
Overseas Trips
We had two groups travel abroad in the April
holidays – to Vietnam and USA. Thank you to the
staff and adult volunteers who went on these trips.
I've heard very positive feedback about them. It's
great that our students have these opportunities to experience the wider
world first-hand. Apparently planning for the next history trip to Vietnam
in 2018 has already begun.
Winter Sports
Winter sports started last week. Standing on the side-line it was hard to
believe that it's almost winter with the temperature above 20C. This
week we host five football games at home. I look forward to seeing and
talking with you at the various games this term.
19-23
Musical Production
‘Blood Brothers’
28-30
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Gold Training Camp
30
Senior Performance Evening
(Year 13)
31
Mid-year PTS Interviews
(3pm to 8pm)
June
2
Mid-year PTS Interviews
(3pm to 8pm)
3
Teacher Only Day
Parents' Support … Part A
The range and quality of opportunities provided by the college is greatly 3
Senior School Ball
increased by the generous giving of time by parents and volunteers.
6
Queens Birthday
This week we recognised the contribution of two groups of people – the
(School Closed)
Board of Trustees and the Parents' Association.
9
Parents Association Meeting
On Wednesday we thanked three Board trustees – Kirstin Te Wao, Lana
(7pm, Staffroom)
West and Rachel Worner – who are retiring from the Board. They have
10
Year 10 Market Day
contributed significantly to the college through the Board and beyond.
Kirstin has helped with our Whānau Taurere group; Lana coaches our 13-17 Senior Exams
netball, softball and volleyball teams; and Rachel has also worked on
Parents' Association. On behalf of the college, I would like to acknowledge
their contribution and thank them for their support of the school.
Last night I thanked the Parents' Association at their AGM. The association supports the school
through its organisation of events such as the ‘Big Night Out’ and assisting with hospitality at
various parents' evenings.
A special thank you to Nicole Parish and Julie Thompson who have led the association’s
committee, and made such a big difference to the college and our students.
Parents' Support … Part B
Both groups are now looking for parents to join them in their different roles.
You will have received letters inviting you to stand for the Board. I encourage you to think
about standing for the Board. We have been fortunate to enjoy high calibre, passionate
parents on the Board of Trustees.
The Board plays an important role in the governance of the school, setting its strategic
direction on behalf of the community, and working with the school leadership to effective
its vision. Information about the work of the Board is available on our website if you would
like to know more.
[over]
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The Parents' Association is also keen for more parents to join them. They are a fun and enthusiastic group of
parents. Contact the college reception if you would like to assist and we will put you in contact with one of the
committee.
R Dykes
Principal
New Website … and Flickr Pages
New Website
Our new website (www.gdc.school.nz) is now our only website. The old web address (www.glendowiecollege.school.nz) will now automatically redirect you to the new site. We are still populating this with content.
So if you find information missing or want something added, please let us know and we'll fix it.
Personalised Calendar
We have redesigned the calendar to let you set your own preferences. For example if you only want to see key
calendar dates such as term dates and school holidays, use the "calendar (e.g. term dates)" filter.
Flickr
We have created a Flickr account to upload high quality photos of school events that you can view and
download. For example there are 100 photos of the cross-country now on the page. Click on the Flickr
icon (see example to the right) at the top of our new website to go straight to our online photo albums.
Board of Trustees Election Update
All parents/caregivers should have received nomination papers for the election of board members to the GDC
College Board. If you are wanting to stand in the election or are nominating someone to stand the nomination
form needs to be completed and received by our returning officer by the 20th May 2016. The best way to submit
the form is by scanning and emailing it to Canterbury Education Services and the posting the original copy down
to then. If you do not have the facility to scan and email the form please come into the college and the staff will
be happy to do this on your behalf. All the details for the submission process are listed on the information sheet
that has come with the nomination form.
If you have not yet looked at the information leaflet we produced please click on this link.
While this lists skills that are good for perspective board members to have the key skill is to be able to work with a
diverse range of people considering everyone’s opinion at the same time as challenging things in a respectful way,
where appropriate, with the outcome always being to the benefit of our students, teachers and staff and the
college.
Further information about the elections can be found on the Trustee elections website www.trusteeelection.co.nz and if you would like to talk to one of the current board members please get in touch with us
through bot@gdc.school.nz and one of us will be in touch.
