principal’s desk 2 - rathkeale college
TRANSCRIPT
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From The Principal’s Desk................ 2
Staff ......................................... 3 NCEA & NZQA Scholarships.......... 3 Looking Ahead ........................... 5 Student Achievements ................ 6
School Community ......................... 6
Board of Trustees ....................... 6 Friends Association ..................... 7
Open Day 2015 .............................. 7 Academic ...................................... 8
NCEA Information ....................... 8 Parent Teacher Interviews ........... 8 Internal Assessments .................. 8
Chaplaincy .................................... 8 Staff Profiles .................................. 9
Leif Hansen................................ 9 Lee Macri................................. 10
Student Profiles............................ 10
Anthony & Stephen Sprowson .... 10 Harry & Mitchell Dickson ............ 11 Ethan & Quinn Childs ................ 11 Ben & Tom Renton.................... 12
Activities ..................................... 13
Ag Department Report .............. 13 The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor
Pursuits Centre ........................ 13 Rathkeale Tramping Club........... 14
Performing Arts ............................ 15
Music Department Report .......... 15 Viva Camp Report..................... 15
Sport .......................................... 17
HIBS Fixture ............................ 17 Lindisfarne Exchange ................ 17 Inter House Athletics ................ 18 1st XI Cricket ............................ 18
Administration ............................. 19 Coming Events ............................. 20 Senior College.............................. 21
Rotary Science and Technology
Forum ..................................... 22 Year 12 Geography Research
Day ........................................ 23
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Parents and Friends
The year to date has seen the College environs
basked in sunshine. While we have been able to
proceed with a full array of Term I events
without interruption, I am becoming increasingly
mindful of the impact the weather is having on
our farming community. Hopefully, early
autumn rains will arrive soon and provide for
those who need it.
One morning in mid-January, while I was
viewing the reconstruction work that had taken
place in the Greek Theatre, an unknown couple
appeared. They introduced themselves as Sir
Henry and Lady Every. Sir Henry is the current
Chairman of the Board of Governors of Repton
School in England and he came to be at
Rathkeale because he googled “Repton” to see
where it might lead him before embarking on his
travels. He was thoroughly impressed with the
school he discovered and is keen for me to
reciprocate by visiting Repton School in England
during my sabbatical, something I will undertake
to do.
Through the plethora of activity inside and
beyond the classroom that permeates Rathkeale
College life, we can see boys working well.
Buoyed by some impressive NCEA and
Scholarship results, the academic scene is
settled with all students engaged in what I trust
will be a fulfilling and successful year.
Rehearsals are underway for Sheilah Winn.
Casts and auditions are all but complete for the
2015 major production, Into The Woods. The
timing of the annual Haka Competition has been
brought forward this year and our school
community is invited to view the healthy inter-
house rivalry associated with this high energy
event on Friday March 13th at 2.15pm.
Sport abounds and we have completed the
annual Athletics Championships with the
Swimming Champs about to follow, also on
March 13th commencing at 4.00pm at the Town
pool. Traditional summer exchanges with
Wanganui Collegiate School and Lindisfarne
College and other schools in cricket have seen
us maintain important relationships through
strong and even competition. The results have
favoured both Rathkeale and our visitors and my
thanks are extended to those who make these
fixtures such a success. In particular, to our
coaches and managers who give up a great deal
of personal time away from their families. I
thank our parents who have attended matches,
billeted visiting players, transported boys and, in
a variety of other ways, supported the College.
Watching our teams in action is certainly a
pleasurable activity for those who are able to.
Student leadership impacts on the feel of a
school environment and I do commend to you
those who have roles as sports team captains,
competition and boarding house leaders and
school prefects. Charles Morrison is leading his
prefect team well. Obvious too is the manner in
which other senior students are demonstrating a
natural and unobtrusive influence over students
at all levels. I have no doubt that junior
students in particular can only be influenced
positively by the culture that exists in our school
environment. Visitors to the school have noticed
and commented on the impression they have
gained of a happy and focused community of
young people.
COMMENT – Leadership and Learning
Two African proverbs put high level wisdom in
front of any leader, but particularly those whose
responsibilities focus on the young in our
society. “It takes a whole village to raise a
child.” and “If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.”
For many years in education the conventional
model was a teacher in the front of a classroom,
who had to sink or swim in terms of their
individual effectiveness with student
achievement. Very little individual support was
given except in situations which started to get
out of control. The idea of a strong,
collaborative, collegial approach to achievement
outcomes was not necessarily the normal way of
operating. The last twenty years have seen
governments, parents and the business
community raise their voices and ask the
fundamental questions, what price do we place
on achievement, not just for the brightest, but
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for all of our young people? As a society we have
come to appreciate and measure the price we
pay in lost human potential when youngsters do
not succeed at school. It is not always a pretty
picture. Clearly, the answers to this achievement
question are very complex, yet they are not
insoluble. There is a simple adage, “If you
believe something is possible, this is the first
step to achieving it.” Most social challenges are
soluble when they are subjected to rigorous
analysis and measurement. Opportunities can be
created and disadvantage cut through and
ultimately discounted.
All of this sounds highly aspirational, yet there
are increasing nodes of success making their
presence felt in many of our schools, where
Boards of Trustees, principals, teachers and
communities operate as a team analysing what
is causing lack of achievement and then
collaborate on establishing solutions to the
identified issues affecting underachieving
students. A range of experiential data now
makes it clear that, after a sound analysis of
their learning, the right intervention can save
many students. Such a saving solution is
predicated on someone being available to work
collaboratively with teachers and co-workers, so
negative behaviour is thus broken down and a
designed pathway leading to the student’s
ultimate learning success is formulated and
monitored for its effectiveness. This approach is
not rocket science. It is built on the best of
systems theory and on the best models the
business and scientific community have to offer.
The wisdom of the two African proverbs has real
relevance for contemporary education. Acknowledgement – Sir Patrick Lynch, CEO oF THE NEW ZEALAND CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE
STAFF
We are delighted the following staff report they
are very happy to be at Rathkeale. Tyler
Watson, Mathematics; Ailsa Andrew, Science
and Biology; Lee Macri, Information Technology;
Leif Hansen, Visual Arts (Photography) and Tom
Philps, Agriculture / Horticulture. We welcome
the return of Angela Kelly as HOD Chemistry and
pleased that Bridget Price has taken over the
Special Education Needs Coordinator’s position.
Mark Berry’s absence while on sabbatical leave
in Term II will see Fran Kirkham teaching Hard
Materials Technology, Furniture and Construction
classes, and Penny Bunny will teach Grant
Harper’s English classes while he assumes the
role of Principal during my leave.
NCEA & NZQA SCHOLARSHIPS
An analysis of the NCEA results trends are
shown below. Although no chart is shown, I
congratulate the 14 Year 10 boys who entered a
total of 118 standards in Level 1 Visual Art,
Mathematics and Science. No one entered
sufficient standards to gain a qualification but
their individual and collective performances were
impressive. 41.5% of the standards were
obtained with Excellence, and 37.3% with Merit,
a total of 78.8% with an endorsement.
The most notable achievers were Tipadol
Kunakorn, Nathan Voice, Tom Frizzell, Callum
Woodhouse, Will McMaster, Ben Williams and
Pranay Singh. These charts comparing
Rathkeale boys (blue plot) with all boys in all
schools (red) and boys in decile 8-10 schools
(green), available on the NZQA website, causes
us to be generally pleased.
