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From The Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Tena Kotou Katoa
After a summer holiday that was a little light on sun and heat we are now well
underway for the 2017 school year, marked by a powhiri for new students and staff on
Friday 3 February.
The school roll has increased and this is a real sign of the health of the school and
community. It does come with challenges and opportunities and Deans have done a
fantastic job of trying to make sure that students are in the courses they want and
need and that are the most suitable for them. If you have any concerns around your
student’s timetable it is essential that you make contact as soon as you can with their
respective Dean.
Some effects of a growing roll and more students staying on into Year 13 are that we
have made a number of new staff appointments. We welcome Thomas Clitheroe,
Linda Fern, Josh Leenhouwers and Will Theewis into Science, Amy Dalton into
Maths, Andrew Dell into PE & Health, John Foster into Engineering and Kate Hailes
into The Hub, PE & Dance. It is great to have them as part of the team. We are also
bursting at the seams in terms of rooming, with new classrooms still a little way away,
we are utilising nearly every room in the school every period.
Motueka High School Whakarewa Street
Private Bag 1001, Motueka 7143 Telephone 03 528-9050
Fax: 03 528-6906 www.motuekahigh.school.nz
NCEA results were strong this year, particularly at
Level One and into Level Two. While there were
very good performances in Level Three the overall
level of achievement indicated that there is some
work to do there to find out what barriers exist for
our Year 13 students in passing Level Three and
University Entrance.
Over the holiday break we lost a valued member of
our school family with the death of Rose Schieb.
Rose served in the role of Homestay Manager for
many years and had a huge impact in and around
our community. We will miss her greatly and offer
our deepest sympathies to Lyall and the family.
This year is shaping up to be a great one with
strong cohorts throughout the school, huge
numbers of opportunities on offer and new staff
bringing their schools to a solid core of
experienced and talented teachers. Into this we
have great student leaders at all levels, with Laura
Wilkinson and Ben Cudby at the forefront.
As always, I encourage you to be an active part of
your student’s time at school and if you have any
good ideas, issues or opportunities to discuss do
make sure you make contact with me, the teaching
staff or BoT members. Our goal is to provide the
best education possible for the children of this
community and a huge part of this is reflecting on
what we are doing to make sure it is effective.
This year is particularly significant in that we will
also be developing a new strategic plan which will
set out our goals and direction for the next few
years. You will all be invited to contribute to that
process so that the school reflects and delivers on
the expectations of the Motueka community.
Thank you for your continuing support and here’s to a great year. Nga Mihi
John Prestidge Principal
Motueka High School Facebook Pages
http://www.facebook.com/motuekahigh
http://www.facebook.com/motuekahighinternational
www.facebook.com/Motueka-High-School-Art-Department
www.facebook.com/motuekahslibrary
Calendar
Term 1 – 2017
February
28 Athletics Sports
March
9 School Swimming Sports
31 Teacher only day
April
7-8 Noho Marae
8-9 Shakespeare Festival, School Hall
11-13 Year 9 Camp Abel Tasman NP
12 Music Showcase 6pm
13 Last Day Term 1 – for students
14 Good Friday
17 Easter Monday
25 Anzac Day
Term 2 - 2017
May
1 Term 2 begins
10-12 Year 11 Camp Abel Tasman NP
11 Manu Korero
19 Rock Quest finals
22-26 Talent Quest heats lunchtime
31 Talen Quest final 7pm School hall
Bus Info
We are hoping to have bus pick up and drop off times
fixed in place soon for each of the ten buses that serve
the school. This will appear on the school website
and a copy will be available from the school office.
We thank you for your patience during this busy
period of change. We also hope to have a copy of the
routes, maps and times all available soon. Please note
that some of the bus routes have changed due to
buses being at maximum capacity.
Bus Rules
For the safety and comfort of students on the buses, it
is very important that these rules be observed:
1. Buses stop at the pick-up and drop-off
points only. Buses are not allowed to stop at
shops, to or from school. Driveway stops are
not always possible.
2. Students should not eat or drink on the bus.
3. Students need to be seated and facing
forwards at all times. Kneeling on seats to
speak to people behind is a safety risk.
4. Extending hands, heads or any other objects
out of the windows is not acceptable.
5. Show courtesy to each other and the driver
at all times. Bullying and bad language will
not be tolerated.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
John Prestidge Stacey Fry Paul Blackbeard Principal Deputy Principal Deputy Principal
2016 DEANS
Year 9 Dean Oakley Salton
Year 9 Associate Dean Greg O’Donnell
Year 10 Dean Lesley Paxton
Year 11 Dean Dan Crossley
Year 12 Dean Heidi James
Year 13 Dean Brian Jones
ATTENDANCE
There is a strong correlation between regular attendance at
school and academic success. If a student is not in class
then they cannot achieve to their potential.
An 80% attendance rate means that a student has missed
on average, 1 day per week for the whole year.
The Ministry of Education’s expectation is that the average
attendance rate for students is at least 91%. Justifiable
reasons for absence from school are illness or bereavement.
Students representing the school in their chosen field at
regional or national events, have a justified absence.
Illness: After 3 days continuous absence parents may be
asked for a medical certificate. If there are on-going
problems that are causing a student to miss school, please
contact the Dean to make an appointment to discuss this.
Bereavement: Please advise the school as soon as practical.
Advising the Principal: If a student is going to be away
from school for any other reason, please advise the
Principal in writing, at least a week before the student will
be absent. Letters may explain an absence but if the
absence is not for the reasons above, it could still be marked
as an explained absence but not a justified absence.
Note: Any time outside the classroom affects attendance,
even if justified. Please contact the relevant Dean for any
attendance concerns.
MHS Powhiri 2017
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Pukeone, ko Tūaowharepapa ngā maunga
Ko Motueka ko Riuwaka ngā awa
Ko Ngāti Rārua, ko Te Ātiawa ngā iwi
Ko Te Āwhina te marae
Ko Te Maatu te whare taikura
Ko Tūrangapeke nāna te kura nei e!
Friday 3 r d February 2017 marked an historic
occasion at Motueka High School - our school
pōwhiri outside Te Whare Taikura o Te
Maatu. It was a proud moment to see and
hear members of our local iwi Ngāti Rārua
and Te Ātiawa welcome on the manuhiri
(visitors).
Whaea Ngāwhakaara called on the visitors
while the whole
school performed
a Haka Pōwhiri.
In this case our
new Year 9s, our
new staff and all
the whānau that
came to support. (Above: Whaea Ngawhakaara,
Sean Delany and Riley Toho)
Our Head Boy Ben Cudby started the
proceedings with a speech about Year 9s
taking the many opportunities that the school
offered.
Mr Prestidge, our Principal, talked about
three ideas he hoped all students of Motueka
High School would emulate: Manaakitanga
(being hospitable to one another)
Whanaungatanga (developing strong positive
bonds with one another and ako (that all
students and staff learnt together).
Then it was time to hear from our visitors
Matua Duncan, Matua Monty and Koro Tahi.