Mr S Collier, Deputy Chairperson, Board of Trustees
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Parent-Subject Teacher-Student Conferencing
These meetings are coming up in three weeks' time. In response to parents' feedback, we have changed the
interview times to 5 minutes to enable parents to meet more of their child(ren)'s teachers. Should more time be
required in special cases, a separate meeting or phone conversation can be organised between staff and parents.
The dates for the conferences are:
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Monday 23 May
Tuesday 31 May
Thursday 2 June
… bookings open at 9.00am
… conferences occur from 3.00 – 8.00pm
… conferences occur from 3.00 – 8.00 pm
These interviews are with the subject teachers and unlike last year, happen before the mid-year senior exams
(13 - 17 June). Discussions will include progress in assessments to date, preparation for school exams, progress
towards NCEA, and discussion of the term 1 key competencies report.
Report evenings for Parents/Guardians and students will be held in a number of classrooms centred around the
Library. We strongly recommend that students also attend the conference, as it is about them and their learning.
Please note:
 School will finish at 1.40pm on Tuesday, 31 May and at 2.30pm on Thursday, 2 June. Early buses will be
arranged on these days.
 There will be a few computers made available to students at school who might not have internet access
at home. They can use them to make appointments.
 When making appointments it is advisable to have at a gap between appointments to facilitate the
movement between rooms.
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The bookings will close at 8.25am on Tuesday, 31 May for Tuesday’s interviews. They will re-open at
8.00pm for the Thursday, 2 June interviews and close again at 8.25am on Thursday, 2 June.
We will email information on how to access the parent portal and instructions for booking conference
appointments early next week.
Request for Homestay Families for visiting Students from XiaoXi High School
Towards the end of Term 2 Glendowie College will be having a short visit from seventeen students and three
teachers of our sister school, XiaoXi High School in Ningbo, China.
This visit is a valuable opportunity for Glendowie College students to learn about a different culture and make
new friendships.
If you think you could provide a homestay where you can include one of the XiaoXi High School students into your
family situation for approximately nine days, please contact me:
Lesley Walker, Director of International Students
Email: wlk@gdc.school.nz
A homestay fee will be paid.
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‘Blood Brothers’ Update
The cast and crew, staff and students of ‘Blood Brothers’
are hard at work and really looking forward to bringing
you a top notch show. It’s all looking good and they are
all having a great time rehearsing.
Please support the show by buying your tickets now!
When purchasing your tickets please be aware that this
production does contain some coarse language.
Ticket Sales
Students can buy tickets at lunchtimes from the quad/in
front of the Nurse's office (cash only).
Enquiries or bookings can be made by emailing
ticket.sales@gdc.school.nz
All tickets are $20.
Tickets will be sold on the night subject to availability.
Blog
With the help of a few Year 9 students, Mrs H So has
created a blog with information on the musical, the
cast and interviews with cast members. Photos and a
video will be added to the blog in the next few days,
visit www.gcbloodbrothers.wordpress.com to learn
more about ‘Blood Brothers’.
China 2017 Information Evening
Our inaugural trip in April 2015 to China to explore Shanghai and build on our
relationship with Xiaoshi High School in Ningbo was a huge success. Chelsea
Gibson, one of the students on the 2015 trip, sums up the whole experience,
“We indulged ourselves in the culture through the food we ate, in the Mandarin
we spoke and lived as locals with our homestay families. We experienced lots,
laughed even more and shopped until we dropped! Most of all we left China
with experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.”
The information evening will take place at 6.30pm in the Staff Room on
Wednesday, 25 May 2016.
The tour is open to all students who will be taking one or a combination of
Economics, Business Studies and Mandarin in 2017. (It may be opened to the
whole school if there are still places available).
Mrs B Rothbart, Social Sciences Faculty
2015 China Trip Group
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NCEA Tool for Parents and Students
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has developed two apps, the NCEA Guide and the NCEA
Student App, that can be downloaded for free from the Apple and Google Play stores. They are available in
English or Te Reo Māori.
NCEA GUIDE APP
The ‘NCEA Guide’ App provides quick and easy access to key information about NCEA
for parents.
