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From The Principal’s Desk . 2 Comment – Making Choices 2 Staffing ............................ 3 ICT - Rathkeale College e-

Learning Community Survey 3 Looking Ahead .................. 3

Student Achievements ....... 4 Chaplaincy ......................... 5 Academic ........................... 5

Trial Examinations ............. 5 2014 NCEA Examinations ... 6 NCEA Results Notices –

January 2015 .................... 6 Year 9 and 10 Programme in

Term 4 2014 ..................... 6 BYOD Proof of Concept

Classes ............................ 7 School Community ............. 7

Board of Trustees .............. 7 Old Boys’ Association ......... 8 Friends of Rathkeale .......... 8

Staff Profile ....................... 8 Teresa Ahipene ................. 8

Student Profiles ................. 9 Hugh Morrison-Thomas ...... 9 Jock Cudmore ................... 9 Callum Woodhouse .......... 10

Sport ............................... 10 Colts Rugby .................... 10 1st XI Football ................. 10 1st XI Hockey .................. 11 Swimming ...................... 12 Sam Tufuga Piopa............ 12 1st Teams ....................... 13

Administration ................. 13 Gold Duke of Ed Tramp

Report ............................ 14 Lunchtime Programming

Classes .......................... 15

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From The Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents and Friends

Students and staff will be contemplating a well-deserved break as we conclude another busy term. However, no term is

more or less busy than any other. Such is school life. The diversity of what we offer is

significant and despite our small size, we always compete well. In the process the significant majority of our students, through

their personal and team efforts are committed to performing to the best of their

ability. It is this culture we seek to maintain because, quite simply, there is nothing more one can ask for. The

particular experiences and achievements enjoyed by many in the latter half of the

term are described in this newsletter.

A feature of Rathkeale sport is the fantastic sportsmanship which has prevailed in local

competitions, tournaments and school exchange fixtures. Strong leadership has

been evident and some commendable results have been achieved. This has been no less so in the performing arts. Casts,

choirs and bands continue relentlessly rehearsing and performing throughout the

year. None of this would be possible if it were not for the dedicated coaching,

direction and management of so many staff and parents. These people often go above and beyond the call of duty and I do thank

them.

As we look ahead to Term IV, our focus is

on preparation for the trial and final NZQA and junior school examinations as well as the end of year activities. Those students

who have maintained a balance through the year and maximised their academic learning

opportunities will be well placed to consolidate and test their knowledge and skills. Those who do not have the content

or contexts on which to base this testing will compromise their learning. Our boys

need to be advised and given the opportunity to use the holiday as an opportunity to do what needs to be done!

Comment – Making Choices

I have suggested above what the boys should do over the holiday period.

However, even with the coercion of their parents, they essentially have a choice: that is to engage in study or not. And whatever

the choice they make, there will be consequences. It is highly likely that

choosing to study will bring benefit, not only in academic achievement, but also in developing the discipline of commitment.

Applying oneself to work and study is not a favoured option. Working hard to prepare

differentiates you from those who don’t and inevitably this will place you at an advantage.

Can I refer to my comment this time last year - Multitasking and Learning which

received some endorsement from boys and parents. I think it is worth noting again.

Research informs us that students are on

task only about 65% of the time when they have access to technology. For many, this

figure will be considerably less as they can only last a few minutes before engaging their devices.

The bad news is that under most conditions the brain cannot do two reasonably complex

tasks at the same time. Try brushing your teeth and combing your hair at the same

time. When students try to multitask:

The disruption takes time and it takes time to refocus

Task switching between formal and precise language and informal banter

causes fatigue

They remember less well because the encoding (learning process) is

disrupted

The disruption prevents linkages to be

made thus lessening understanding

Texting, emailing and social media posting are mentally complex tasks that draw on

the brain’s resources. However, many students do not see this as a problem. The

overriding concern is that they do not want to miss out or be the last to know.

This compulsive behaviour does interfere

with learning and must be managed. It is

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my strong advice that it should not be used

when studying. If your sons can manage that themselves, then wonderful. If not, hopefully they can accept that it should be

withdrawn from them so they can concentrate on just their learning.

Acknowledgement – Annie Murphy published article in Slate, May 3 2013

Generally, it is a choice to decide how one

approaches work and study, but it was heartening to hear that several boys and

parents reported that much more was achieved when the boys were denied access

to electronic devices.

I would also like to refer to other choices students have. Access to alcohol and

marijuana is commonplace in our society and the consumption and use of it amongst

young people a real concern. Sadly, some of our young men succumb to temptation when it becomes available and in other

(fewer) cases seek access. However, this is a choice that they have and it is incumbent

on us as parents and educators to actively dissuade them from exercising wrong choices. The simple fact is that possession,

supply and use of marijuana is illegal as is the provision of alcohol to minors.

Health programmes in schools do make students aware of the dangers of these substances and the statistics in New

Zealand make alarming reading. Excessive use at a young age is detrimental to one’s

physical and emotional health and it does impact on a student’s ability to achieve. David Fergusson and Joseph Boden’s

research out of Otago University on this topic is easy reading. The statistics around

marijuana use are alarming and the conclusions are clear. These are summarised in

http://www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch/otago018744.pdf and

http://www.alcohol.org.nz/research-resources/nz-statistics/alcohol-facts. Anecdotal evidence certainly supports the

conclusions made.

Through example parents, and teachers in

certain situations, have a responsibility to educate our young men to have responsible

attitudes towards drinking and abstain from

the use of illegal substances. In schools we

teach on these topics and we expect students to learn. In addition there are school rules essentially intended to provide

a safe and secure environment for all. The school has zero tolerance towards

involvement of these substances while boys are under the authority of the school and to become involved with

alcohol while under the authority of the school is a wrong choice.