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Year 12 NCEA Level 2 - Male
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2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
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Year 13 NCEA Level 3 - Male
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2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
SchoolNationalDecile Band
Year 13 University Entrance - Male
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Overall Rathkeale boys have maintained a generally high level of achievement and by national
comparisons we continue to perform well. Endorsement of the qualification is variable. The
combined Merit and Excellence endorsements range from 71% at Level 1, to 31% at Level 2 and
33% at Level 3 and across all three levels 43 % of boys gained their NCEA qualification with a Merit
or Excellence endorsement. The national drop in UE is clearly evident and the Rathkeale decline
more marked because of the very high percentage in 2013.
The school congratulates the following who gained Excellence endorsement for the qualification.
Year 11 - NCEA Level 1 – Angus Tylee, Troy Etherington, John Weidling, Jack Hopman, Hunter
Nielsen, James Boyce, Matt Pledger, Fred Falloon, Matt Furkert, Isaac Johnston-Lundy, Jack
Gordon, Gabe Jacobs-Corban, Chris Dalley, Tom McKay, Robert Spite, Ben Renton, Ben McCook-
Weir and Reinhard Schwanecke.
Year 12 – NCEA Level 2 - Jacob Woods
Year 13 – NCEA Level 3 - Eddie Barnett, Angus Gaffney, Hugh Morrison-Thomas and Clyde
Yew.
To gain a NZQA Scholarship in any subject is an exceptional level of academic performance and once
again, several Year 13 students in the Senior College have achieved well. Rathkeale College and St
Matthew’s Collegiate extend congratulations to:
Emily Butterfield – 3 Scholarships of which one was outstanding; Angus Gaffney – 3 Scholarships of which one was outstanding;
Edward Barnett – 4 Scholarships of which one was outstanding; Johnty Tatham was the third boy to receive a Scholarship; Misa Yamada – Painting Top Scholar.
Barnett Edward *Chemistry, English, Physics, Statistics Butterfield Emilie *Biology, Geography, History Gaffney Angus *English, Biology, Painting Fahey Emma Geography Hancox-Monk Zoe English Hickey Claudia Design O'Connor Jessica Painting Robinson Emily Painting Schwanecke Gianina English Stevens Harriet Painting
Tatham Johnathon Painting Wall Natasha Painting Yamada Misa PAINTING (1st in NZ)
*Outstanding
LOOKING AHEAD
I wish the boys all the best for the 2015 year and ask them to remain focussed on three things:
• Our expectations - why we set them and the need to adhere to them;
• Involvement – opportunities that will provide enjoyment, challenge and fulfilment;
• Working to achieve to one’s potential in all areas of school life.
Our school motto Nil Mortalibus Ardui Est – Nothing is too difficult for mortal man remains
as significant as ever as we set the foundation for the future of young Rathkeale men.
To keep in touch with upcoming events, please check out our website www.rathkeale.school.nz and to see what has taken place, Images of Rathkeale, on our website home page keep us
well informed.
Willy Kersten - Principal
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STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Good 1st XI Cricket team effort to beat Wanganui Collegiate, Nelson College and draw with
Marlborough Boys’ College (first innings win) in recent cricket fixtures.
Liam Burling – School batting record vs Marlborough College (200 exactly) and another
century vs Lindisfarne College.
John McKeefry gained another Wairarapa Swimming Record and Ollie Donaldson, Mitchell
Cockburn and Logan Allen have performed very well, taking medals in various meets.
Nathan Whiteman, Gerard Hickey and Jonty Morrison have achieved very well in various
Athletics meets after a somewhat less than convincing first day. Also lost to St Paul’s
Collegiate Hamilton during the holidays.
Dylan Drysdale (Karting) Tom McCallum (Cycling) and Max Spencer (Triathlon) doing well.
The Masterton – Trinity combined Tennis team has made a good start to the 2015 season.
Hunter Nielsen selected into the National Youth Pipe Band after a successful camp in
Christchurch.
Shane Mann has been selected (one of three from NZ to attend an E-learning conference in
Seattle in April – May. This all expenses paid trip is in recognition of the work he is doing at
Rathkeale.
Tom McCallum 2nd overall in Wellington U17 Track Cycling Champs.
Jonty Morrison has qualified for the Australian Junior (U20) Track and Field Championships.
At the Rathkeale Athletics day he broke longstanding records in the 100m, 200m and 400m
events and since then has run a PB 100m in 11.14 s. He also won the Open Men’s 200m
title at the Wellington Champs in a time of 22.23s. He is doing very well indeed.
Ben McCook Weir has been commended for his speech in the East Coast region WWI Gallipoli
Centennial Speech Competition.
Some very good team and individual Cricket performances;
o 1st XI win vs Francis Douglas College
o Another Century by Liam Burling vs Lindisfarne
o A six wicket bag to Josh Forester against Wairarapa College
o Russell Kyle taking four wickets for no runs against a Wai College junior team.
A great school Athletics Day at Rathkeale, Max Spencer also breaking a record in the junior
3000m.
Junior Tennis team wins against Wanganui Collegiate and Lindisfarne and HIBS.
Matthew Furkert awarded a Duke of Edinburgh Silver Badge.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board has spent considerable time rewriting the school’s strategic plan. What we have now is a
significantly different document containing new goals and objectives focussed on student
achievement and engagement, the provision of resources and maintaining a comfortable financial
position. The work has been led by Alison Harrison and the board is indebted to her for her advice
and guidance and the considerable personal time she has spent clarifying documents that describe
our way forward. The parent, student and staff responses to the survey last year have provided
much valuable information and we are thankful for that.
The 2015 - 2017 Strategic Plan and the 2015 Annual Plan are available from the school should any parent wish to read or receive a personal copy.
We look forward to the ERO visit commencing on the 23rd of March and trust that the review will
discover that the school is in good heart, that the curriculum is meeting our students’ needs and
that the boys are achieving because of it. ERO will want to know how well the school knows its
students and how well they are engaging in their learning and achieving because of it. I am sure it
will go well. Andy Pottinger – Chairman
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FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
At the recent Friends’ Association AGM, the
following were nominated for key positions.
Justine Seymour-Wilson will be the new
chairperson and Meredith Vollebregt the new
secretary. Miles Jackson will continue as
treasurer. Departing members were thanked for
their hard work over many years. These
included Guy Lewis who chaired for two years,
Chrissie Kershaw and Gail Morrison, the
secretaries, Helen Pocknall and Mandy Clouston.
In 2014, about $45,000 was raised and about
the same amount has been spent on the school.
The boys who went on the OPC trip and sports
teams have been subsidised. The new
competition house marquees and a smaller
school marquee, a drinking fountain, another
BBQ, sports bags and extra tiered seating have
been purchased. We have supported Viva
Camerata, the school production and continued
to spend on the Greek Theatre upgrade. In
2015, funds will be spent on the bush pathway
and fitness course, cordless microphones and
further support for the OPC boys and the
completion of the Greek Theatre upgrade. There
will also be other requests we will support.
The efforts of all those in the association are
important we look forward to any ideas people
may have to raise further funds in support of the
school. We meet every Wednesday at 7.00pm.
All parents are invited to join us at these
meetings or help in other ways. After our AGM,
we were joined by the board of trustees and it
was nice to have the efforts of the Friends’ Assn
acknowledged by them.