It makes practical information about NCEA easily accessible and helps parents
understand how NCEA works and how they can support their child studying NCEA.
The information in the app is laid out in a simple way, under two headings – How NCEA
works and How to help my child. You’ll find answers to the following questions and
much more:
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What does NCEA stand for?
How is NCEA achieved?
What are standards and credits?
What are endorsements?
Where does University Entrance fit in?
How can I help my child choose the right subject
How can I help my child succeed in exams?
What does NCEA cost?
What key dates do I need to know?
There are also quick links to more information about topics, like University Entrance, and the study tips and tricks videos, on
the NZQA website: www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea
NCEA STUDENT APP
The NCEA Student App also helps parents to know what their child is studying and
how they are progressing.
This app helps students set goals for further achievement and track their NCEA credit
progress. It offers a standalone database with a powerful search engine which allows
students to easily find NCEA courses and standards that they are doing, or would like
to do.
Students and parents have been asking for information about NCEA and
achievements to be accessible online, any time, and the App offers that on any
mobile device.
It provides the ability to have specific discussions about:
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setting NCEA credit goals and targets
progress towards NCEA Levels one, two and three, including Literacy, Numeracy and University Entrance
setting reminders for when assignments are due
recording results as they are achieved and cross checking them with the school or NZQA.
There are a range of apps available that offer information and advice about NCEA and tracking progress - NZQA encourages
students to look at them with their families and choose the one that is best suited to their needs.
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Gold Award Ceremony - Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award
Mr Richard Dykes and our Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award Co-ordinator, Mr
Richard Thompson, attended the Gold Award Presentation Ceremony for the
Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award which was held on Saturday, 30 April at St
Kentigern Boys’ School.
Congratulations to former Glendowie College students James Whitney and
Matthew Collinson who were presented with gold awards at the ceremony.
James Whitney and Matthew Collinson
with Mr Thompson and Mr Dykes
Port of Auckland Tour
On Tuesday, 3 May year 12 Economics and Accounting Students enjoyed the Port of Auckland Tour. While
cruising adjacent to wharves and ships students were told about the history of the port and the present changes
taking place e.g. the extension of Fergusson container wharf and developments in the Wynyard Quarter. The trip
took the students under the harbour bridge to get a feel of its construction, size and importance in terms of
Auckland’s development. Students learnt of the value of the assets and the revenue and dividends paid out in the
last Accounting period as well as details about the ownership of Ports of Auckland. They also learnt that each
cruise ship brings in $1.5 million to the economy. For homework the Accounting students studied the 2014-2015
annual report and answered financial and non-financial questions about these sets of financial statements.
The Economists then went to the BNZ to learn about the different facets of modern banking (Community Banking,
Risk Management, Customer Service, Development Loans, Sustainability, Business and Iwi Banking and Services,
etc.) and potential careers in the field. It was a speed dating format where BNZ teams competed for the students’
attention. Thank you to BNZ and particularly to Lana West for being spectacular and informative hosts.
The Accountants headed over to the ASB on the North Wharf in the Wynyard Quarter. They were addressed by
Logan Munro, a Branch Manager who showed a power point on the ASB’s services and market share. Logan then
talked about the variety of careers in Banking and the qualities they were looking for in applicants. He also talked
about investment banking before answering questions from students. They were then shown through the
building which has been designed to echo Auckland’s volcanic landscape and has environmental sustainability in
its building and technology practices. Students overall said their experience was awesome, interesting and
informative and opened their eyes to a “whole new world”. Thanks to Anna Trotman, Logan Munro and other
ASB staff who facilitated our visit and for the generous presents given to each student.