Staffing

Bridget Price (Literacy Support) and Teresa Ahipene (Guidance Counsellor) have commenced in their positions and by their

own accounts are very pleased to be at Rathkeale. From the student feedback we

have received their appointments have certainly been vindicated. We wish them all the best.

ICT - Rathkeale College e-Learning

Community Survey If you have any further questions regarding

e-Learning or BYOD at Rathkeale College please email elearning@rathkeale.school.nz. The very proactive E-learning development

group led by Shane Mann has made further progress in regard to implementing the

introduction of technology. I thank him for the fine effort. The model we have adopted is working very well. Further details can be

found later in this newsletter.

Looking Ahead

House Music is over for another year and as

always it was a highlight. Looking ahead to Term IV it is a busy term. A reminder to all that there are some compulsory events on

the calendar to be aware off. Carol Service on Friday 5 December & Prizegiving on

Saturday 6 December are two such events. Please check the calendar included for important dates.

W J Kersten

Principal

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Student Achievements

NZ Secondary Schools Swimming

Championships: John McKeefry - 50 freestyle

– 5th place, PB 25.37sec, (Wairarapa record)

and qualified for NZ Opens Championships;

100 freestyle – Bronze medal, PB 55.89

sec. This is the first NZSSS Champs medal

for Rathkeale.

NZ Short Course swimming Champs: John

McKeefry again - 200 freestyle – PB 2 01.27

sec, 50 free – PB 24.24 sec, Bronze medal,

breaking his own Wairarapa 100 free – PB

54.37 sec.

Other swimmers to note – Logan Barham,

Mitchell Cockburn (two Silver medals) and

Sam Hammond (bronze medal and 14

personal bests) at the Wellington Short

Course Champs and also performing well at

the National Short Course and NZSS

Swimming Champs.

Football 1st XI made it to the Division 3

Football Final but lost to Aotea College. The

team placed 14th out of 24 at their NZSS

Tournament.

1st XI Hockey - Luke McKay – MVP U18

Wairarapa Hockey player at National

Tournament, has played 100 games for

Rathkeale College and Zac Caldwell played

his 100th game for the first XI at

Tournament. The team was placed 6th at the

India Shield Tournament (possibly the

highest ranking ever).

Colts Rugby team participated in the

Lindisfarne Colts Tournament beating

PNBHS, Lindisfarne and Scots to make the

final. They just lost to a very strong

Whangarei BHS XV 10 – 5, conceding a try

in the last minute of the game.

WWI Re-enactment – Mayoral

commendation received for students

participating.

Rugby Caps awarded to Sam Tufuga and AJ

Walker.

Junior Cross Country Team (Gerard Hickey,

Max Spencer and Tom McCallum) 3rd in

College Sport Wellington Road Race

Squash Team performed well at National SS

Squash Champs and Ben Wilkinson won the

Wellington Regional Champion of Champions

E Grade final against his brother Sam

Year 10 teams were 1st and 2nd in the

Matharapa Mathematics competition and the

Year 9 team was 3rd.

Hunter Nielsen completed a successful trip

as a Youth Ambassador on an International

Youth Camp in China.

Banon Hopman – Bronze Duke of Edinburgh

Award.

Jonty Morison performed well at the Gold

Coast Track and Field Meet – now ranked in

NZ Youth Top 20.

About 75% of Year 11 boys have gained

NCEA Excellence endorsements in 1 or more

standards.

Sam Tufuga has gained selection into the

NZSS Barbarians Rugby teams.

Ryan Nelson shooting well for the Clay

Target Shooting Team. He along with his

sister Hayley were part of a 5 man

Eketahuna team that won the long-standing

Dale Shield competed for by teams from the

Lower North Island. In a shoot-off, Ryan

beat two members of the NZ World

Challenge team.

Nathan Whiteman (Top 100) and Nathan

Voice and Tom Frizzell (Top 200) of

thousands competing in the Otago

Mathematics competition.

Isaiah Davies and Mitchell Anderson placed

3rd and Robert Spite received an

Adjudicators’ Award in the Inter-collegiate

Music Competition.

Tom McCullum has been selected into a

Regional Triathlon Squad.

Outstanding Principal’s Awards were presented to the following students for achieving an Excellence

grade in NCEA Level 1

Callum Finn Reason 6, Frederick Falloon 5, Jack Hopman 4, Jack Gordon 4, Benjamin McCook-Weir

4, Hunter Nielson 3, Gabriel Jacobs Corban 3, Troy Etherington 3, Angus Tylee 3, Christopher Dalley

3, Henry Eschenbach 3, Reinhard Schwanecke 3, Isaac Johnston-Lundy 3, Samuel Hammond 2,

Nattawat Tangthanakitroj 2, James Boyce 2, Vincent Capes 2, Benjamin Renton 2, Kristian Taylor 2,

Robert Spite 2, John Weidling 2, Jonathan Barneveld 2, Matthew Furkert 2, Matthew Pledger 2, John

Beijen, Jackson Brown, Benjamin Clatworthy, Sam Collins, Keegan Curtis, Joseph Doyle, Grayson

Dudson, Banon Hopman, Woojong Lee, Oliver Lewis, Thomas McKay, Miller Paton-Masters, Marshall

Pitney, James Vollebregt, Mitchell Weeks

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Chaplaincy

It was great to have three boys baptised this term. It was a positive step for these

boys and one that is not common in this day and age. As someone who has

benefited hugely from developing the spiritual side of my life, I am always looking for ways to connect the boys at our college

to what I see as the benefits of having a spirituality.