Chrissie and Gail (Departing Secretaries)
OPEN DAY 2015
We warmly welcome parents and boys to attend our Open Day on Tuesday May 12. Below you will find details of the programme for the day. We hope you enjoy the day and get an insight into what Rathkeale has to offer.
Please register your attendance at our Open Day. Follow the link on our website www.rathkeale.school.nz/quick links.
Programme
9.30am-3.30pm:
Registration and School tours, which can be organised from the Trust House Theatre Foyer at any time during these hours, accompanied by Rathkeale students.
10.30am & 1.30pm:
Presentations in the Trust House Theatre from the Principal and Senior Staff
Information on the following specific subjects will be on display in the Trust House Theatre throughout the day.
Academic
Administration
Boarding
Community
Performing Arts
Pastoral
Sport
Spiritual
Uniform
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ACADEMIC
NCEA INFORMATION
The first submission of data to NZQA will be
made in late March. As all students will be
settled in to classes by then the data should be
accurate.
However, students in years 12 and 13 are
encouraged to log on to the NZQA website to
check entry information. Students new to NCEA
will be unable to log in and check this until early
next term once the process has been shown to
them.
Data containing results is sent every 15 days so
that students can keep a close eye on their own
progress. Any query regarding the accuracy of
results should be directed to the classroom
teacher or Mr Peter Haworth.
PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
The first formal chance for parents and teachers
to meet and discuss student progress will be the
19th and 20th March (3.30pm – 6.30pm both
days).
Parents can make bookings on either evening –
whichever suits you as a family.
Bookings will again be able to be made on the
internet from 8.00am on Friday 13th March. The
web address is:
www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code
The event code is ZE9EM
Please follow the instructions on the web-page.
If you do not have access to internet please
telephone the school office so interview
arrangements can be made.
INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS
Term One Calendar of Internal Assessments is
now only available on-line at the following link
http://www.rathkeale.school.nz/news/ncea-
assessment/
Feedback on the usefulness of this webpage is
wanted. Please email me
[email protected] with any thoughts and
suggestions. It does look too “busy” to me!
Peter Haworth
CHAPLAINCY
As a staff we have all been reflecting on the
results of the survey that was sent out to staff,
students and parents last year. From that
survey, one of the points that was noted was
that both students and parents would like
greater access for students to me, the Chaplain.
So I am taking a prompt from that survey and
want to explain what it is I offer and how I can
be contacted.
As a Chaplain, my first concern is with the
Anglican Special Character of Rathkeale. I am
happy to field any questions about what that
Special Character is and what it means in
practice, from both parents and students. As of
last November, I am an ordained Anglican
Priest, and can therefore baptise, marry and
perform other priestly functions in accordance
with my role at your request.
However, where I may be of more use and
interest to parents and students is in my role as
a mentor and guide for students. While I can
operate in a minor counselling capacity (but
note that we have an excellent School
Counsellor – Mrs Teresa Ahipene) I find that I
am often most called upon by the boys to be a
mentor as they navigate difficult life situations,
for example: struggling to make big decisions
about their future, dealing with relational
problems, dealing with “big picture” questions
(what’s the purpose of my life?). In particular,
my own experience with depression has enabled
me to empathise with and walk alongside those
who are also struggling with it – and it is
becoming a more and more common illness in
our society.
Finally, I am always up for a good old-fashioned
chat about religion, philosophy and the meaning
of life. Adolescence can be a time when young
people wrestle with these questions, and I enjoy
being a sounding board and sharing from my
own experience in these fields. However, often
adults will similarly want to explore these issues
and I consider myself a Chaplain to the wider
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Rathkeale community – including you parents –
and am always available to talk with anyone
who is navigating these kinds of issues.
The easiest way for boys to set up an
appointment with me is to either see me around
school, text me on 0274724850 or email me at
[email protected]. I also extend that
invitation to any parent or member of our wider
community who would like to come and see me.
I hope that the start of the year has been a
good one for you, and I look forward to meeting
more of you in the future. Revd Ben Arcus
STAFF PROFILES
LEIF HANSEN
Art & Photography Teacher
Where do you come from?
Feilding, Manawatu
What is your favourite food?
It’s a bit hard narrowing this
one down, as this is an area I
pride myself on researching
very thoroughly, and regularly;
but Thai, Italian and Indian are
some of my favourite
accompaniments to pies, sausage rolls and
cream buns.
What are your impressions about
Rathkeale? Very impressed – it’s such a nice
environment to be working and learning in with
all the trees and space, and on the whole the
facilities are pretty amazing too (with the only
glaring omission the current lack of a state of
the art sports gymnasium – although I hear
plans are afoot). The students seem very
comfortable and at home here which is really
great to see – they are very lucky to be going
to school here.
Where are some places you've travelled?
Travelling is another one of my major subjects
– I’ve been lucky enough to make it to around
60 countries so far with the only continent I am
yet to stand on being Antarctica (which is on
the ‘to do’ list). I really love that feeling of
encountering new and unexpected things that
travelling offers. There have been a lot of
highlights in my travels but Italy and Greece
still stand out as the ‘full package’ countries to
visit, Scotland and Norway are my top for wild,
stunning landscapes and Thailand / South east
Asia is hard to beat for cheap, easy yet very
interesting travel.
What is your favourite thing about
Rathkeale so far? I eat in the dining hall so I
don’t have to make my lunch every day. In
saying that, I need to make it quite clear that
eating my lunch is not the sole reason for
coming to work.
What do you like about the Wairarapa?
Where do I start? I’m not sure why I haven’t
considered living here before. This might seem
a bit over the top but the Wairarapa could just
be the Tuscany of New Zealand - a fertile
agricultural and wine-making region close to
mountains and sea, hot and dry in summer and
cold in winter with a series of fiercely
independent townships dotted throughout the
region; I’ve even encountered a few
renaissance men and women walking around.
Needless to say, my family and I are thoroughly
enjoying the Wairarapa.
What are your hobbies? Over the last few
years my hobbies have primarily involved home
renovating, coaching sport, gardening and
spending time with my family – and if there’s
any time left when that’s all done I take the
odd photograph and go mountain biking.
What is a surprising fact that people
probably didn't know about you? My Name
(Leif Hansen) is in fact Norwegian in origin,
owing to my Norwegian great grandfather who
came from Bergen. I grew up in rural NZ being
the kid with the odd name. However in
Norway, Denmark and even in Schleswig
Holstein in the north of Germany (where Mr
Philps, the new agriculture teacher has been
working for the past 7 years), Leif Hansen is
almost as common as John Smith.
Who do you think is going to win the
Cricket World Cup? NZ have a strong chance
provided Guptill, Taylor and Elliot start scoring
some runs. A potential batting collapse if
McCullum or Williamson fail is still our Achilles
heel I believe (although it doesn’t take a genius
to work that out). Come on NZ!
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LEE MACRI
HOD Digital Technology
Where do you come from? Samuel Marsden Collegiate School
What is your favourite food? Hot Curry
What are your impressions about Rathkeale? Fantastic learning environment. Staff create a welcoming, family like atmosphere.
Where are some places you've travelled? North and South Americas,
Europe, Caribbean, NZ
What is your favourite thing about Rathkeale so far? Lunch
What do you like about the Wairarapa? Weather and people.