Koro Tahi beseeched the tuakana (older
students) to look after the Year 9s to make
the school a safe and enjoyable place to learn
and study.
At the conclusion, the senior students
collected the Year 9s for a sausage sizzle and
morning tea was served in Te Whare Taikura
o Te Maatu for all of our manuhiri. A great
start to 2017. Ka mau te wehi!
NCEA Endorsements
Year 13
NCEA Level 3 with Excellence
Fletcher Frater, Hayley Garlick, Hannah Gordon,
Abby Seymour
NCEA Level 3 with Merit
Jasmine Barker, Aaron Bunn, Jamie Cudby, Georgia
Elliston, Heidi Grainger, Tess Haunch, Hine
Markham, Jemima Meegan, Eden Meser, Kendall
Spark, Jack Tibbs, Rachael Wood
Year 12 NCEA Level 2 with Excellence
Jacob Bowdler, Simon Vincent
NCEA Level 2 with Merit
Noah Appleton, Zion August, Tori Binns, Lauryn
Calteaux, Jack Coakley, Ben Cudby, Will Davis, Sofie
de Blauw, Mark Dyson, Jennifer Guthrie, Molly Hiles,
Tori Holden, Sophia Motley, Shania Pascoe, Michael
Pickering-Webb, Maia Piggott, Abigail Roxburgh,
Morag Shelling, Josh Wemyss, Sydnee Wilkins, Laura
Wilkinson, Tia Winkler-Stringer
Year 11
NCEA Level 1 with Excellence Dane Chea, Hunter Chung, Pamela Currie, Cherees
du Plessis, Hannah Gale, Jemma Garland, Jasmin
Mosimann, Marlene Naude, Sarah Sowerby, Stella
Stevens, Chevy Walker, Lauren Walker, Ella Ward,
Rheanna Wood
NCEA Level 1 with Merit
Susie Adams, Imogen Agnew, Cheyenne Bailey,
Brendan Barton, Peyton Blackman, Casey Boyes,
Isabella Braxton-Baily, Emily Elliston, Molly
Faulkner, Josh Giles, Nathan Goode, Jack Gorrill,
Jade Hartlaub, Jenna Heywood, Alana Inglis-Beckett,
Brittany Iorns, Jamie Jones, Samantha Krammer,
Jan Lammers, Antonia L, Isaac MacButler, Joe
MacLennan, Lily McClintock, Zephyr McGowan,
Bright Muaengmi, Ethan Penman, Zion Perry,
Shaquille Rangi, Bryn Richards, Frankie Richards,
Cody Robinson, Lucy Roborgh, Samantha Simpson,
Tui Vincent Turner, Astaria Vink, Jack Westenra.
Scholarship
Abby Seymour (Painting), Rachael Wood (Agriculture
and Horticulture)
Student Leaders 2016
HEAD STUDENTS
Laura Wilkinson and Ben Cudby
BOARD OF TRUSTEES STUDENT REP
Tagan Stringer ARTS CAPTAINS
Lucy Johnston, Charley Tuuta COMMUNITY SERVICES CAPTAINS
Morag Shelling, Michael Pickering-Webb
ENVIRONMENT CAPTAINS
Zion August, Will Davis INTERNATIONAL CAPTAINS
Victoria Binns, Johan D’Hondt SPORTS CAPTAINS
Sydnee Wilkins, Marvin Strub KAITAUNAKI
Jayme Rae Anae, Canaan Neha-Manihera HOUSE CAPTAINS
Ahi (Red)
Tori Holden, Noah Appleton
Angi (Kowhai)
Stevie Inch, Jade Kenning
Nuku (Green)
Maia Piggott, Tate Roberts
Wai (Blue)
Ellen O’Cain, Jacob Bowdler
Above: 2017 MHS Student Leaders
Drama
Greeting fellow thespians! It is really exciting to work
with the talented students of Motueka High. I, Emily
Tait, am the (aptly named - “acting”) HOD of Drama
for 2017; whilst Robynne Jephson is on a year’s leave.
There are a number of performance opportunities for
our students with various clubs, groups and shows to
attend. Please listen to the notices for updates!
Guy Williams Comedy Show
Our students
have been
invited to
support Guy
Williams on
Saturday 4th
March at NMIT
Johnny Cash
Room (G Block)
Youth Comedy show. The show is on from 5 -
7:30pm. This is a great opportunity for our
TheatreSports experts and young comedians to
perform and see a NZ comic legend. Don’t miss this!
Sgcnz University Of Otago Sheilah Winn
Shakespeare Festival
Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April, 2017
This year’s Shakespeare Festival is being held in our
newly painted school hall! The Year 11 and 12/13
Drama classes are performing with the latter being
assessed for NCEA credits. The Festival is open to all
students, so if anyone wants to enter the Festival (five
or 15 minute piece) please see Mrs Tait.
Left: Charley
Tuuta,
Shania
Pascoe and
Laura
Wilkinson in
“The
Tempest”
2016
TheatreSports 2017
Every Thursday lunch in the Drama room. Junior and
senior team members, to represent MHS, will be
selected by audition at the end of Term 1. Attend
regularly if you wish to be on the official teams.
Otherwise, come and play. TheatreSports is a great
way to meet new people, have a giggle, play some
games and develop confidence to respond
spontaneously to a range of situations.
Drama Club
Our newly formed Drama Club meets every Tuesday
afternoon from 3:30-4:30pm (possibly 5pm when
required). This term’s focus is the Shakespeare
Festival. Term 2 - Talent Quest and MADD. Term 3 -
production (play). All actors and crew are welcome.
Talent Quest
Heats (during lunch-time in front of the school) are
on Week 4 Term 2, with the finals on Wednesday 31
May. Develop your act… juggling, unicycle, comic act,
a skit, monologue, duologue, devised piece and enter!
MADD
Our combined Arts Evening this year is titled MADD
(Music Arts Dance Drama) with the theme of “Time”.
Actors - prepare a devised piece or work with script.
Auditions for this show are mid-Term 2. Performance
dates - Friday 18th August and Saturday 19th August.
Year 12/13 Drama
Our most senior thespians are currently exploring
drama techniques along with their selected play in
preparation for the Shakespeare Festival. Treat
yourself to some dramatic and extremely comic
interpretations of the Bard’s works.
Year 11 Drama
This year, we have a very talented Year 11 class. They
have just auditioned for roles in our upcoming play
“Judas Zoo”. This will be performed on the
Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th May. Put this in
your calendar for these players are worth seeing!
Year 10 Drama
The bouncy Year 10 Drama class is presently
developing a role with a partner for a Duologue
assessment. Following this, they will create their own
site-specific performance whilst they explore Drama
elements and conventions.
House Sports Day Theatresports photos
PhysEd & Health
Kia Ora to the MHS
community!