Recently I was able to be part of a pilgrimage with four boys from Rathkeale and students from other schools in the

diocese. This was a very powerful time and I’m sure that the students who participated

will agree with me that there was definitely something special about it – something out of the ordinary (I think they call that

extraordinary!) and something that left the students wanting more of it. If you had to

get us to describe exactly what it was we loved and what it was we experienced we might be hard pressed to nail it down to

specific details, as is often the case with things of a spiritual nature. But it was

unquestionably good, and it is my strong desire that every student at Rathkeale might get the chance to experience that

extraordinary goodness that spirituality can offer us. Certainly I hope that they don’t

think that spirituality is a matter of chapel services and singing of hymns. These are

merely the container that we present our spirituality in at Rathkeale. Whether or not that container will have any content in it is

a different matter – and often a personal one. But if that form of spirituality doesn’t

deliver anything of goodness to an individual then I hope they may be tempted to try some of the other forms that are out

there, including our school Night Prayer, and other more youth-focused activities

that are offered by the diocese, which many of them may not be aware of. It is my firm belief that spirituality is an essential part of

our humanity and one that becomes more significant as we age. I am always open to

any student or parent within the Rathkeale community to engage in conversations about spirituality and to help people in their

own spiritual explorations. That is why I became a chaplain! So please contact me or

come and see me if a conversation around spirituality is something you or your son are interested in having. Revd. Ben Arcus

Academic

Trial Examinations

Years 11, 12, 13 – October 15th to 22nd

Information has been posted or emailed home earlier this term regarding these. However,

it is important that parents are aware of the following:

1. The morning exams start at 8.45am and afternoon exams begin at 12.30pm.

Afternoon exams will finish at 3.30pm at the latest. 2. No extra buses will be put on for day boys. If these students need to drive to school

for exams then they must follow our usual permit process for bringing vehicles – see

Mr Bouton or Mr Harper. 3. The exam sessions and class time (for practical classes) are compulsory. Non-

attendance without reasonable excuse will be treated as truancy. 4. The results from these examinations will be used to derive a grade for NCEA should

your son be unable to attend an exam in November.

Please note that a summary Trial Exam Report will be mailed to all parents at the end of

week 3 next term.

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2014 NCEA Examinations

NCEA examinations begin for Rathkeale and

Senior College students on Monday 10th

November – with Level 1 Science, Level 3

Agriculture and Scholarship Chemistry. (A

couple of keen boys will sit Scholarship Drama

on Friday 7th November!).

Please note that morning NCEA exams run from

9.30am to 12.30pm and the afternoon exams

run from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

Timetables will be posted around the College

campus once Trial exams are completed and are

also available on the NZQA website:

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-

standards/qualifications/ncea/ncea-exams-and-

portfolios/external/national-secondary-

examinations-timetable/

All students will be issued examination

admission slips next term, which must be

brought to each exam.

The process to follow if a medical or serious

family issue hinders exam performance will be

explained to students at briefings to be held on

November 5th.

All questions relating to NCEA should be

directed to Mr Peter Haworth.

NCEA Results Notices – January 2015 All students and their parents should note that NZQA will not send hard copies of official documents

unless students order them on-line. The web address is:

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/results-2/ordering-result-documents/

What can be ordered?

Record of Achievement

(RoA)

Students are entitled to one free RoA each year (if they had results in the

previous year). Any more copies will cost $15.30 each.

NCEA and University

Entrance Certificates

Students are entitled to one free NCEA certificate at each level and one

free UE certificate (provided students have paid the relevant NCEA fee).

Any more copies will cost $15.30 each.

School Results

Summary (SRS)

If students were at school last year they are entitled to one free copy of

their SRS each year. Any more copies will cost $15.30 each.

Ordering these documents is becoming increasingly important for year 12 students, who need to use

these documents to apply for universities when in year 13 next year.

Year 9 and 10 Programme in Term 4 2014 Parents will note from the Term 4 calendar that

year 10 boys will be spending a lot of time

outside the classroom in weeks 7 and 8.

A decision has been made to operate the Year 9

and 10 exams at the end of week 6. This is to

allow teaching and learning programmes to be

completed before the end of year summative

assessments, and thus provide better feedback

on the whole year in our final reports.

In each of the two weeks that follow the year 10

boys will undertake two distinctly different

programmes. The first has a careers focus with

two days of work experience. This has been

organised by Mrs McKeown, our Careers

Advisor. The second has an outdoor focus with

day and overnight tramps and other activities

taking place. Mr Ewington has spent time

organising these.

With the academic focus then being over for the

year it is considered appropriate for the boys to

start thinking more seriously about their future

and what direction it may take. They have

already done some careers work this term and

the programme Mrs McKeown has planned for

Term 4 builds on that.

The outdoor activities build on the experiences

from last year – which this year’s year 9 boys

will undertake during the same week.

Any parents who would like clarification on any

of the above points should feel free to contact

Mr Haworth.

Peter Haworth Deputy Principal

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BYOD Proof of Concept Classes

In 2015 we have an exciting new class for Yr 9-Yr 11 boys to take part in.

As you may be aware by our responses to the ICT community survey,

Rathkeale is considering how to implement a BYOD (bring your own device)

programme in the school. This will begin from next year (2015) with a trial

which will involve running one BYOD "proof-of-concept" class at each of

Years 9, 10 and 11. Depending on class allocations, some students may well

have one or more subjects involving the use of their devices.

This class will be an opt-in class, but the ability to join will be dependent on minimum specifications

for the device. You will be informed of these.