What are your hobbies? Raising three children – no time.
What is a surprising fact that people probably didn't know about you? Was married in a Las Vegas drive through ceremony 12 years ago.
Who do you think is going to win the Cricket World Cup? I fail to understand Cricket, but I believe the Canucks will win the Stanley Cup at some point in the future.
STUDENT PROFILES
ANTHONY & STEPHEN SPROWSON
We came to New Zealand from Harare in Zimbabwe in 2000 and have only been back once. That was on a family trip at the end of 2013. We came here from MIS where we were keen on sport and
we have continued to enjoy it. We have four boys in our family and a younger sister.
We came to Rathkeale College because our parents decided it was the place they wanted us to be. Mark, our older brother came here two years ahead of us and that experiment worked. We could tell he liked it here and there are so many opportunities.
We strive to excel in sport and academically. Both are important to us football and we have both been playing rugby and cricket. However, we are thinking about playing football this season. Mum and Dad have high expectations and that has an influence of how we do things, probably how well we achieve also. For them, and us, our school work and how well we do in the classroom is important.
We are challenged most by different things. For me (Stephen) some Maths is hard but I can usually get it sorted. I am going the Science way a bit and it is something I am seem to enjoy more. Time management is a challenge more for me (Anthony) and this might be because I like the design type subjects that do not appear to have such tight frames. Overall, there is not a huge amount that challenges us at school.
We have been influenced greatly by our family. Our parents want the best for us, but we do have high expectations for ourselves. Mark left at the end of 2013 and Kenneth, who is in Year 13,
have both influenced us greatly. They can both help us with our Maths.
You might be surprised to know that that I (Stephen) sleep talk and like some other twins, Anthony sometimes knows what Stephen is going to say. Sometimes twins just seem to be able to do this. To tell us apart, most people have to know which side we part our hair on.
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HARRY & MITCHELL DICKSON
As you can see we are quite identical in appearance, but if you look closely you may be able to see some physical differences. We come from Wanganui and went to Huntley School as day boys and have now started in Year 9 at Rathkeale. Our parents work in and are from Wanganui where Mum is at the Airport. Dad is the Executive Manager of all operations on Mt Ruapehu and that is probably why we are so keen on skiing. We are both interested in
sport, especially football and, in the summer, athletics (Harry) and tennis (Mitchell).
We came to Rathkeale College because we and our parents decided there were several good
reasons. There was no suggestion from others and we do not have any family connections with the school. It all started at Huntley School when the Year 7 boys came to Rathkeale for their camp. We enjoyed the environment very much and found it was a nice place to be. We visited the school after that and found there were lots of sporting opportunities, that the academic standards were high and the Rathkeale boys and staff were friendly. We wanted to be in a boys’ school and enjoy friendships through a boarding experience.
We strive to excel in football and are hoping to make the top junior team. The academic side of things is very important for both of us and we try hard in our classes. We enjoy being involved in lots of things and want to do our best. Being with other boys is something we really enjoy and we do our best to enjoy their company.
We are both challenged most by getting all our prep done at times. Generally it is ok, but sometimes we do get quite a lot and we have to use some of our spare time. Our parents are
probably quite pleased we have a lot of prep to do. Most things seem to be going well.
We have been influenced greatly by the welcome the senior boys have given us. They are fun to be with and have made us feel comfortable in the day school and in the boarding house. It seems there is a very happy environment at Rathkeale. Ant Havard is a really nice guy. He is always happy, he looks out for us younger boys and is fun to be with.
You might be surprised to know that even though we are twins we do have different
personalities, but we will leave it to you to find out in what ways. Sometimes we surprise ourselves by saying exactly the same thing at the exactly the same time. Sometimes this is when we are answering a question or even for no reason.
ETHAN & QUINN CHILDS
We are Masterton boys. Dad is a Wairarapa person and so is Mum. Sport is our passion, but we know that to do well, even as a sportsman, we need to be good in class and try hard with our school work. We are both keen to do our best. We came from Masterton Intermediate School at the same time a lot of other boys came and it has been good to be with some of our friends still, but we do not mind each other’s company either.
We started coming to Rathkeale College about three years ago when Dad brought us out to the cricket nets. Since then we have come to like the grounds, especially the sports fields. We also heard that the teachers were good and that we would get a good quality education. Even though we don’t do any music or drama there are still lots of opportunities and we enjoy them and the musical things we do have to do. Liam Burling is our cousin and we have spent a lot of time with him. It was easy for him to convince us Rathkeale was a good place to be and he is right. We like the small classes and the quiet nature of Rathkeale.
We strive to excel in football, cricket and our school work. They are all important, but cricket is the sport most important to us. It is an interesting game and not just about how fit or fast or strong you are, but there is a lot of strategy and we like that. A game can change so quickly and to play
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well you have to concentrate hard all the time. This is not always easy on a hot sunny day. Academically, we both try very hard, but we do not know what we want to do
We are both challenged by some subjects which is partly why we take them. Doing Art, Music and Drama will help our confidence. The other challenge we have is dealing with people calling each
of us the other’s name.
We have been influenced greatly by Dad. He has taught us a lot because he was a keen sportsman and he still loves sport. He is keen to help us achieve, especially in cricket. He does coach rugby at Rathkeale and we play football so there are times he does not see us play but he is there when he can be. Our football hero is Cristiano Ronaldo.
You might be surprised to know that we are spending this week in boarding. It has been quite
enjoyable.
BEN & TOM RENTON
We are both in Year 12 and this is our fourth year at Rathkeale. We are from a farming family at Bideford and have boarded in all our time here. Sport is very important to us, particularly rugby, athletics and tennis, but we are both interested in all sport. Equally important is the academic side of things and we know our achievements will impact on where we want to go in the future.
We came to Rathkeale College because coming from Hadlow School, going to Rathkeale seemed a natural progression. Our parents, uncles and auntie attended Rathkeale and St Matthew’s and this no doubt influenced our family decision to continue the connection. However, we wanted to come here as well. We knew some older boys who had done well and we had friends in our year coming. We knew about the Rathkeale environment and we wanted to be part of that. Going to Rathkeale was not a hard decision to make.
We strive to excel in most of what we do. Academically, we know if we put our mind to it we can do well. In NCEA Level 1 we received Excellence (Ben) and Merit (Tom) endorsements, but across the subjects it is pretty even. We are quietly competitive with each other on and off the field and who comes first is generally depends on the day. In sport, both of us are very competitive especially when we are playing in the same team. We do our best for the school and this brings out
the best in us individually.
We are challenged mostly by different things. For me (Ben) it is mostly to do with time management and getting things sorted but for me (Tom) is more specific. Chemistry is my biggest challenge at the moment, but that might change. Both of us have had the frustration of suffering sporting injuries and at times that is frustrating, but we have to be patient.
We have both been influenced greatly by the boys around us. For me (Tom) Elliot Mason was a
good person to have looking out for us. He was very kind to the younger boys and I found him easy to relate to. For me (Ben) our current friends, particularly Finn Yeats and Ueta Tufuga provide me with great support. They are skilful sportsmen and I have learnt a great deal from them.
You might be surprised to know that even though we are twins we do we even surprise ourselves by saying exactly the same thing at the exactly the same time. Sometimes this is when we are answering a question or even for no reason. We have heard this is exactly the same for
other twins at Rathkeale.