I am excited to join Motueka
High School this year and
look forward to establishing
myself in the school
community. I have heard
many wonderful and exciting
things about MHS and within
3 weeks I have already seen
these in action! What an exciting start we have had to
the year with many events leading towards a
promising 2017. I hope the year has started well for
everyone and I look forward to interacting with the
school and sporting communities throughout the
year.
Andrew Dell, HOD PE & Health
Parent Information The school office is open Monday to Friday 8.15am to
4.15pm. Email: [email protected]
Public counter
Parents please use the public counter at the main
entrance (entry off Whakarewa St) to avoid the
student congestion at the student counter. Please do
not enter the school seeking students, check in at the
office and we will find the student for you.
Deputy Principals (DP)/Deans appointment
If you would like to see a Deputy Principal or Dean,
please make an appointment, either directly with the
person by email or through the office, leaving your
name and contact details. If you have an
appointment with staff, please check in at the public
counter and then take a seat in the waiting room
while office staff advise of your arrival.
Lockers
We have secure lockers that students are able to hire.
The cost is $50 for the year with a refund of $10 on
return of the school padlock. If a padlock is lost, a
replacement may be purchased at a cost of $15.00.
The student’s responsibilities are:
• Use the lock allocated, do not lend or use any other
lock. The caretaker will cut off non-school locks and
the contents will be removed
• Keep the locker combination number private
• Ensure that valuables/devices are stored securely
• Look after the locker/padlock for the whole year
Lunch Pass
If you live in town and your son/daughter wishes to
have lunch at home, and you are satisfied that there
will be adequate adult supervision, please complete
the form for a permanent pass. This can be obtained
from the office or online (on the Home page of the
website). Students must carry the pass when leaving
or returning to school. Students may only go home to
the address on the pass. If lost, a replacement is
available for $1. Please ask at the office.
Town Passes
All students who need to go to town require a town
pass. Please provide a note stating: the reason for
leaving school grounds and your name and contact
phone number. If the note is placed in the box on the
student counter in the morning, it will be available at
lunchtime. Buying lunch downtown is not a valid
reason for leaving the school grounds. We have a
Tuck-shop for students to purchase lunch or snacks.
The Warehouse and New World are out of bounds
during the school day.
Student absences
If your student is sick or has an appointment during
school time, please ring or email the office on the day
of the absence or prior to appointments if this is
known so staff can code the absence accordingly.
Students are to report to the office on return to school
from an appointment. The only justified absences
(other than for school planned activities) are for:
illness, medical appointments, bereavement or if
representing the school at an event. For medical
absences, a doctor’s certificate is required after 3 days
of absence. For any other leave, please advise the
Principal in writing, well in advance of the planned
absence. It is at the Principal’s discretion as to
whether this leave will be justified or not. If leave is
not justified this could potentially jeopardise NCEA
assessments.
Messages for Students
The office will not be responsible for getting
messages to students. We will do our best to locate
them only in the case of an emergency. You may leave
items for students at the student office but please text
your student to advise items are to be collected or
suggest they check at the student office if forgotten
items have been dropped off.
Parent Portal
This can be found on the MHS website under Sign in
and Links. To access this you will need a password
from school. Please contact your students form
teacher or the office to obtain this. In the portal you
will find useful information about your student
including: attendance, pastoral (discipline matters),
timetable, as well as daily student notices.
Uniforms
Uniforms are expensive so please name all your
student’s items (including shoes/sandals). We will
return named items if they are handed in to the
office. It is disappointing that we regularly have a
large pile of unclaimed, unnamed items in the office.
Unnamed items will be given either to the Clothing
Mart for resale, or for non-school uniform, to the
Salvation Army or Red Cross. Both DP’s carry spare
uniform for students not wearing a correct item of
uniform. Please send a note with the student to
explain the absence of uniform to the DP and to let us
know when it is expected that the incorrect item will
be replaced.
Uniform passes are only written by DPs before school
so your student should seek these prior to going into
class. Please help your student comply with the rules
by insisting that boys are clean shaven, students have
no visible piercings and that only the approved school
shoes are worn.
NZQA Fees
For students completing NZQA standards, the fee is
$76.70 per student, including up to 3 scholarship
subjects. If you hold a Community Services card or
are on a benefit, you are eligible for Financial
Assistance reducing the fee to $20 per student, up to
$30 for 2 or more students. A Financial Assistance
form needs to be completed and returned (on the
website, under Our School) before the fee is reduced.
I hope this information is helpful. Our office staff are
happy to provide assistance if you have any queries.
Helen Westrupp, Office Manager
MHS Tuckshop
The Tuckshop has new contractors this year: Toni,
Rachel and Matt, who are pleased to offer a large
selection of fresh, healthy food choices baked and
prepared at the Tuckshop. No fizzy drinks are
available just milk, juice or water.
Each day there is a new healthy meal option priced
between $4-$5, with oven baked wedges on 3 days a
week for $3.50. Pizza, made fresh from their own
dough, is $2 a slice with vegetarian available. They
make a wide range of sandwiches.
Prices range from $4 for wraps; $3.50 for filled rolls
and pitas; $3 for sausage rolls, toasted sandwiches
and muffins; and $2 for big scones and giant cookies.
Building Academy
In 2016 the Technology department introduced a
Building Academy course for students. This was novel
as it allowed students to study at school for 4 days a
week and to work 1 day a week with a tradesperson.
The idea was to improve links with industry and to
make the transition to the workplace easier. Students
identified a trade of their choosing and we look to
link them with a local firm. Only students with a
strong academic track record and good attendance
are considered.
For 2016, we sent 5 students out into the workplace:
Eden Beech, Jesse Charles, Jac Fry, Vito Lammers,
and Quin Vuiyasawa. They were paired with Doug
Clarke Builders, Kenny McLennan Builders, Roger
Kenning Builders, Architectural Aluminium and
Talleys Builders. Students worked one full day a week
and all gained a range of skills from their host. ITM
Motueka sponsored the program and each pupil was
kitted out with clothing and safety gear.
All of our Building Academy students gained many
new skills and three left school at the end of the
academic year to pursue apprenticeships. The
experience they had with these employers convinced
them that they were on the correct career path and
they were keen to further their training full time.
We intend to continue with this course in 2017 and
are looking to interview prospective candidates over
the coming weeks. Any student who is interested
should contact Mr Allan or Mr Stow.
FUNDRAISING
Our priority at Motueka High School is to have a co-ordinated fundraising approach to business people and the
community. To enable this, please ensure you advise Julie Tideman, our Fundraising and Marketing Manager, of
any fundraising activity that involves the school. Please also check with her before any business is approached.
Motueka High School is bound by Ministry of Education regulations that stipulate all funds raised by MHS groups,
or under the umbrella of MHS, must be accounted for and banked through the school bank account at NBS or
through the school office. This will also enable us to acknowledge all supporters of the school appropriately.