The passionate teachers who have opted to teach these classes have

undergone professional development to ensure that they offer proven

implementation techniques and learning opportunities. This has been

a well-researched and carefully considered roll out. Students will

continue to take part in the full syllabus but enjoy the additional

benefits offered by the interactive medium of delivery.

It is not just about replacing paper with technology; it is about doing additional things that weren’t

possible before. Facilitating higher levels of engaging and thinking and giving students the skills to

be more engaged and confident learners.

Our intentions are consistent with NZQA’s move towards encouraging assessment beyond the

traditional pen and paper approach. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the ability to

demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skill can be undertaken through the use of technology

and as developments occur, problems will lessen. The Ministry of Education is already trialling

online external examinations this year with the intention of all examinations being sat in a digital

medium by 2017.

An email with further information, including how to opt-in to these classes, will be sent out to all

prospective parents of the 2015 Y9, 10 and 11 student intake. Information will also be posted on

the Rathkeale College Parent Portal.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this please email elearning@rathkeale.school.nz.

Rathkeale ICT Working Group

School Community

Board of Trustees Work on the school’s strategic plan continues and the survey is now available for all parents. The

survey seeks your feedback in relation to the five goal areas it has determined and will assist us in

setting future direction, aims and aspirations for student achievement. Your feedback is keenly

sought and I urge you to complete the survey that can be accessed at

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TMPMPFL

Attaining minimum boarding numbers continues to be a priority and any families considering this

option should feel free to contact me or the school to discuss options.

The Board endorses the work being done on investigating E-learning and thanks Shane Mann for his

leadership in this area.

Thank you to those parents who completed the school survey. The results have been summarised,

made available to parents and will be considered as part of the board’s strategic planning process.

At the moment, the board has not yet made a decision on the BYOD (bring your own devices), but

looks forward to the outcomes of trials in this regard. Andy Pottinger –Chairman

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Old Boys’ Association

The “installation” of the Old Boys’ database is progressing well and we look forward to greater

access and functionality of this very useful resource.

We hosted a very pleasant ROBA Wellington function recently and we were pleased with the number

who attended. There were many young faces and many who could not attend the jubilee were

present. Despite living in the same city, many school mates do not see each other and it was a

good chance to mix, mingle and meet some new people. We now look forward to hosting a similar

function in Auckland on October 21st. Any Auckland based parent or parent in Auckland at the time

is cordially invited. More information will be communicated through the school weekly newsletter

early next term. If interested, please contact me through the school.

Andy Sutherland - President ROBA

Friends of Rathkeale

The Friends of Rathkeale continue to focus on planning the

Christmas Fete to be held on Saturday November 15th. As

always, we need your help! Whether you manage to donate

some second hand books, second hand women’s clothing,

cakes and slices, or whether you could help by donating an

hour or so of your time to assist on one of the stalls, we would

love to hear from you. Any help would be really appreciated.

We are also looking for a major raffle prize and several smaller

prizes, so if anyone has anything that could be donated – from

a couple of nights in a bach, to a box of wine, to tickets to an

event, vouchers for shopping – literally anything that could be

enjoyed by others, could they also please get in touch as soon

as possible.

Contacts for the Friends are Guy Lewis (06 375 8568); Penny

Hart for Stalls (06 377 7970); Gail Morrison (06 377 4540)

Chrissie (06 379 6012) and Justine Seymour for the Raffle

(kiwiesque@vodafone.co.nz)

Thank you for your support!

This year all money raised will be put towards an

Outdoor Activity Circuit and Bush Walk to be created in

the school grounds especially for the boys.

Chrissie Kershaw and Gail Morrison – Secretaries

Staff Profile

Teresa Ahipene

Position: Guidance

Counsellor

Where do you come

from? I’m originally from

Auckland, I have lived in

the Wellington/Wairarapa

region for the past 9

years, and currently live in

Greytown.

What is your favourite

food? Anything spicy… and chocolate cake.

What are your impressions about

Rathkeale? My impressions are that it is a

school with a great spirit and lots of

opportunities for the students to achieve their

potential.

What is your favourite thing about

Rathkeale? The opportunity to be here to

support the students in such a beautiful

environment.

What do you like about the Wairarapa? The

picturesque ranges and the friendly people.

What are your hobbies? Netball, Yoga,

gardening, camping

Christmas

Fete!!

Saturday 15

November 2014

9.30am To

3.30pm

Rathkeale

College,

Willow Park

Drive,

Masterton

put it in your

calendar now

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Student Profiles

Hugh Morrison-Thomas

I attended Hadlow before coming to Rathkeale College where I am now a Year

14 day boy. Our family lives in Masterton but we have travelled widely and

there is certainly more travel on the horizon for all of us.

My interests are in drama and music but I have returned to school for 2014 to

broaden my focus and extend my subject base.

I came to Rathkeale College because it seemed to be a logical progression

for me and most of my friends were choosing to come here too. My family and

I went along to the Open Day and felt very welcome. The school’s traditions and

the emphasis placed on values teaching, made Rathkeale seem right for me.

I strive to excel in everything that I do and I enjoy challenges. The Duke of Edinburgh Award

programme has provided me with plenty of challenges throughout my years here and I now have a

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, which I treasure greatly. The service part of my award was probably

the most difficult for me as I spent hours helping a disabled person.

I am most challenged when involving myself in a sports team. However this year I am taking

Physical Education as a subject and I have taken up a new sport – hockey. I will even be competing

in a triathlon this week so I am proud of my achievements.

I have been influenced greatly by Kris Neilson who is a fellow bagpipe player and now a past

pupil of our school. He certainly helped to steer me in the right direction. Mr Gordon has also been

an influential person who has always helped and encouraged me.