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ACTIVITIES
AG DEPARTMENT REPORT
The Agriculture department is very busy at the moment, with
two new teachers setting up new programmes and the students
getting stuck into the gardens and paddocks. A big thank you to
Peter Vallance of Che Baa Baa mobile shearing for taking the
wool off the backs of some very shaggy hot sheep at the start of
the term and doing a very good job of it too. Also to Mr David
Donald for his donation of time, knowledge and 10 more ewes. I
don’t think he was expecting to get roped into teaching the Yr
11 Ag class but he did a wonderful job of teaching the boys
about sheep! Mr Jamie Clinton-Baker has been watching over
and shifting the sheep during the school vacation and his help is
very much appreciated. An application has gone to the Friends
Association to get some yards built so hopefully we will have a
lot more hands on work with the sheep to come.
This year we entered a lamb into the Gate to Plate competition.
We were soundly beaten by some much fatter, meatier products
but some of the students have already started thinking about
how to grow a better product for next year’s entry, so the local
farming community may have some real competition on its
hands soon.
The Horticultural plots have had a freshen up with a load of
mushroom compost and the Y11-13 Ag classes along with the
Y10 Rural group have been digging up the weeds and making it
look good again. A new bin for potting mix has been built and all
the students are busy planting seeds to get the fresh produce
rolling. The chooks are back after a summer vacation and all in
all it is a very vibrant and happy department to be working in.
We are also looking at setting up a TeenAg club in conjunction
with the Young Farmers.
If you have a property you
think would be suited to a
Field Trip by any of our
Agricultural classes, we
would love to hear from you
as often the best learning is
from the experts directly on
the farm. The Yr 13 students
have already been out, once
to see a variety of cattle
breeds and then again to
visit the Woodhouse’s dairy
farm. They will be focusing
on the marketing of primary
products (dairy and apples)
and the impact of water
quality and quantity on
farming in NZ. The Yr 12
students have a programme
based on land
use/environmental concerns
as well as livestock
reproduction technologies.
Y11 Ag is all about soil and
livestock management and
practical skills. Y10 rural
studies is a taster course
introducing horticulture,
poultry farming and basic
agriculture.
THE SIR EDMUND HILLARY OUTDOOR PURSUITS CENTRE
5 Day Holiday Action Programme 2015
Sponsored by the Friends of Rathkeale.
“We hope that families will recognise this as an
amazing opportunity for their sons”.
Rathkeale College
in conjunction
with the
Rathkeale Friends
Association are
pleased to offer
the opportunity
for 10 students to
attend the
Tongariro 5 day Holiday Action Programme at
The Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre
(OPC) near Turangi.
We hope that families will recognise this as an
amazing opportunity for their sons and
encourage them to express an interest. We will
be selecting 10 students who display a positive
attitude and who will gain from the experience.
Criteria such as effort in class, attitude towards
school life and attitude towards fellow pupils will
be considered.
Students who think they are up to the challenge
are encouraged to see Mr Ewington for an
application pack and more detailed information.
Any boy between the ages of 14 and 18 who
would enjoy five days of outdoor activities such
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as caving, high ropes, abseiling, kayaking,
climbing and an overnight camp in the bush or
mountains of the unspoilt Tongariro National
Park is eligible to apply.
Successful applicants will leave Masterton on
Sunday 12th April and return on Friday 17th
April 2015. Half the course fees will be paid for
by the Friends of Rathkeale with the boys being
required to pay the remainder. This is the fourth
of such offers and the college is extremely
grateful for the initiative which has been
supported by the Rathkeale Friends’ Association.
The last three trips were a resounding success
and we look forward to many boys benefitting
from the experience in future years.
RATHKEALE TRAMPING CLUB
On the 1st of March the Rathkeale Tramping Club embarked on its first tramp of the
year, to McGregor Falls, a beautiful waterfall that is well hidden and that many have
never heard of. This year the Tramping Club has gained in size by almost double
with a heap of year 9 students which is very promising for the years to come. The
students on the trip were Jack Gordon, Matthew Furkert, Gallagher Houlbrooke,
Callum Woodhouse, Aidan Furkert, Archie Woodhouse, Jayden Yanko, Jack
Hopman, Banon Hopman, Sam Cook, Rory Thomson, George Robinson, and Vanya
Arnopp with two staff members accompanying us, Mr. Nawalaniec and Mr. Watson.
Mr. Woodhouse and Mrs. Nawalaniec generously gave up their time to help run this
trip.
The team arrived at Holdsworth carpark around 8.00am sharp, on a gorgeous
summer’s morning without a cloud in the sky. We then followed the Atiwhakatu
River upstream and up the East Holdsworth track until we ditched the track and
just went through the river. We clambered over rocks and attempted to scale
waterfalls which left us with cuts and bruises. This was a new experience for the
Year 9 boys and a few in Year 10.
At around 1 o'clock we left the river and headed up to the top of McGregor Falls
and admired the picturesque views of the Wairarapa. We then headed around to
gaze in awe at the falls, where we stopped for photos and a wee snack. We then
headed up to the bush line and got further beat up whilst scrabbling through the
scrub and tussock up towards Powell Hut where we stopped for a well- earned
lunch of sandwiches, soup and bit of chocolate. All that was left from then on was
to have a nice stroll down the Gentle Annie track.
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But as Mr. Nav was in charge we then ended up going far off track to find a
hidden hut which is even more unknown than McGregor Falls itself, thus adding
another half an hour or two onto the trip. But it was definitely worth it in the end.
So we then stumbled and shuffled our way back down to the carpark where we
emerged from the bush at around 50m feeling triumphant but mostly exhausted
and in need of a hot shower.
Overall another great tramping experience for the Rathkeale Tramping Club with a
pleasant group of new faces and personalities. Hopefully Mr. Nav didn't scare them
too much and hopefully they'll be back for more.
Many thanks to Ian Woodhouse and Vicky Nawalaniec for helping out on this
tramp.
By Jack Gordon
PERFORMING ARTS
MUSIC DEPARTMENT REPORT
The year has got off to a hectic start in the
Music Department. School House is busy with
boys practising in the afternoons and evenings,
and music lessons are well underway. While
most of our visiting instrumental teachers are
full, it is often possible to find a way to squeeze
in a student who would really like to learn an
instrument, so if any more boys would like to
take advantage of this opportunity, they should
see me.
Following his ongoing commitment to Pipe Band
drumming, it is great to be able to report that
Hunter Nielsen (Yr 12) has been accepted into
the NZ Youth Pipe Band. Many congratulations
to Hunter on this excellent achievement.
There is a buzz of excitement in the Music
Department as boys and girls prepare
themselves for auditions for this year’s musical
production of ‘Into the Woods’. As this show
does not have a conventional chorus, relying
instead on just the individual characters,
competition for the roles will be intense! Good
luck to all who are putting themselves forward.
A band has been formed to perform at the final
night of this year’s Golden Shears competition in
Masterton. ‘Open Ends’ features Isaac Johnston-
Lundy, Jack Laven, Jamie Gordon and John
Weidling. Congratulations to the boys for
accepting this challenge, which I hope will be the
first of several performances given by this band
during the year.