Staff morning tea fundraising is available to MHS teams or students fundraising for nationals, but must be booked in
advance. A booking system is now available through the school office for a maximum of two days a week. Please
check with the office and book in before bringing any baking into school for fundraising. If you have any questions
about grants or fundraising for school groups please contact Julie by email [email protected]
Cellphone Recycling
Please remember to bring in your old cell phones for recycling as it raises funds for Sustainable Coastlines. There is a collection box in the school office.
Selected Key Dates for the Calendar
Year 11
Friday 28th July Formal and/or Creative Writing
final due date at 9am.
Friday 28th September ‘Connections’ final due
date. 9am
Year 12 (External)
Thursday 1st June Personal Reading final due
date.
Friday 30th June Connections final due date.
Year 12 (Internal)
Fri 5th May Personal Reading final due date
Fri 26th May Connections final due date
English Kia Ora Koutou and welcome back to English at
Motueka High School.
2016 was a really successful year for the English
department at MHS and I hope that this year
continues in that vein. In the three terms since I have
become Head of Department, I have been thrilled
with the attitude and effort that our students and
staff have towards not only the study of literature but
also towards reading and writing in general. The
students have a genuine understanding of the
importance of literacy and what it takes to succeed in
this subject. This year, our classes have started in a
very positive way and I am sure it will continue.
There have been some very subtle changes in our
programmes this year. We are shifting our focus in
the junior programme to concentrate on improving
the skills of the Year 9 students in 6 key strands:
Listening
Reading
Writing
Viewing
Presenting
Speaking
These are the six key areas of the English curriculum
and we hope to make these the corner-stone of our
Year 9 and 10 programme.
For the seniors, the courses are very similar to
previous years although we are focusing on only two
standards for the end of year exams: Written Text
and Unfamiliar Text for Year 11; Visual Text and
Unfamiliar Text for Year 12. We expect this will allow
the students to have more focus on fewer standards
and hopefully produce even better results.
Writing Competition
Entries are open for the Charles Brasch
Young Writers' Essay Competition, an annual award
open to writers aged 16 to 21. If interested, see Mr
Campbell.
I wish all our students a successful year and I look
forward to working with our students and their
families.
Nga Mihi Nui,
Nich Campbell
Above: Jade Heath Keen in action during a debate
MHS Term dates 2017
Term 1: Monday 31 January – Thursday 13 April
Term 2: Monday 1 May – Friday 7 July
Term 3: Monday 24 July – Friday 29 September
Term 4: Monday 16 October – Friday 8 December
Teacher only days: Friday 31 March & Fri 2 June
School Holiday: Friday 8 September
Senior Prize-giving: Tuesday 7 November 1pm
NCEA exams start: Thursday 9 November
Junior Prize-giving: Friday 8 December 9.30am
Music
The Music department is geared up for
another busy year. Most of the instrument
lessons have started but there are still a few
places for cornets, tenor horn and
saxophones.
Above: Esther and tutor Izaak
The all-comers choir rehearses on Monday
lunchtime and everyone is welcome. Other
groups have also started rehearsing for
upcoming concerts and competitions. The
Music Suite is also being used by individuals
and bands at lunchtimes and it is great to
hear the department humming with music.
Above: Saskia and Kei lah
Activities planned for this term include two
primary schools ’ music tours , and
‘Showcase’ is on Wednesday, April 12 at
6 pm.
Other important events in the first half of the
year, include Rockquest and a visit from
jazz musician Rodger Fox during May,
followed by the Talent Quest, Chamber
Music Competiton and Big Sing . An Arts
Faculty Fundraiser is scheduled for
August, watch out for details in Term two.
Above: Primary schools’ tour & below Rockquest 2016
Tutors available for this year are as follows:
Singing Hilary Sinclair
Brass Craig Starrenburg
Woodwind Simon Williams
Guitar Arrion Love
Piano Julie Rodgers
Violin Barbara White
If you have any enquiries please contact Hilary
Sinclair by phone on 528 9050 x 8226 or by email at:
Technology
Motueka High School EVolocity Programme
In July 2016 we became involved in the EVolocity
programme, designed to raise awareness to students
and the general public of the changes taking place in
the motor industry.
In 1904 New York was full of horse driven vehicles
but within one year vehicles were driven by the
combustion engine. While the change from the
combustion to electric won’t be as fast, the time has
come for the electric vehicle to take over. NZ is in the
best position to take advantage of this as we have well
over 80% of natural generated electricity whereas
other countries are lucky to have 20%.
The programme also introduces students to other
areas of the curriculum and widens their knowledge
base. To build an electric vehicle requires not only the
mechanical construction of the vehicle, but also the
electrics, electronics, programming of computer
chips, design, website design and maintenance; skills
from Engineering, Maths, Science, English,
Computing, Graphics, Art, Media to learning about
Fabrics to put sponsors logos on to uniforms.
The 2015 team was Kendall Spark (Engineering),
Lawrence Parry (Computing), Hannah Gordon
(Science) and Dale Carter (Engineering).
They worked well together and learnt many new
skills. Under the banner of Spark Racing they
competed in Nelson and then in Christchurch where
they took out 5 awards including overall winners.
In 2016 only Dale and Kendall remained but we also
put together another team called Triumph Racing
that went on to make an electric bike. The team was
Jack Lightwood, Michael Pickering–Webb, Mitchell
Rowling and Quinn Vuiyasawa. Dale and Kendall
were able to build a new cart using aluminium, a big
learning curve in design and manufacture and their
own electrics, electronics and chip programming,
learnt the previous year.
Team Triumph progressed well, their learning gave
them confidence and skills whilst their friends
seemed to fill the engineering shop every lunch time.
We raced in Nelson in October and Triumph Racing
won one award and Spark Racing took out 3 awards.
Later in Christchurch, Triumph Racing was pipped at
the post in most areas with Spark Racing winning 3
awards including the Supreme Award.
School was over but the team toured Mapua,
Mahana, Upper Moutere and Parklands primary
schools showing students their vehicles and
spreading the message.
Jack, Mitchell and Michael are at school working on
the 2017 challenge. Quinn has an apprenticeship in
painting and plastering, Dale an apprenticeship in
Engineering, Kendall is at the School of Engineering,
Canterbury University studying electric vehicles and
electronics and Hannah was 2016 Dux of MHS and is
now studying Science at Otago University.
For 2017 in Triumph Racing are Jack, Mitchell,
Michael and Ben Harvey working on a new bike, and
Holly, sister of Kendall Spark, taking over the reins of
Spark Racing along with Rheanna Wood and some
other students to be confirmed, racing in a cart.
Without the support of the school, our sponsors and
the aid of the parents this would not have been
possible and for this the teams are truly grateful.
We welcome John Foster who is
teaching Engineering. John is
originally from Yorkshire and
was an electrical engineer
specialising in power stations.
Since coming to NZ 13 years ago
he has taught in the Hawkes Bay
and at Nelson College. John is a
keen golfer and loves electronics.
From left: Jack Lightwood, Michael Pickering-Webb (Triumph Racing), Peter
Allan (Teacher) Dale Carter, Kendall Spark (Spark Racing) Christchurch 2016
Dance 2017 is going to be full of opportunities for Dance
students. I encourage all students to make the most
of both curricular and extracurricular activities that
are on offer at Motueka High.