You might be surprised to know that I am highly superstitious. The first 15 minutes of my day

will determine how good/bad the day will progress to be.

Jock Cudmore

My family live on State Highway 2, just north of Rathkeale College.

I went to Hadlow for my primary education and am now a Year 13 day boy here at Rathkeale

College. I am the prefect who was chosen to be Head of Day Boys for 2014 and so I meet and greet

all the boys as they arrive by bus in the morning. I have enjoyed this experience and come to know

some boys better than I otherwise would have.

I came to Rathkeale College partly because it was a natural progression from

Hadlow Prep School. My mother and uncle had both been part of the Trinity

system and this also had an influence on me. Open Day cemented the decision and

I was excited about the opportunities that I might have at this school.

I strive to excel as a positive role model and hope that I have a positive

influence on the boys at school. I have until recently been very involved in

swimming and I always strived to achieve well in this sport. It was time for change

though and I now have more time for my school involvements.

I was most challenged by Level 2 Mathematics last year but thank goodness

that is behind me and I have not continued with the subject. Little fazes me and

nothing really upsets me. I enjoy this school environment and I can see the relevance of all the

activities that are part of our school tradition.

I have been influenced greatly by the staff here, who have encouraged me to be my own man.

My time as a prefect has been rewarding so far and I look forward to the demands of Term 4.

You might be surprised to know that I’m an Aussie!! Please don’t hold it against me! Next year I

am planning to join the Australian Army and study for a law degree.

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Callum Woodhouse

My family farms just out of Eketahuna and I went to Eketahuna Primary School. I love the outdoors

and get involved in action sports like tramping and motor biking. At Rathkeale, I am a boarder in

Year 10. Next year it will be good to have my brother here as a Year 9 boarder.

I came to Rathkeale College because it is a small school with small class

sizes. I was looking for a boarding experience and Rathkeale was close by. It

seemed to me, in 2012, that there were endless opportunities here and I was

right.

I strive to excel in all my academic studies but science in particular. I am

studying Level 1 Science as a Year 10 at the moment. I also strive to make

the most of all the opportunities that are available at school. I try to make an

effort to get involved.

I am most challenged when playing team sports, however, I see the value

of being a good team member and over the winter months I have been

working to improve my skills as goalie for the Inceptors Hockey team. It

doesn’t come naturally for me unfortunately.

I have been influenced greatly by both Mr and Mrs van Deventer who help me with my

organisational skills and encourage me to maintain my commitment to my schoolwork. Dougal

Ross, our Head of House, has also impressed me with his leadership skills.

You might be surprised to know that I sleep talk! Usually I’m talking to Archie, my brother,

about motor biking and how to improve his jumps. Scary!

Sport

Colts Rugby

The latter games in their season were finals in

the Manawatu competition. Having finished in 1st

place after the round robin matches, a home

semifinal vs PNBHS Under 15 awaited them. A

polished display of aggression at the breakdown

and open attacking rugby saw the boys

overcome their opponents 24-12.

This set up a final against the Colts XV from

Wanganui Collegiate. Both sides knowing plenty

about one another from previous encounters

meant that not an inch was given on either side.

Played in the wet and the mud in Palmerston

North, the game ebbed and flowed one way

then the other. A to the wire 13-12 victory to

the boys was testament to the desire they

possessed and the guts that they defended their

line with in the closing stages.

At their annual tournament at Lindisfarne the

boys once again proved their calibre as a

dangerous opponent. Defeating Scot’s College

19-14 on day one was the catalyst of three days

of fine Rugby that led to a heartbreaking defeat

to Whangarei Boys in the final. Buoyed by the

Scot’s win the boys disposed of Lindisfarne and

PNBHS along the way to set up the final with the

physical Whangarei Boys. Our boys started

strongly and took the lead with a well worked

try. Defending with great courage against a

much larger opponent the boys stuck to their

task and got to half time in front. Whangarei

scored early in the second half and brought the

game level. A couple of penalty opportunities

would have taken the boys back in front but

were not successful. Now on the back foot the

boys continued to defend with great heart but

conceded a very late try to go down 10-5.

A big thank you must go to manger Mr McIntosh

as well as coaches Mark Childs and Jonathan

Tanner for giving up their time regularly for the

boys and producing such a fine team as a result.

We look forward to seeing many of this team

running on for the 1st XV next season.

1st XI Football Tournament week took the 1st XI boys to New

Plymouth. After narrowly losing their Wellington

final 2-1 to Aotea College the previous Saturday

the boys were keen to make amends and

produce a solid display to finish the season.

Grouped with Rosehill College (Auckland),

Inglewood (New Plymouth) Silverstream

(Wellington) Taupo Nui-a-Tia and Christchurch

Boys meant that we had a tough group to make

it out of.

11

Continuing the tradition of starting slowly on

these weeks meant that game one saw a heavy

loss to a well organized but average Rosehill

side. The afternoon game against Inglewood

took on greater importance and a comfortable

5-0 win meant that we sat in the middle of the

pack going into day two.

The morning game gave us our toughest task.

Silverstream were champions of Wellington

Division One and we played their 2nd XI during

our Wellington season! Unperturbed the boys

played with great passion and an intensity that

hadn’t been seen so far from this young side.

With Goalkeeper Mitch Anderson achieving

tournament notoriety with a goal from inside his

own area we went into the break 2-1 in front.