The annual ‘Battle of the Bands’ takes place on
Saturday 21 March, at the end of Week 7. This is
always a good evening, featuring combinations
of boys and girls who battle it out to see who
‘wins’ by collecting the most money once the
audience has voted with cash for their favourite
band or bands. All the money collected goes to a
charity, to be chosen by the school prefects. The
evening will start at 6pm and if the weather is
helpful, it will take place in the Greek Theatre.
Please do come along if you can to support our
performers. Adam Gordon HOD Music
VIVA CAMP REPORT
On the sunny afternoon of Friday 13th of February, the members of Viva Camerata and staff loaded
their bags into a bus and headed over the Rimutaka Hill to be a part of Viva Camp 2015. Whilst a lot
of students were tired from the busy week before, there was a positive atmosphere. However, what
was a promising start became slightly panic filled as the bus overheated half way up the Rimutakas,
enabling us to quickly discover who suffered from claustrophobia! Eventually the problem was fixed
and we soon reached our destination of Silverstream Retreat.
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After unloading the bus, getting our rooms assigned and having dinner, we were straight into the
first ‘bonding’ activity of the weekend. We were split into groups and handed a percussion music
score where we had to create our own percussion sounds in the most inventive way possible whilst
following the rhythm. This proved to be difficult for some as not everyone knew how to read music.
Even with extended help, some people couldn’t quite get it, resulting in some strange rhythms being
played. In the end the exercise turned into a big laughing fest, which was a great way to break the
ice and get us motivated for the weekend. We then wrote down what we thought should be the
“2015 Viva Rules”, and ideas were shared such as: Having respect for one another, be organised,
give 110% and most importantly, have fun and enjoy ourselves!
That night an evil plan was formed between Mrs Vundy and a student for a novel wake up. Everyone
was expecting Mrs Vundy to walk around repeating “morning, morning, morning”. Instead, it was a
year 13 boy playing a very loud, smooth sounding jazz saxophone, which resulted in some very
confused, sleep deprived students emerging out of their rooms. Some people who were already
awake enjoyed it, but for the most part people were not too happy with him. After morning
stretches and breakfast it was time to dive into the first rehearsal.
As said, one of the main reasons for the camp was to learn music, and Saturday was the busiest in
this sense with four 1 ½ hour sessions. We learned new pieces in sectionals then came together
again to sing as a whole choir. It was great to see how we all sounded together - what was good
and things we can improve on in the future. On Saturday we had a long break where true bonding
occurred. It was first done over watching cricket, but then turned into the strangest game of cricket
ever seen. A bouncy ball, a jandal for a bat and a bin for the stumps. The outs were normal, one
hand one bounce, two bounces one head-butt. This let the friendships form and the banter flow.
On Sunday morning everyone was woken by the dawn chorus of Mrs Vundy saying “Morning,
morning, morning”, over and over and over again and marching into everyone’s rooms, making sure
they were awake.
Even though at times some of us were silenced for talking too much or allowing ourselves to be
worked up over little problems, we managed to learn six whole pieces, and we are looking forward
to showcasing these throughout the year.
Overall, Viva Camp 2015 was a fantastic experience, where we were able to bond as a choir and
broaden our musical knowledge in a way that was, most of the time, without complaint. Seeing
everyone’s faces light up when we sung a particularly magical part in a song was incredible, and it
was really a reward after all the hard work that went into the rehearsals. The initial awkwardness of
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coming together as a new group quickly disappeared and we were really able to focus on being one
big musical family. A particularly special moment was when we spontaneously burst out into a
traditional Zulu piece that we had learnt in fifteen minutes. There wasn’t one member of the choir
who wasn’t clapping or singing along, and it’s moments like these that truly capture what Viva
Camerata is all about. Everybody was able to learn something new that weekend, whether it was
how to correctly support your body in order to produce a good sound, or how to correctly read a
sheet of music, which will really benefit Viva Camerata later in the year.
An enormous thank you must go out to all the staff involved. This weekend could not have been
possible without you and we are extremely lucky to have you all. A special mention to Mrs Vundy,
who always wants what’s best for us and really lives and breathes the true spirit of the choir. We
have a long year ahead of us, but with the positive kick off from camp we are ready to go and are
already focusing on our next big goal, the Big Sing regional competition in Wellington. There may be
speed bumps along the way, but if everyone puts in an effort then we will be able to achieve to our
expectations, and we are excited to see what lies in store for Viva Camerata 2015.
Lucy France & Oliver Mebus-Leckie
SPORT
HIBS FIXTURE
26th February brought a visit to HIBS for the
annual summer junior exchange. Our junior
Tennis 8, led by Tom Wagner at number one
worked hard in the sunshine to produce a strong
performance across the board for a resounding
8-4 victory. The team which also included;
Hunter Jacobson, Jake Hewitt, Oscar Lau-Young,
Matthew Heard, Jack Eschenbach, Hugo Lau
Young and Joseph Greenlees who can be more
than pleased with their days work against strong
opposition.
Meanwhile in the cricket, our opponents who are
headed towards the national junior finals this
month were just too strong against our young
but talented team who have done well in recent
weeks. The low total posted by our boys wasn’t
sufficient to trouble the opposition who
registered a 5 wicket victory.
LINDISFARNE EXCHANGE
The always much anticipated fixture this year brought our visitors from the Hawkes Bay for 1st XI,
2nd XI and Junior Cricket along with Senior and Junior top 8 Tennis. “A win on aggregate” was Mr
Gaffney’s description of the days play on the courts with the juniors continuing their fine form and
coming up 11-1 winners over their rivals while the seniors fought hard but were unable to overturn
a slow start eventually going down 7-5.
The Colts XI bounced back well from HIBS with a solid bowling effort reducing Lindisfarne to 30-7
through wickets to Beau Hourigan and Jake McIntyre. However a late fight back rattled the score up
to 150. Our innings never got going with the top order struggling against some tight bowling.
Dismissed for 41 was a disappointing way to end the day after such a positive beginning.
The 2nd XI’s epic encounter went late into the afternoon. Bowling first, the boys began well with
some accurate bowling to ensure their chase was ‘gettable’.
Chasing 139 for the win the innings started well through captain Ken Sprowson and wicket keeper
Josh Tatham. At 70-1 things looked good. However, a flurry of wickets reduced us to 81-7. Keegan
Curtis played the anchor role and a one wicket victory was secured when Pranay Singh’s desperate
dive got him home after a sharp single.
Those present saw some fantastic sport, as always played in great competitive spirit in amazing
weather and we congratulate the boys on their performance both on and off the field.
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INTER HOUSE ATHLETICS
Friday 20th February saw the house athletics
competition take place. On a beautiful day the
boys ran, jumped and threw with much success.
Elijah Mapusua was the star in the under 14
champs taking out 4 1st places. Max Spencer
dominated in the under 15 champs. The
Sprowson twins Anthony and Stephen were first
and Second in the Under 16 champs while John
McKeefry claimed the senior trophy.
Athletics captain, Jonty Morison had an
outstanding day breaking records in the 100m,
200m and 400m to also take out the Sprint Cup.
Max Spencer broke the Under 15, 1500m record
and Gerard Hickey raised the bar in the under
15 High Jump.
Blake house took out the Knight family house
cup for the third year running in what was a
fantastic finish to the day. The tug of war
competition, watched a huge crowd, was also
taken out by Blake house in both the junior and
senior competitions.
We now look forward to Intercollegiate Athletics
on Wednesday 11th March at the Masterton
Sports Bowl with 39 of our boys competing on
both Track and Field.