We welcome back to the Dance
department Mrs Kate Hailes
who returns to Motueka High
School after taking a break to
have her son. Mrs Hailes will be
teaching Year 9 Dance and we
are very excited to have her back
in the department.
Footnote Dance Company
New Zealand Contemporary dance company
Footnote will be bringing their show ‘The Rebel Pink’
to Nelson at the end of March. They are coming to
Motueka High the following day to put on a
Contemporary class especially for our Dance
students. Dances learnt in this session will be
showcased at Momentum.
Royal New Zealand Ballet
In week 5, dance students will have the opportunity
to work with an educator from the RNZB who will
teach students repertoire from the company. This will
include phrases
from recent
choreography and
from dances that
students will study
for their external
examinations.
Students will also
get the oppor-
tunity to attend an
event titled ‘Ballet in a Box’ which is a free event for
school students. Students will get to sit in on a
rehearsal and watch the dancers from the RNZB go
through their daily routine. Students will get to
experience the life of a professional dancer.
Senior dance students will learn a dance from ‘The
Anatomy of a Passing Cloud’ A dance performed by
the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
Save the date!
Momentum: Friday June 30th 2017
Vast: Thursday 10th August
“MADD”: Friday 18th, Saturday 19th August 2017
Move: Thursday 28th September 2017
French
Introducing Stéphanie Saulnier
We are pleased to welcome
French student Stéphanie
Saulnier to Motueka High
School. Stéphanie is a post-
graduate student at the
University of Artois and she is
studying teaching French as a
foreign language. She will
spend the month of March as
an “assistante”/ intern at the school, observing
French lessons, helping students with their speaking
and also running some of the activities in the classes.
French evening classes
As part of her internship Stephanie is proposing to
run a course of French conversation classes for
adults. These classes will run twice a week for the
month of March and will be held at Te Whare Taikura
o Te Maatu. If you are interested in enrolling for
these classes please contact French teacher Michele
by email [email protected]
Above: Members of 7030 before their performance at Shake
down 2016. Below: Year 10 students perform at Cabaret 2016
Outdoor Education
Welcome to Outdoor Education 2017. The Outdoor
Programme goes from strength to strength with
nearly 300 students undertaking some Outdoor
Education experience this year!
Above: Ms Cumming ‘directing’ her Yr 11 OE class in the
school pool
Sarah Cumming joins us and her enthusiasm will
be a valuable addition to the department and her
Years 10, 11 and 12 classes. We also welcome Wendy
van den Berg who brings her energy, passion and
skills via Holland, Outward Bound, Whenua iti
Outdoors, adventure tourism companies, Adventure
Therapy and a Masters in Counselling! It has been
great to hear of all the adventures and see many past
and present students (including Internationals!) out
and about in the area working and playing, tramping,
climbing and kayaking.
A big Kia Ora to the new International students and I
hope they get to enjoy the remaining summer and
water based activities on offer this term. The focus for
senior students is social responsibility (“not just good
paddlers but good people to go paddling with”) via
kayaking, waka paddling, SUP and other water based
activities in the pool, at Kaiteriteri, on the Motueka
River and in the Abel Tasman NP. For the Year 13
class, they are working hard on their kayak roll; a
‘must have’ as the focus is on preparing for the
white-water rivers around Murchison later in the
term. Junior students are doing adventure based
learning and then a variety of camp-craft skills and
activities as they prepare for camps later in the term.
N.B. Outdoor Education Course Information letters
including the 2017 schedule, health and risk
acknowledgement and fee payment information have
been distributed. Can these be read and discussed
with your child, then signed and returned. If you have
any questions about this please contact the school
and your OE teacher.
Outdoor Education Trip Dates:
Yr 9 Adventure Camp, Abel Tasman NP, Tues 11th
- Thurs 13th, April
Yr 10 Outdoor Education camp, Abel Tasman
NP, Wed 10th - Fri 12th, May
Yr 11 Overnight expedition, Abel Tasman NP,
Mon 3rd - Tues 4th, April
Yr 12 Sea Kayak Expedition, Abel Tasman NP,
Tues 21st – Thurs 23rd, April
Yr 13 Whitewater Kayak expedition, Murchison,
Tues 4th – Thurs 6th, April.
Above: Yr 13 OE students upright and safe in the eddy at
“Blue Gums’ Motueka River
Above: Year 12 OE heading out in the waka enjoying another beautiful summer day at Kaiteriteri!
Above: Simon Vincent with the Jackson
Trophy for first in Year 12 Mathematics
Mathematics
A very special welcome back to Ms Amy Dalton. Amy
has rejoined us after some time out with her young
family and active involvement in the café she owns
with her husband, Brad – the renowned Ginger
Dynamite! Amy is teaching 3 Maths classes (9FT,
9GV and 10MB) – we are simply delighted to have
Amy back on board.
Above: Amy Dalton working with George Faulkner 9GV – the
class are working on angles and the correct use of a protractor
HOMEWORK BOOKS AND WRITE-ON BOOKLETS All students should now have their books – Y12 is
the only year level that does not require students to
purchase a write-on booklet (the expense of a
graphics calculator means we sacrifice a homework
book at Y12 level). All payments should be made
through the school office.
Thank you for the great response – nearly all
students have organized their payments.
NCEA RESULTS 2016 Special congratulations to these students who
gained an Excellence Endorsement in Mathematics:
Y13 - Level 3
Statistics: Jack Tibbs, Fletcher Frater, Hine Markham-
Nicklin
Y12 – Level 2
Jacob Bowdler, Simon Vincent, Josh Wemyss
Y11 – Level 1
Casey Boyes, Pamela Currie, Ethan Penman,
Rheanna Wood
Trophy Winners
Simon Vincent was awarded the Jackson Trophy for
top student in Y12 Mathematics. The π crafted
trophy is a masterpiece from Mr Peter Allan’s
workshop.
Peter also
helped put
the
finishing
touches to
our new
Y10 trophy.
Thomas
Pearson is
the first
name on
this trophy
which was
crafted by
Franziska
as part of her Y10 Art programme. Although
Franziska had not intended it as a trophy, the
Mathematics Department was on the lookout and
spotted her art piece at the auction that was part of
the 2016 Cabaret.