The second half brought great discipline and

fight in defence and with a minute to go we still

led 2-1. One last defensive effort from a corner

would have brought a famous win but a

scramble saw the ball creep over our line and

the final whistle brought a fine game to a close

with a 2-2 draw. A win over Taupo that

afternoon left us needing a win over CBHS for a

place in the Quarter Final. The game followed

much the same pattern as Silverstream the day

before. Fine defending by tired bodies and the

odd attempt by us to take the lead. With two

minutes remaining and the score locked a 0-0

we looked set for another respectable draw but

some tired defending and a fantastic strike from

their captain put us behind. Chasing the game

with tired legs is never easy but another goal on

full time flattered our opposition and left our

boys a little deflated.

We showed a little too much respect for Rotorua

Lakes in the next round going down 2-0. This

brought us up against Paraparaumu College,

another Wellington Division One side. We

dominated this game after a slow start and

should have won comfortably. We spurned

chance after chance in the second half and as a

result a 1-1 draw and a penalty shoot out was

our outcome. If our boys were nervous it didn’t

show. Four perfect penalties were dispatched

and we won 4-2 to play off for 13th/14th place

against Hillcrest College.

A disappointing end on the back of an average

display of refereeing left us with a 3-1 defeat

and 14th position. A fair reflection of where we

sat in the tournament. A combination of so

nearly a fairytale and some inexperience cost us

at crunch time but this young team has a lot

going for it. Expect stronger showings over the

next few seasons from these boys.

1st XI Hockey Tournament Week took the 1st XI Hockey boys

down to Christchurch for our first year of the

India shield and what was to be a very

successful tournament. Mr Dave Caldwell the

coach, Mr Kersten the manager and also plenty

of parental support travelled south with the

team.

Our target on day one was to compete as well

as we could. We had two out of three pool

games and they were against the massive

schools Whangarei Boys and Auckland

Grammar.

After beating Whangarei boys 4-3 and a very

pleasing 3-3 draw with Auckland Grammar we

knew that we could go far further into the week

and we were in for a good tournament.

Our final group game saw us lose 2-0 to Otago

Boys. The luck was against us and despite

working very hard in extremely warm conditions

we went down to our first defeat.

At the end of pool play we were positioned for

placings 5th-8th and a first up match with St

Bedes College, Christchurch. We won this match

quite comfortably 3-1.

As the week progressed we saw successful

initiations of the new boys, lots of team bonding

and our last day brought a final play-off match

for 5th and 6th.

With Zac Caldwell having played 100 games for

the Rathkeale 1st XI and Luke McKay playing in

his hundredth match, it was set to be a special

day.

We were also aware of the fact that we had lost

to our opposition, Bethlehem College the

previous year in the final of Mayhill Cup.

Luke getting injured in the first few minutes

didn’t help our cause. As a team we battled hard

in the game before finishing with a disappointing

3-1 loss.

We arrived home with our heads held high safe

in the knowledge that we had discovered that it

is believed to be the best that a Rathkeale 1st XI

Hockey side has ever done in the history of the

school while away at tournament week. We had

not only secured our of 21st in the country but it

will also mean that we will find ourselves in the

top tournament next season when NZ Hockey

change the tournament week structures.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who was

involved. A big congratulations must also go to

all of the boys who played and were involved

with the squad this season.

12

Swimming On Saturday 30 August 2014 a team of four swimmers from Rathkeale traveled to the Kilbirnie

aquatic centre in Wellington to compete in the National Secondary School Championship. These

swimmers included Mitchell Cockburn (Yr 9), Sam Hammond (Yr 11), John McKeefry (Yr 12) and

Logan Barham (Yr 13). Sam Hammond, John McKeefry and Logan Barham all swam personal best

times and all gained top ten placings. John McKeefry gained the top placing for the team getting

placed 3rd and swimming a personal best of 55.89 seconds. Mitchell Cockburn gained an 8th

placing in his 50 Breaststroke in a time of 38.16 seconds with mixed results in his other races. Sam

Hammond received six top ten placings in his 200 Freestyle, 50 Backstroke, 50 Freestyle, 100

Backstroke, 100 Butterfly and 100 Freestyle gaining a number of personal best times. Logan

Barham swam two top ten placings in the 100 Breaststroke and the 200 Breaststroke. Over all the

four swimmers from Rathkeale performed outstandingly and had an enjoyable meet.

New Zealand Short Course Championships kicked off on Tuesday 2nd

September with Swimmers Sam Hammond, John McKeefry and Logan

Barham warmed up from Secondary School Champs finishing the

previous day. Also swimming at Short Course Champs was Oliver

Donaldson (Yr 9). Oliver swam in the Men’s 50 metre Freestyle in a

time of 28.13 seconds and was placed 12th. Sam Hammond competed

in the Men’s 200 Individual Medley, the Men’s 200 Backstroke and the

Men’s 400 Individual Medley in which he was place 9th Nationally. John

McKeefry once again having the stand out swim for the team getting

placed 3rd in his 50 Freestyle in a time 24.24 seconds. His other races

were the 200 Freestyle, 50 Butterfly and 100 Freestyle. Logan Barham

competed in two events, the Men’s 100 Breaststroke and the Men’s 200

Breaststroke gaining a 9th placing Nationally.

Overall both meets were hugely successful for all swimmers with most gaining top ten placings

nationally and swimming personal best times. With two key swimming meets from the year over

the swimmers look forward to a well-deserved break.

Sam Tufuga Piopa

Sam was selected for the NZ Secondary Schools Rugby Camp

in Rotorua from the 18th -22nd September. At this camp two

squads were selected, NZ Secondary Schools and NZ

Barbarians.

On Monday morning Sam was selected for the NZ Barbarian

side to play two games. He plays against Australia on 30th

September and Fiji Saturday 4th October at Porirua Park. Both

games will be at 1pm and are live on Sky Sports.