1ST XI CRICKET
As always Term One is busy for the 1st XI. It has
proved to be a great summer with some fine
individual and team performances and this has been
pleasing.
The term began with a trip to Wanganui Collegiate.
Bowling first in friendly conditions, we began well with
Luis Garnett picking up early wickets. Some stubborn
resistance got our hosts up to 205 with Luis finishing
with 4-46. In reply we began slowly. Miller Paton
Masters and Kelsey Fahey batted well before Captain
Liam Burling made the bold move to declare behind to
try and force a result.
With a lead of 92 and some fine, accurate bowling
Collegiate set the challenging total of 202 in 42 overs.
On a wearing wicket and slow outfield this was to
prove harder than it once looked. A solid 43 from
Charlie Morrison got us under way before a-run-a-ball
55 from Liam Burling and an intelligent finish from
Dylan Price got the boys home in a dramatic last over.
We made the next trip north to Francis Douglas in
New Plymouth. With some unavailability we gave
debuts to Josh Tatham and Ethan Childs.
Winning the toss on a dry looking wicket we batted
first and lost early wickets before Liam and Zac
Caldwell came together in a crucial partnership. Liam
made 46 and Zac 61 before they were dismissed. A
late knock from Jeremy Osborne got the team up to
194, much less than the team hoped for.
Our impressive tight bowling continued with Ethan
Childs performing well on debut to take 4-26. We
restricted FDMC to 134-7 before they declared,
another good sign of our positive intent towards the
game, which requires both teams to play ball.
Our response to setting a total was to lose early
wickets again and potentially with it the match.
However a superb, battling 67 from Dylan Price got
the score to 182 before the declaration.
Set 243 to win FDMC, came out swinging! The score
shot along before Liam removed both openers and
normality returned. Regular wickets from all the
bowlers set up a pleasing 97 run win with Quinn
Childs the pick of the bowlers with 4-32.
The much anticipated McBride Petersen Trophy was
next on the agenda. A disappointed team handed over
the trophy on Sunday afternoon to the better team
across the four innings. Sloppy batting contributed to
our low first innings score of 139 before Wai Col
replied with 256, the highlight being Jack Forrester’s
6/67. Under the pump and only 80 in front, 9 wickets
down on Sunday morning, the Childs twins combined
for a classy 72 run last wicket stand that showed
everyone that our batting will be in safe hands for the
next 4 summers.
Setting Wai Col 151 to win gave us a chance but
missed opportunities and some excellent batting got
our hosts home by 7 wickets and the handover of the
trophy.
Normal service was resumed in the Gillette cup the
following Tuesday. Batting first on a good wicket we
made 248-8. A great platform built by Charlie
Morrison 65 and Anthony Sprowson 35 meant that the
middle order players had something to work with.
Only Kelsey Fahey with 32 made any inroads before
Jack Forrester and Quinn Childs got us up to 248.
In the field we were excellent and backed up strong
bowling display. Kelsey Fahey ran in hard and was
rewarded with 4-20 while Liam Burling was also tidy
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with 2-22. We look forward to the next round against
Paraparaumu College.
We welcomed Lindisfarne College next in our annual
three-day fixture. Losing the toss on the flattest
wicket of the season so far. Lindisfarne made 351. We
battled hard and took their last 5 wickets for 53 with
Luis Garnett ending with 4-65.
In one for the archives Anthony Sprowson took one of
the best catches seen on the oval. Diving backwards
over his head at fine leg he reeled in a spectacular
one hander.
In response, Liam Burling made an outstanding 121
before a little stutter with the middle order before we
again declared behind in order to force a result and
claim the trophy. A quiet start to the Lindisfarne 2nd
innings was sprung into life on day three by an
outstanding run out from Kelsey Fahey. Regular
wickets fell hereafter and we were left with a very
‘gettable’ 301 from 73 overs.
A difficult 15 minute period before lunch left us 10-2
with both openers dismissed. Liam Burling made 64
and Dylan Price 33 but no one was able to make a big
contribution and get us over the line.
A fine game of cricket and some special performances
were seen. The 99 runs we declared behind proved to
be the difference but without them we would not have
had the opportunity of win Such was the quality of the
wicket, no team wanted to handover the initiative
easily.
We now look forward to the latter stages of the
Gillette Cup and the visit of the Old Boys XI and St
Peter’s, Cambridge to round off the season.
ADMINISTRATION It is timely to remind or clarify with all parents
some matters regarding the school’s
expectations:
Absences – The school office must be advised
of any absences and requests to leave school
early or for an appointment. Advanced requests
for leave for an entire day or more must be
sought from Mr Kersten in the first instance,
preferably by letter or email. Additionally, for
boarders, arrangements also need to be made
with the boarding house staff.
For unforeseen absences, please phone the
school office as soon as possible on the day.
Students are expected to catch up on their work
any time they have been away from regular
classes because of school trips and activities.
They must take it upon themselves to catch up
with missed work in the first instance.
Vehicles – Students who have obtained school
licences to do so may bring vehicles to school.
They must be driven responsibly and may only
be parked in the main school car park.
Cell phones and music players – These
devices are not permitted to be used during
class time or during transitions between classes.
The school will not take responsibility for the
loss of these items. Please expect these to be
confiscated if they are seen to be used at
inappropriate times or in an unacceptable
manner.
Naming Student and School Property – All
personal property must be named so the student
can be clearly identified. Failure to do this will
impose further unnecessary costs for the
replacement of items lost because we are not
able to identify the owner. The same applies to
student books. Students who repeatedly leave
their own and school property around the school
will receive impositions and parents will be
contacted.
Winter Uniform - New winter uniform is now in
stock for all Yr 9, 10 and 11 boys. Minimal
second hand uniform is available. Yr 9 and Yr
10 boys need 2 pairs of winter shorts and 2
winter shirts. From Yr 11 up, trousers are
optional – however if your boy is only wearing
trousers then he must have 2 pairs.
Other winter uniform has now been ordered – if
your boy does not have or has not ordered a
winter sports shirt or a dark green winter shirt
(Yr 12 and Yr 13 only) then they must see
Uniform Shop staff asap.
Winter sports socks and winter sports shorts are
stock items. Please do not leave these to the last
minute to purchase – we do run out!
Sports Uniform. Hockey and football shirts in
the smaller sizes will be available by the end of
March. There is new stock available in the larger
sizes.
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Rugby jerseys. Due to the closure of our
current manufacturer we are having to make a
change with our rugby jersey. All colts and
junior rugby players must have the new rugby
jersey. Second team rugby players will continue
to play in the old jersey unless there has been a
consensus by the players and their parents that
they wish to have the new jerseys as well. All
boys needing the new jersey should already
have tried on sample rugby jerseys for sizing –
please do so asap if your boy has not ordered.
Delivery of jerseys will be confirmed as soon as
we have been notified of this date.
Naming of Clothing - Many items turn up at
the main office as lost property, at the Uniform
Shop or in the boarding houses unnamed. Often
we hear the comment – “it got stolen” when in
fact the problem lies with the item being
unnamed. The person purchasing the item is
responsible for it being named. Matrons are
happy to name items for boarders.
Friend’s Raffle – 2015 - The Friends of
Rathkeale College invite you to support the
Friends Raffle 2015.