Above: Thomas Pearson with his trophy for first in Y10
Mathematics. Alongside is the artist, Franziska
Sciences
Endorsement congratulations
We are extremely proud of the following students:
Scholarship Agriculture and Horticulture: Rachael
Wood;
Level 3, Biology: Simon Vincent and Hayley Garlick
Physics and Chemistry: Hannah Gordon
Ag/Hort: Rachael Wood
Level 2, Chemistry: Josh Weymss
Physics: Simon Vincent
Level 1, Science: Rheanna Wood, Casey Boyes,
Jasmin Mosimann, Ella Ward, Hunter Chung, Susie
Adams, Jack Gorrill and Karen Sangha
Agriculture/Hort: Lauren Walker, Hannah Gale
Otago University Advanced School Sciences
Academy
Shania Pascoe describes her experience: “Last year
as a Yr12 student I attended the Otago University
Advanced School Science Academy. With a record
300 applicants and only 62 accepted, I felt very
proud to be there. OUASSA is an Otago University
Academy which promotes a higher knowledge of
Science for up and coming scientists. It provided a
taste for university life living in the University’s
Halls of Residence. I was astounded with the passion
that resonated from teachers and staff. The
information and guidance from them was
invaluable, I would not trade this experience for
anything. OUASSA offers a number of exciting
projects and seminars such as Anatomy and
Physiology, Genetics, Chemistry, Zoology, Sports
Science, Marine Science and exciting activities like
laser tag, cruises, scientific explosions, etc. Over the
week I developed a confidence for the future, as well
as gaining many new lifelong friends. In July is a
virtual academy when I will contribute ideas and
give a 10 minute presentation to a large audience. I
would recommend this experience to anyone with a
passion for the Sciences and I encourage anyone
who is keen to talk to me and learn more about this
amazing experience.”
Big Science Competition
Win one of hundreds of
prizes. This is a one-hour
competition of 30 multiple
choice questions and is held
at school on Wed 17th May. It challenges students to
think critically and solve scientific problems using
everyday examples. www.asi.edu.au Please pay $8 at
the office for the Big Science Competition by the end
of Term 1.
Cawthron Science and Technology Fair
All students are encouraged to enter this, an online
search will give you more details. It is perfectly
acceptable for parents to help their children. Some
classes will be expected to work on projects both in
class and at home. There are some great (financial)
prizes to be won and categories are:
· Science experiments (Using classical scientific
method)
· Technology Project (using technological process)
· Science/Tech Investigation (a more descriptive
style project where an investigation or observational
study is conducted-no end product or measurable
response is required). In addition to the categories
they are also inviting schools/classes/groups or
individuals to enter Art in Science-displays of art
inspired by Science or Technology.
Senior Biology field trips
Level 2 Biology will be collecting data at Anchorage in
the Abel Tasman NP on the 8th of March as part of a
standard investigating a pattern in an ecological
community. Many thanks to Project Janszoon for
funding travel with Sea Shuttle and hosting the day.
Students will be required to pay for transport to and
from Kaiteriteri.
Level 3 Biology will visit Kina beach on two half day
trips to conduct a field study of the rocky shore. Dates
to be confirmed.
Brain Bee
Some of our top Y11 students, Isabella Cranshaw,
Jade Heath-Keen, Kimberly MacLean, Thomas
Pearson, Lottie Stow and May Takahashi are reading
some pretty hefty material in order to learn more
about the brain. An online test for Round one takes
place on Friday 17th March.
Skydiving
Senior Physics students learn the principles of
projectile motion. With this in mind we are
organising a trip to the local skydiving outfit. The cost
for a jump is at a reduced rate of $200 and a jump
date will be confirmed shortly. There are some good
free apps for recording acceleration, altitude and
gyroscopic action available through the student pages
of Moodle.
Other Opportunities
The Royal Society of New Zealand would like to bring
to your attention the wonderful international Science
opportunities they are offering senior secondary
school students. Students are required to be
achieving highly in the Sciences and have a passion
for that area of learning. For further information:
www. royalsociety.org.nz/.../international-science-
opportunities
Science capabilities
The New Zealand Curriculum says all students should
become “responsible citizens in a society in which
Science plays a significant role”. Each capability
below encapsulates something that is needed for that
ambitious goal to be met. We will be endeavouring to
cover these aspects in various contexts from Forces,
Genetics to Chemical Reactions.
Use evidence
Science is a way of explaining the world. Science is
empirical and measurable. This means that in
science, explanations need to be supported by
evidence that is based on, or derived from,
observations of the natural world.
Critique evidence
In order to evaluate the trustworthiness of data,
students need to know quite a lot about the qualities
of scientific tests.
Interpret representations
Learners think about how data is presented and ask
questions such as: What does this representation tell
us? What is left out? How does this representation
get the message across? Why is it presented in this
particular way?
Gather and interpret data
Science knowledge is based on data derived from
direct or indirect observations of the natural physical
world and often includes measuring something. An
inference is a conclusion drawn from observations –
the meaning you make from observations.
Understanding the difference is an important step
towards being scientifically literate.
Engage with Science
This capability requires students to use the other
capabilities to engage with science in “real life”
contexts.
Finally, a very warm welcome to our new Science
staff: Linda Fern (Science technician), Thomas
Clitheroe, Josh Leenhouwers and Will Theewis
Above from left: Thomas Clitheroe (Science & Biology); Josh
Leenhouwers (Science & Hort); and Will Theewis (Science)
READING RESEARCH AND RECREATION
Your library is open between 8.40 am and 4 pm
weekdays. Find us on the school Moodle webpage
under support services or on the library Facebook
page @ www.facebook.com/motuekahslibrary
What’s happening in 2017?
Try the Good reads Reading Challenge
https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/show/5493-
2017-reading-challenge
Watch for Book Day 5 July 2017. Lots of visiting
writers, fun and competitions.
Student Wellbeing
Looking for some extra help or support for your
young person? Our Deans, Form Teachers and Class
Teachers are usually the first people on hand to offer
advice and guidance to help students reach their full
potential. More specialist help is available at Te
Whare Pora, or “The House”, as it is known to the
school community.
Services at The House include individual or group
counselling, and guidance programmes provided by
our professional counsellors - Lorraine Mullings, who
oversees the Student Support Services, and Simon
Field, new to us this year from Nelson College.
Tena Koutou Everyone, my name is
Simon Field and I have the honour of
providing counselling and student
support for the Motueka High School
whanau on Fridays. Like Ms Mullings
I will be based at The House.
I currently live in Nelson where some
of my forebears landed from the Martha Ridgeway in
April 1842. Being active out in wild beautiful places is
important to me. At school I love to see people
stretching toward their goals and aspirations and NOT
being held back by problems. The warm heartfelt
welcome at Motueka High School has really left a mark
on me and I look forward to meeting more people.
Carol Fowler, the Truancy Officer, also has an office
at The House and is another ready source of care and
assistance. Similarly, Jan Trafford, SENCO, is happy
to provide testing and assistance for students who
find elements of their learning difficult.
The House is a
“Safe Haven” for
any students in
distress, what-
ever the reason.
We can refer
students and parents to other sources of help if
needed. Some
regular helpers
who provide a
service at the
House include
Andrew Brown, an
Alcohol and Other Drug Counsellor; Karl Ross and
Jane Coleman, the SVS Living Safe Youth Workers,
and Tracey Pickworth, the sexual health nurse.