Sam is one of only three tight head props to be selected across

both squads and this makes it an exceptional achievement.

We wish him all the best in the two games and hope that as

many of you as possible can get down and watch him represent

his country and “Rathkeale”.

13

1st Teams

The end of the winter saw the annual end of season dinners held by each code. At these dinners the following trophies were awarded to boys for their seasons performances.

Hockey

Most Promising Junior in 1st XI – Nathan Whiteman

Bernard Greenlees Memorial Trophy – Contribution to Hockey – Dylan Price. Most Goals Scored in a Season – Zac Caldwell Most Improved Player – Guy Lewis

Simon Osborne Cup – Coaches Award – Sam Kyle The McCracken Trophy – Sportsmanship – Luke McKay

The Grant Family Cup – Best Defender – Jonty Tatham Oliver Knox Cup - Best Attacker – Zac Caldwell Player of the Year – Luke McKay

Football

Top Goal Scorer – Sam O’Reilly Most Promising Young Player – Pranay Singh Most Improved Player – Kelsey Fahey and Ant Havard

Tournament Player – Aaron Moffitt Players Player – Charlie Morrison

Sportsmanship and Contribution – Charlie Morrison Most Valuable Player – Aaron Moffitt

Rugby

Most Improved Forward - Temana Matiu

Exceptional Forward Play - Sam Tufuga-Piopa Most Improved Back - John McKeefry Most Valuable Back - Ueta Tufuga-Piopa

Simon Ramage Trophy (Most tries) - Finn Yeats (5 Tries) Excellence in goal kicking - Finn Yeats

Leadership Contribution (apart from captain/vice-captain) (Vollebregt and Sims trophy) - Dylan Lord-Bune

Exceptional Training Attitude (Lammas/Warren Trophy) - Dylan Lord-Bune

Exemplary Sportsmanship and Team Spirit - Cory Olsen

Administration

Term Bus Passes. These are available at the Tuck Shop for Y 9 and 10 boys only. Yr11, Yr 12 and Yr 13 boys are to use ten trip tickets in Term 4.

Green Aertex and Green Winter Shirts. All Y11 boys need to purchase / order their shirts

for 2015 by the end of Term 4.

Blazers and Tracksuits for 2015. Closing date for orders is the 31st October. Anyone

wanting a second hand blazer for their son will need to go on a waiting list – there is big demand for these so sooner is better than later!

Science and Biology tutoring – recently-retired teacher available for tutoring. Phone David

Knox 0274041343

Holiday Art Workshops- Art Room open for Year 11, 12 & 13 Visual art students. Second

week. Wednesday 8th Oct, Thursday 9th Oct & Friday 10th Oct. 10am-4pm each day.

14

Gold Duke of Ed Tramp Report We emerged triumphant like a band of desperadoes, looking dishevelled

after our raid on the treacherous Tararua Range. The group entailing

Jack Hopman, Jack Gordon, Marshall Pitney and myself were a keen

match for the beasts we conquered, but our navigation would have gone

awry without our faithful chaperon Mr Nav and Mrs Kyle who provided

some great comic moments within the trip. My purpose was to reach

Powell Hut for the first time unscathed by the hazardous and harsh

weather. Little did I know that this trip would be the most difficult first

ascent to Powell Hut known to man. So with group in tow at 4:30 pm on

12th September we began our soul destroying journey from Holdsworth

Lodge. However, on reaching the turn off above Rocky Lookout we

decided to spice up proceedings, and instead of taking the normal route

up we managed to squeeze in a 60 km detour to create a marvellous four

days’ worth of tramping.

Descending to Totara Flats Hut in the dark was a mission by itself, and

after watching a possum walk across a swing bridge we

decided something mystic was afoot. Yet, unscathed by the

possum and torrential weather promised, we arrived at the

hut and settled down for the night. Day two was most

certainly the most arduous and heart breaking. After a steep

climb up to Cone Ridge and progressing along the top we

traversed down to Neill Forks Hut. This loss of height was a

certain dampener to our spirits, but the fear of what was yet

to come played more havoc on our minds. We were shaking

in our shorts and shuddered with fear at thought of climbing

1100m up to the main range. So, filled with trepidation the

group took off with raw vigour, wanting to get to the top. But the top never came. False peak after

false peak we climbed. The leader was moving like a slow moving traffic jam, stopping every 10

metres. Finally we broke the tree line for the first time in our trip, with cloud all around us, each

step becoming harder and harder as we were buffeted along by the blustery wind.

On reaching Maungahuka Hut in the late afternoon the group was pleasantly surprised by the views

of Masterton, Otaki and the South Island. The sky lit up a mesmerising orange as the gorgeous sun

set over Kapiti Island. Stunning photos were the product of that evening, before retreating to the

freezing hut and trying to harvest some warmth. Soon the hut was filled with pungent aromas of

Mrs Kyle’s curry, my devilled sausages and Marshall’s less inspiring Back Country meal. Rain pelted

down throughout the night, and on Sunday morning we battled our way through the blinding snow

storm that created hazardous terrain to those physically challenged. Unfortunately, a steep descent

was to follow, which was fine for Mr Nav and the other boys; but for Mrs Kyle and myself, we spent

more time on the ground than walking along. Thirty falls and many cuts later we immersed

ourselves in the tree line, returning to the safety of following orange triangles. On the way down

the mountain we attempted to stalk some deer, but the only other being we encountered was a

scraggy mountain goat sun bathing by the river. Although we longed to join him for a splash we

continued to stumble down the mountain to Mid Waiohine Hut, where we lit a blazing fire and

basked in its warmth.