The eldest child from each family has been
charged $10(per term) on disbursements and
will go in the draw to win one of two credits of
$600 per term, which will be applied to your
school account.
Whilst this Raffle is voluntary, the Friends do
encourage your support as they do a wonderful
job fundraising for the school. Should you wish
to opt out please email Toni Freeman on
COMING EVENTS
14/15 March - Exeat
19/20 March - 3.30-6.30pm Parent Teacher
Interviews
25 March – Intercollegiate Swimming
27/28/29 March - Yr 12 Camp
Monday 20 April - Term II begins
Wednesday 22 April – Board of Trustees Meeting
6.00pm
Tuesday 12 May – ‘Open Day’
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SENIOR COLLEGE
The Senior College year began with all the good
news from the 2014 examination room, with the
return of familiar faces and the arrival of many
new ones. It is always a time of excitement
and of anticipation.
Academic results included twenty scholarships
across a broad range of subjects. When
combined with the scholarships announced and
awarded at the end of last year, this is a very
heartening result. In addition last year’s Year
11 also gathered in some very pleasing results
which will provide a very good foundation on
which to build.
The Senior College has begun the year with a
roll of 213 comprised of 109 boys and 104 girls;
a nice balance.
The Senior College year was officially opened by
Old Boy and Mayor of Carterton John Booth. In
his address he urged everyone to make the most
of all opportunities which come their way. At
the same assembly we welcomed the new
Deputy Principal of St Matthew’s, Mrs Sandie
Sherwen.
The College is fully staffed and we are excited to
welcome six new faces to the staffroom. Their
diverse talents and interests should prove very
advantageous for the student body.
After a successful Prefects’ Camp at the end of
the holidays, the Prefects quickly swung into
gear with the organisation of well received
orientation events, Valentine’s Day and the
Dessert Dance. Their efforts are certainly
appreciated and the tone on campus is positive
and reassuring. From the proceeds of selling
chocolate roses on Valentine’s Day the Prefects
donated $350 to the Heart Foundation. Well
done!
A great deal of work went into the organization
of classes and students timetables. The Senior
College Deans and Mr Haworth are thanked for
their efforts in this regard and classes have
quickly settled down to the core business of
education.
Sports, Field trips, music lessons, illness and a
range of other activities can often result in a
student missing out on important school work.
At senior level it is crucial that any missed work
is caught up on.
During this past week the students have
participated in the first of the Panorama
activities. Feedback from these has been most
positive and we thank Mrs McKeown for her
extensive organisation of this important
component of our holistic education.
So many things have got underway over the
past weeks: tramping, music, choir, defensive
driving, production, Shakespeare; the list goes
on. Opportunities abound and everyone is
encouraged to make the most of them.
Coming up soon will be Gap year interviews,
Model United Nations; Young Leaders’ Day,
University Liaison visits and World Vision
Leadership Conference.
Week 6 is calendared as an Effort Grade week.
These important indicators of a student’s status
in each class will be mailed to homes at the end
of the week and will be followed by
Parent/Teacher Interviews on the 19th and 20th
March. We do encourage Parents/Caregivers to
attend these with the students.
Letters have been sent to Year 12 homes
regarding the RYDA Safe Driving course on
Tuesday 17 March. We know this excellent day
long programme will be well received by the
students.
Yes it has been a busy time but impressions are
that the College year has begun particularly
well.
Grant Harper (Head of Senior College)
22
ROTARY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FORUM
In January 2015, Lauren Taylor and Monica Vollebregt travelled to Auckland to attend the Rotary
Science and Technology Forum. The Forum objectives were to explore all aspects of careers in the
scientific and technological world, recognise the high standing of New Zealand internationally in
these fields and expose this to a group of like-minded Year 12 students that are interested in the
subjects. Both students applied for, and received, funding from the Rotary clubs in Masterton and
the South Wairarapa to help pay for their two week experience. Part of the deal was that they would
present a report via a speech to each club after their trip. Below are some excerpts from the reports
they submitted on their return:
I said in my baseline report that “my key expectation from the Forum is to confirm that one of my
possible career path options is the right field of science for me or to completely change my mind.”
Although, this clumsily written sentence is very vague, it highlights my very evasive outlook on
where I was heading before Forum. Now, after Forum, I can confidently tell you that what Forum
has done for me in terms of my future is to recover an unusual sangfroid within myself. My future
has always lurked at the back of my mind, making me uneasy like the presence of a ghost. This
ghost of my future makes me question: where am I heading? What will I do? Who will I be? It’s
discomfiting not knowing the answers to these nagging questions. Post Forum, this ghost has just
disappeared. I know where I am heading. I know what I will do. And I know who I will be, given that
I take the right steps of actions of course.” Lauren
“Those who know me know that I am not a very sporty person but found the volleyball
tournament really fun and others in my group helped me to better my skills. I think that Forum
took bus singing to a whole new level and this is what helped to build confidence especially for
me as we were never afraid of belting out the songs and dancing along to it. The impact Forum
had on me was not only these aspects though, it also made me think more about what I wanted
to do at university and later on in life. I decided that I still want to go into medicine but now I
have some back-ups in case I don’t get in. It was from such modules as psychology and the tech
visit to Bio-informatics that made me think that I wouldn’t mind going into either of those fields
and that I was actually quite interested in them. The talk from Dr Michelle Dickinson was inspiring
and very worthwhile. She taught me to think big, not be afraid to step out of my comfort zone
and to make the most of opportunities given to me.” Monica
“Prior to Forum I tentatively thought I would go to Auckland University and do first year health
science, which would take me to medicine or forensics and then eventually become a doctor or a
forensic anthropologist. Posterior to Forum and I have completely changed my mind and I’m very
glad to have taken Peter Best’s advice to keep an open mind throughout the Forum. I now want to
go to Victoria University in Wellington to do a degree in Biomed and hopefully become a
pathologist.” Lauren
“As in most situations, I had my favourites and these were those modules that gave me a
challenge or were a mixture of learning new things and doing interactive activities. The
modules that I found to be highlights for my academic experience at Forum were Molecular
Biology at Massey, Albany, and Psychology at AUT. All together I found the academic program
well rounded and everyone’s interests were provided for. As well as the modules, the different
speakers throughout the Forum were also great picks as they were engaging and interesting. I
left them with a new range of knowledge and I know they I heard many other raving about
them on the walks back to O’Rorke Hall.” Monica
Well done to both girls in representing the Senior College so well and learning a bit more about the
opportunities available after secondary school, and in the process, learning more about themselves.
23
YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY RESEARCH DAY
On 4 March both Geography classes set off from Rathkeale to various sites
located around the Wairarapa. Before the day we were all assigned to groups
where we would work together to create goals and the expected outcomes of
our research. These included how wide the river was, how deep it was at
certain points and how fast the river moved.
Our first location was the Ruamahunga River where it intersected the Te Ore
Ore Rd. From there our next destination was on Gladstone road, directly
alongside the Gladstone Inn. The next stop was near Mt Bruce where after
the groups did their research, enjoyed a delicious lunch down beside the river,
as well as a quick swim.
Afterwards we embarked on our final drive back to Rathkeale where we
completed our final set of investigations before finally a spot of fishing for the
day. Overall it was an enjoyable and constructive day and both classes had a
great day researching, as well as enjoying each other’s company.
Oliver Lewis
24
Th
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nd
Sen
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olleg
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Year
9 -
13
.