Twenty-two senior
students were trained
in their roles as
Student Contacts last
term and are available
at the House on a
rostered basis to
provide mentoring,
mediation and
support for any
students who request
help. Requests or
referrals for any of these services can be made
through Lorraine at the House, by telephone or
email, or by students themselves through
appointment request slips. All services respect
confidentiality, within ethical limits.
The Base
Term 3 has congratulations to Michael Tideman and
Liam Goodman who completed their National
Certificate in Work and Community Skills (Supported
Learning) at the end of 2016. While gaining the
required 40 credits they learned many valuable
numeracy, communication, personal care, and
interpersonal and social skills through lots of
practical, real life experiences.
The highlight for both of them was the opportunity to
prepare and serve a light meal. This included inviting
guests of their own choosing, planning the menu,
setting the table, cooking, serving, cleaning up.
During the course of this unit Michael became more
adventurous about trying new food and increased the
repertoire of dishes he is able to prepare
independently while Liam gained the confidence to
cook meals at home for his family. They learned
about personal hygiene and selecting the right clothes
for the occasion. Both students made lots of progress
around answering the telephone and taking
messages. The handling money unit provided plenty
of learning opportunities; using bank cards, pins and
money machines, purchasing items and comparing
prices and keeping cards and money safe.
A huge thank you to Trish who supported Michael
and Ellie who supported Liam. Not only did they
learn important life skills, Michael and Liam had a
great time
doing it as well,
thanks to the
extra effort,
enthusiasm
and
compassion
Trish and Ellie
put into their
work.
In November we were lucky enough to spend a
second incredible day with Project Janszoon in the
Abel Tasman National Park. Again, the weather was
perfect, the boat trip smooth and the students
wonderful.
Everyone participated in a number of different
activities including fish monitoring, weta hunting,
weka spotting, learning about the life cycle of trees
and sand castle building. What a great experience for
the students and what a great place for the teachers
and the teacher aides to do a day’s work!
Above right: Trish and
Michael and Below right:
Ellie and Liam
International
We are delighted to
welcome our new
intake of
International
students and those
who have returned
after their summer
holidays. We have
students from
Columbia, Japan,
Brazil, Hong Kong,
Switzerland,
Austria, Italy and
Germany.
Our sincere
thanks to the
many host
families who have
welcomed our
students into
their homes.
We are also
delighted to
welcome back
students who
were with us 3
plus years ago,
and are now
renewing old
friendships. It is
awesome having
you here.
If you feel that
you would like
to host one of our International students, please
contact Naomi, through the school office.
Food & Nutrition
The junior classes have made an excellent start with a
good dose of enthusiasm and organisation. Pizza
snack smells permeated the
corridors in Week 2 as the
students acquainted
themselves with the equipment
and safety procedures.
Left: Bayleigh and Dallas cooking
The senior classes have baked over 400 organic plum
and rhubarb breakfast muffins for the Breakfast Club
in the first week of school. Ingredients were donated
by Fonterra, Sanitarium, Mrs Fowler and Mrs
Coppell. The muffins are all frozen down for the term
ahead and they are already going down a treat with
the Breakfast Club!
Yr 11 are now learning about the nasties that make
food unsafe and practising their food handling skills.
Yr 12 are investigating the benefits and limitations of
sustainable food practices from a variety of different
perspectives. We have
checked out the Motueka
Community gardens and
scavenged for fresh
apricots to preserve in the
dehydrator by the end of
week 3.
Yr 13 is gearing up to put
the microscope on the
overconsumption of sugary
and caffeinated drinks and
what that means to society.
We welcome Miss Wells back into the team for the
first half of the year teaching a Yr 10 class.
Left: Jennifer
making
profiteroles
Right: Freya,
Lucy & Leia
making
zucchini slice
We always welcome donations of fruit or vegetables
that are excess or going to waste in your
garden/orchard. We always like to utilise locally
grown fresh produce as much as possible. Please get
in touch [email protected]
Sports Report
Here are results from the end of 2016:
Moto-X 30th-31st October 2016
– Roma Edwards has just taken
out her first official New
Zealand Title 3rd NZ Junior
Ladies under 17 in
Mosgiel. This was a very tough
competition in extreme weather conditions.
Cricket 2016/2017 Our 1st X1 Cricket team which
play in the College A grade won their final game for
2016 by 8 wickets over Nelson College Seniors. Alex
Brogan, Fergus Puklowski and Logan Ogilvie made
the Nelson Under 15 team representative team that
travelled to Levin on 11 December. Harsh Kansara
and Liam Hobbs also made a development team. Our
boys have made a good start to the 2017 season with
Liam Geddes scoring 102 retired against Nelson
College for Girls. This is the first century our team
has scored. Winning this match was not an easy feat
as Nelson Girls included players from the Central
Hinds. Keep up the good work!
TSS Rugby 7’s 2016 Our Girls team qualified for
the Condor 7’s in Auckland in December by beating
Waimea College 32-10 and 32-5.
NZSS Condor 7’s Rugby Our team were undefeated
on the first day which put them in the top 8 and the
quarter-finals. They played Howick College and won,
going into the semi-final against HGHS. This was a
nail biter with HGHS winning 19-17. There were no
3rd/4th play-offs. Fantastic effort girls and well done
to Mark Kelly (coach), Lisa Brown (Manager) and to
the support of family to help these girls fundraise a
huge amount of money to attend the Nationals.
Congratulations to Risaleaana Pouri-Lane for her
selection into the NZSS 7’s team from her
performances at this tournament.
TSS Volleyball Report 2016 The girls had a
fantastic start to the competition winning 2 of the 3
pool games and only losing the last marginally to
Waimea Gold. They lost the quarter final game
against a very strong Nelson Girls team (the eventual
winners of the tournament). Our team finished 6th
behind Waimea Gold (who narrowly beat us in the
pool play). A bit of a nemesis team for us both in this
tournament and Thursday night’s college comp-
etition. The girls have come a long way skill wise and
understanding the technical aspects of the game,
since the start of the term. Special thanks to Jess
Anderson for coaching the girls. Great to see the
team spirit, commitment, support and smiles.
Congratulations to the MHS Junior Boys team for
winning their final against Waimea Green in the
College B grade at Saxton Stadium in December.
SISS Jnr Volleyball tournament Nov 2016
Thank you to our Junior Boys Coach Mr Allan Brodie
and Manager staff member Andrea Phillips, the
Junior Girls Coach Jess Anderson and Manager Mrs
Fiona Bryan. What a superb job they did with results:
Girls - finished 13th (went in seeded 15th) beat Otago
Girls, Lincoln High School. Finished top of their final
pool, but had 2 losses on day one and placed
13th. They played 8 games and only lost 2.
Our Junior Boys Volleyball team had extremely tough
competition in the SISS Volleyball tournament but
secured some sets off other schools.
2017 - Our Senior A Girls team will be competing at
the Satellite Volleyball tournament to be held in
Christchurch from the 27/30th March. Thank you to
Mr Bernard Enoka for coaching our team.
Cheerleading 2016 MHS Cheerleading team
competed at the NZ Cheer Union competition held in
Auckland in November with 21 members of the team.