During the final day we clambered up to Mount Isabelle ascending 1000 metres before a depressing

drop losing 100 metres of height, then the final climb to the highest point of our trip reaching Mount

Holdsworth (1470m) at an uncanny 12:00 pm. Then it was onto the final leg of our journey,

straight down to Powell Hut and a knee jarring descent back to Holdsworth Lodge. A mountainous

thank you must go to Mr Nav, Mrs Kyle and Mrs Oliver for their excellent banter and persistence with

those never ending climbs, Jack Gordon who showed much resilience and was a key asset to the

team, Jack Hopman displayed much commitment and determination, and Marshall Pitney most

certainly added to the vibe even though he ate his Back Country mush. It was a wonderful four day

excursion and created memories to last a life time. Hugh Morrison-Thomas (Tramp Leader)

15

Lunchtime Programming Classes For l in Range(Len(myWord))

Do While x < myNumber

The two lines above may be incomprehensible to

many while to others they are packed with

intriguing meaning.

A group of dedicated students from all year levels

present themselves at the Computer Suite every

lunchtime for computer programming lessons. As

there is no other time available in the school

schedule, Mr Greenwood has made himself available

every lunchtime to provide individualised tuition.

Computer programming is not a gripping activity for

the onlooker. It does not generate the spectacle

that a game of Rugby or Football does. Despite this

lack of visual appeal for the casual

observer the enthusiasm and thrill

experienced by the participants is just as

great. There are frequent exclamations of

excitement as success is achieved as well

as sighs of disappointment when a

program does not work as expected.

Some days there are formal lesson

addressing specific programming

techniques. Other days there are

opportunities for students to follow their

own paths. Many people are able to

express their creativity in art, others in writing or

music. Computer programming presents another

opportunity for exercising the creative spirit.

That computer programming requires considerable

mathematical ability is a myth. It does require a

logical mind and a determination to analyse

situations and create solutions. In fact there are

many areas of programming in which musical and

artistic knowledge and ability are of significant

advantage.

All Rathkeale College and Senior College students

are welcome to come along and get involved.

16

Message from Mr Harper

Outstanding Principal’s Awards

As Term 3 draws to a close, it is glaringly

apparent that the year is almost over. This has

been a busy term and much has been achieved

by those in the Senior College.

With trial Examinations beginning in Week 1 of

Term 4, teachers have been largely focussed on

the completion of internals and there has

seemed little time to focus adequately on

examination preparation. Hopefully this will be

seen as a priority in the lead up to the externals

and students will once again be spoken to about

revision techniques, time management and the

importance of examination success.

Amongst the many extras offered to students

this term have been the Barbara Kendall

seminars, Panorama sessions, the Monetary

Policy Regional Finals, Gateway Careers courses,

Business Studies, Drama, PE and Geography

trips. In addition to this many students

travelled widely for the National Tournament

Week.

With 2015 in mind, the Options Evening

combined with careers sessions and visits to the

School from a number of University and

Polytechnic representatives along with other

professional representatives.

Mid-way through the term the prefects once

again organized an enjoyable Senior College

Dinner Dance. Carterton’s Events Centre was

suitably decorated and the evening was trouble

free.

With the advent of Spring, the tone of the

College is buoyant. Triathlons, tramps and ski

trips have all added to the zest for life of our

young people. This zest will of course also be to

the fore as we reach the end of another term!

Grant Harper Head of Senior College

Outstanding Principal’s Awards were presented to the following Year 12 & 13 boys for achieving an Excellence grade in NCEA Level 2 & Level 3 Angus Gaffney 5, Johnathon Tatham 3, Theodore Hayes 2, George Sims 2, Matthew Wilson 2, Mitchell Anderson, Edward Barnett, Ryan Dewes, Ching Wai Lai, Luke McKay, Hugh Morrison-Thomas, Ka Seng Yew William Warren 3, Jacob Woods 3, Campbell Allen-Jones 2, Isaiah Davies 2, William Tait 2, Reade Thompson-Trott 2, Caleb Allom, Daniel Barnett, Liam Burling, Oliver Mebus-Leckie, Bowen Milner Grace Jacobs Corban 6, Lauren Taylor 5, Jette Bowler 4, Lucy France 4, Zoe Hancox-Monk 4, Michaela Hickey 4,

Ji Hyun Lee 4, Gianina Schwanecke 4, Emily Watt 4, Katherine Williams 4, Rachel Bolt 3, Sarah-Marie Davies 3, Emma Fahey 3, Sarah Heberley 3, Claudia Hickey 3, Victoria Leggett 3, Inverness Mele 3, Jessica Morris 3, Natasha Wall 3, Penny White 3, Casey Williams 3, Emma Brown 2, Jessica Dewhurst 2, Claudia Green 2, Camryn Herbert-Dahlberg 2, Ceilidh Hooper 2, Courtney Leske 2, Jessica O'Connor 2, Emily Robinson 2, Harriet Stevens 2, Eleanor Watt 2, Bailee White 2, Terilee Wickens 2, Misa Yamada 2, Paige Brewster, Sophie Fitzgerald, Rebecca Kirkland, Nicole Sim, Leila Houlbrooke, Jessica Stirling-Walker, Emilie Butterfield, Kayla Lewis, Emily Richardson, Grace Tylee, Kate Nelson, Petra Hall, Makaylah Julian, Monika Lombard, Ashleigh

Long, Lily-Jean Meyrick, Brianna Pilbrow, Kate Plimmer, Damienne Herlihy, Kate Maclean, Eleanor Burnett, Laura Burnett, Melanie Tanner, Lucy Terry, Tatjana Wagner.