Ms B Rothbart and Ms N Doherty
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Annual School Cross Country Results
Junior Girls
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1st
2nd
3rd
Keely O’Grady
Chiara Thorburn
Gena Shimoda
13.15.29
13.43.70
13.56.62
Rowan Warren
Samuel Clayton
Stanley Findsen
11.52.26
11.54.57
12.07.59
Sophie Atkinson
Brodie Tokios
Jessica McIntosh
13.29.70
14.02.90
15.06.35
Jordan Wilson
Matthew Edwards
Yannik Boehm
12.22.39
12.23.01
12.49.03
Alyssa Bullot
Alexandra Iro
Mary-Rose Millett
14.24.52
16.46.29
17.02.25
Maxwell Rawbone
Yamato Nakamura
Allan McBride
11.45.73
12.07.67
12.35.29
Junior Boys
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1st
2nd
3rd
Intermediate Girls
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1st
2nd
3rd
Intermediate Boys
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1st
2nd
3rd
Senior Girls
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1st
2nd
3rd
Senior Boys
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1st
2nd
3rd
Our Annual Cross Country took place at
Churchill Park Farm on Friday, 6 May
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Vietnam Trip
Xin Chao Vietnam! We arrived to the hustle and bustle that is Hanoi - full of
anticipation of the journey ahead. The drive to our hotel had our heads
spinning – the horns, the bikes, the tiny streets filled with anything and
everything. A humid 32C adding to the assault on our senses. Hanoi is layered
with history – the occupation of the French and Chinese and of course the
mausoleum of the father of the nation - Ho Chi Minh. We hit the night market
in the Old Quarter for a pair of the ‘3 generation’ elephant pants and a knock-off
watch. The traffic was ‘crazy’ – crossing the street a mission not be undertaken
by the faint hearted.
Our next stop after the capital was the beautiful World Heritage site that is
Halong Bay – “Where the Dragon descends into the sea”. Imagine a splattering
of towering limestone pillars rising from the emerald waters – truly amazing and
peaceful, until we arrived! Our overnight cruise involved kayaking, swimming,
squid fishing and tai chi.
The calm seas made way for the bumping and rocking that was the overnight
train from Hanoi to DongHoi. We boarded the train with trepidation - 4 bunks in
a tiny cabin and anyone taller than 5ft8 needed to curl up their toes. The
rhythm of the train saw some of us get the best sleep yet.
Back on our coach we travelled via the Dong Ha cemetery and the Vinh Moc
Tunnels to the DMZ – the demarcation line between North and South Vietnam.
So we were now ‘in the south’ and it was getting hotter. Luckily our Hotel in
Hue had a pool! Hue reflects the glories of imperial Vietnam so it seemed only
fitting that we would dine like Kings and Queens while we were here. Our visit
to the Duc Son Pagoda Orphanage was a revelation into human compassion and
the unwavering love of the monks who tend the 160 orphans in their care.
We continued south on a winding coach journey through the clouds and over
the Hai Van Pass to arrive at the beautiful riverside town of Hoi An. Here we
had the opportunity to get tailor-made clothes, shop at yet another spectacular
night market, take a cycle through rice fields, sit on a strategically placed water
buffalo and cool down in the hotel pool.
Last stop on our journey was Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The temperature was
now 39C and humidity at 100% was very challenging for everyone – especially
those without hair straighteners! Our time in Saigon saw us brave the traffic
again – but with a little more confidence having survived Hanoi. We were pros
now! Saigon was our gateway to some historically important sites including the
War Remnants Museum and the site of the My Lai massacre. We also
experienced the Cu Chi tunnels and saw first-hand how innovative and clever
the Vietnamese were during the ‘American War’.
One of the highlights of the trip was our expedition to the Mekong Delta on a
series of boats which decreased in size with every step of the journey. Here we
overnighted under mosquito nets, ate elephant ear fish and got up close and
personal with a 2 metre long python!
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This trip WAS the opportunity of a lifetime. The memories and experiences we
had will last forever. The people of Vietnam showed us their hospitality, their
pride and their determination to make their lives as full as they possibly can.
We could learn something from them. The trip also helped bring history alive
and challenged our perceptions of ‘historical truth’. We will be returning to
Vietnam in 2018 and I can’t wait!
Ms M Simpson – Teacher in Charge of History and lover of Vietnam!
From the 16 to 30 April 27
students visited Vietnam.
They were accompanied by Ms
Simpson, Ms Vincent & Mr Tanner.
Disneyland Performance
Over the April holidays, 13 students and 4 chaperones spent two incredible and tiring weeks dancing around Los
Angeles. It was a great experience and all involved had a great time in dance workshops, performing at
Disneyland and exploring the sites Los Angeles had to offer.
Ms L Rasmussen, Teacher in Charge of Dance
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Year 11 Physical Education
As part of the program in year 11 P.E., students are required to learn about safety in the outdoors and the impact
on physical and emotional safety. Students from year 11 have attended day trips exposing them to different
activities including; abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking and paddle-boarding. These learning experiences
have been unique and beneficial to gaining in depth understanding in this topic.