Results: Lucy Johnston placed 2nd in Senior Solo
performance, Fran 3rd in Jnr dance solo, a 3rd placing
in the team division and a 5th placing for the Senior
duo of Lucy Johnston and Julia Todd.
NZSS Athletics 13 students competed in Auckland
in December with Izzy Neal winning silver in 400m,
Amanda Fitisemanu won Bronze in 400m and Snr
Girls Bronze in the relay. A number of athletes
posted PB’s in their events.
NZSS Touch tournament December 2016 –
MHS Mixed touch team finished 16th in the Mixed
division. The young Yr9 and Yr10 players now know
what it is
like to
play in
such an
awesome
tourn-
ament
and will
be
training
very hard for their first TSS tournament on the 26th
February 2017. Risaleaana is in the NZ U18 Girls
Touch team to play in the Trans-Tasman event being
held in January.
Sports Report
Tennis 2017 Alex Brogan, Year 11, competed at
various tennis tournaments with resounding success.
Well
done
Alex! His
results
are as
follows:
Canterbury Junior Open (December) Singles = 4th
Doubles = 1st. NZ Nationals (January) Top 50 for
singles. Won three matches out of 6
Marlborough Open (January) Singles = 2nd (in a
combined age group). Doubles = 1st
Current NZ ranking (14 and Under) Singles = 35
Doubles = 30
Above from left: Bennett Latosinszky, Alex Brogan, Constantin
von Segesser, Logan Ogilvie & Mats Wohlers.
Sport for 2017 has begun with our tennis team
competing in the Tasman Secondary Schools
competition. This year Motueka High School has
introduced a 20/20 Cricket competition with all the
other colleges. Schools involved are Queen Charlotte,
Nelson, Garin, Nayland and Waimea Colleges. We are
playing a two day tournament with some very
exciting cricket to be played. Thank you to John
Ogilvie the 1st X1 coach and Ms Stacey Fry their
manager who have put this together.
Congratulations to Sydnee Wilkins and Marvin Strub
for their selection as our Sports Captains for 2017.
They are very motivated and passionate on sport and
have some great ideas they will be putting in place.
The Winter codes will be upon us soon so we will be
looking for volunteer Coaches and Managers for our
Netball and Basketball teams. If you are interested in
being involved with our sporting students please
contact me: [email protected] or
phone 035289050 extn: 8226. The Sports
Registration night is in March - date to be decided.
Events coming up are:
23/24 Feb 20/20 Cricket
29 Feb TSS Snr Touch tournament
3 March TSS Futsal tournament
10 March TSS Athletics
17 March TSS Volleyball Championships
22 March TSS Mountain biking Championships
27/30 March Satellite Volleyball Championships in
Christchurch
29/30/31 Mar Top of the South Sailing Regatta
10 April TSS Golf
We look forward to all the results in the next Insight.
Adrienne Fry Sports Coordinator
‘SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE’ STUDENT TRUSTEE COURSE
by Tagan Stringer, Board of Trustees
Representative
“On the first day it was pretty nerve wracking not
knowing anyone that I was going to spend the next
6 days out at sea with. However after a few hours
of learning names, I found that the crew were very
friendly as well as the other trustees that were
joining me on this voyage, from all over New
Zealand.
There were above 50 of us on board, 40 being
students. Having so many of us on board we got
split into 4 groups so when setting the sails and
doing chores it was easier, and yes, each group
ended up scrubbing the deck.
As well as setting the sails, having a blast jumping
off the boat plus doing random activities, we (the
student reps) had to attend two 1 hour
lessons/classes a day to learn about our role as
BOT student representatives and what to do in
different situations whether at school or during a
BOT meeting.
Overall the whole experience was life changing,
helpful and really fun. If anyone wanted to go on
the ‘Spirit of Adventure’ for any reason, I would
highly recommend it. I have gained more
confidence in my role and have made life-long
friends”.
Godzone This year I have been lucky enough to be part of
Team Motueka who are competing in the Godzone
2017 event. This international adventure race is a
must do on an athletes wish list and teams will be
flying in from all over the world to take part. This
year the event is based in Queenstown, but as with
the race last year we will not know the course route
until 6 hours before the start!
Our team comprises myself and Brent Steinmetz as
well as Dave Quested and Cheryl Keen. We are all
local athletes and we are all proud to represent the
Motueka community. Brent is an ex-rugby player and
is strong in the kayak, Dave is our main navigator,
Cheryl is an ultra-runner and is strong at most things
and I am there to survive.
The race comprises of kayaking, rafting, trekking and
mountain biking. This year the course is 450 K’s long
and will finish in Queenstown. We do not know
where the start is but we have heard rumours that it
may be in Fiordland somewhere. Once the gun goes,
the team has to navigate through checkpoints and
work their way to the finish using the different modes
of transport. Teams rarely stop for rest and have
limited sleep time. The winning team will take 4 days,
we hope to be back in 6 days.
Team Motueka have had fantastic support from the
local community and we are so grateful to local
businesses who have supported us financially or with
products. It really is amazing how the township
comes together to look after its own. The following
firms have made the event really happen for us. New
World, Talleys, Guthrie Bowron, Coppins Cycles,
Merrell, Outfitters NZ, Whitwells, Whenua Iti, Toad
Hall, Bay Pharmacy, Mot Bike Company, Wildside
Travel, Tineli and Marahau Sea Kayaks. Our team
philosophy is to ‘Inspire others to have their own
adventures’. These could be a simple walk in the Abel
Tasman Park, pedal the Taste Trail or undertake an
event of their own. We want people to realise that
with preparation they can move way out of their
comfort zone and achieve great things. Just like our
students at Motueka High School.
The race will be streamed live at
http://godzoneadventure.com/. Anyone can follow
our progress and see how the race unfolds. We are
Team No 50. We have a Facebook page up and
running and would really appreciate messages of
support during the event. This can be found on
Facebook at Team Motueka. Last year we received
heaps of messages which were handed to us on the
last trek up Mt Owen. It was wonderful to receive
positive energy from those following our progress and
the messages certainly kept us going over the final 36
hours. We have a team monitoring the page during
the event so questions can be asked also. As long as it
is not too complicated you should get an answer.
Our final aim is to finish with a smile. Last year we
made it into the top 10 teams, but as with any event
the standard of athlete improves each year. As long as
we perform as a unit we should be competitive.
The big day is very close and we are travelling down
to Queenstown on Wednesday evening / Thursday.
Kia Kaha
Jake Stow
JOIN
Motueka High School
‘FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL’ The MHS ‘Friends of the School’ is an informal
group that meets to support and co-ordinate
upcoming events at school.
Meetings take place at the Sprig & Fern and the
next meeting is scheduled at 7pm on the third
Wednesday in March.
Everyone is warmly welcome to come along and
meet the other parents and find out more.
Any queries please ring Gabrielle Bell
ph 744-1102 (local Motueka number)
House Sports Day