Mr A Salmon & Ms F Smith, Health and P.E. Faculty
Year 12 Biology Trip to Goat Island Marine Reserve
A hundred plus year 12 Biology students went to Goat Island Marine Reserve
near Leigh on Wednesday last week to collect data for an internal in 12Bio on
the patterns of species found at the Rocky Shore.
Students lay down transect lines on the rocky shore and counted species in the
quadrats along the line.
Afterwards, they visited the University of Auckland Marine Research Centre listening to an informative talk about the species present in the inter-tidal zone,
then getting the opportunity to look at live species under the "big-eye"
microscope, and getting to hold starfish, molluscs, kina, and sea cucumbers in
the "touching tank".
A very hot and enjoyable day out for all.
Thank you to Mrs Nafissi for her organisation, and to Mr Hawcroft and
Ms Prakash for their help on the day.
Ms J Barrack, Science Faculty
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2016 Secondary Schools Team Sailing National Championships
Glendowie College Sailing A team recently competed in the 2016
Secondary Schools Team Sailing National Championships at Algies Bay.
GDC displayed top class sailing in the Bronze fleet winning the Bronze Fleet
Trophy, with Greg Hunter playing some great tactical sailing. The team
were also recipients of the 'Most Polite and Well Behaved Team Award'.
Well done to the Sailing A Team who included:
Greg Hunter (Captain), Sabina Ishigaki (Vice Captain), Amelia Masters,
Jonathan Turnbull, Jamie Lock, Samuel Liddell and Matthew Brewer.
Thank you to the parent helpers for their help at the 6 day Regatta
supporting the team and to Barfoot and Thompson for sponsoring
Glendowie College A Team’s Sailing Racing Bibs.
Ms F Smith, Sailing Manager
Peer Support Fun Day
On the final afternoon of Term one,
the Peer Support Leaders and Year 9’s
gathered together for one final time
for the annual Year 9 Fun Day, to
celebrate the end of Peer Support.
Each form class put on their game
faces as they battled against each
other to take out the title as Supreme
Fun Day Champion.
Every class designed a banner and
costume around their chosen theme,
we had everything ranging from
pyjamas to superheroes. To open the
event, all the students paraded onto
the field in their costumes and were
scored on their banner and theme by
Ms Fraser.
The annual Year 9 Fun Day on Friday, 15 April was a great way to conclude the
Peer Support programme for the year.
The Year 9’s spent the rest of the
afternoon participating in a range of activities and games run by the Year 13’s, including dodge ball, tug of war
and capture the flag,. At each station, the Peer Support Leaders scored the Year 9’s on participation, enthusiasm,
behaviour and their success at winning.
It was an afternoon full of fun and a great way to conclude the Peer Support programme for the year. Well done
to all the Year 9’s for their awesome participation and a big thanks to the Peer Support Leaders for helping to run
the activities. Sophia Reid (13PVN)
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11ECO Trip
Thursday, 12 May was an informative day for year 11 Economics
students, collecting lots of information for their producer
decisions internal for 11ECO at Tip Top.
The internal requires the students to explain how and why Tip
Top makes certain resource decisions around how they use the
combination of the factors of production – natural, capital and
human.
Ms P Harduar, Social Sciences Faculty
Caroline and Azita enjoying the “Ice Cream”
Save the date: Midwinter Hoedown – Saturday July 2
Hold on to your hats and horses folks, the 2016 Parents
Association Big Night Out will be held on Saturday July 2 and this
year we are going with a country and western theme.
The phenomenal Jo Cotton and the Mermaids band will be back
to help raise the roof at the school hall again while we raise
funds to build the much-needed all-weather, multi-purpose
courts.
Tickets will be $50 and include a flame-grilled supper, a
welcome drink and a photo booth. Wine and beer will be for
sale at the bar. Tables can be reserved for groups of eight or
more.
Tickets go on sale on May 30, but if you would like to reserve
tickets or tables in the meantime, please email nicoleparish@clear.net.nz. Last year’s event was a sell-out!!
Ms N Parish, Chairperson, Parents’ Association
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