Dear Parents, Term 1 was as busy as I can remember. The pace was furious for the staff, parents and boys but so much was achieved. Despite the very average summer (lovely autumn) we were able to provide a huge range of outdoor experiences from camps and tramps to all the usual sporting and arts opportunities on offer. Of course, the normal classroom activities had the usual focus on the academic side of life, including all the diagnostic assessment that takes place at the beginning of each year. The boys complete a number of these national norm-referenced diagnostic tests as they provide excellent information on individuals as well as providing a school profile of how we are placed nationally. I am pleased to say that once again, we can see that Wellesley makes a very positive difference to the boys‟ achievement. It is not good enough just to collect this data though! Through teacher and whole school inquiry, we look closely at the data to find trends, strengths and weaknesses, and then use this information to inform our teaching practice. Fundamentally we are here to make a difference to each individual child, no matter in which academic quartile he sits. We are always looking for ways of improving how we can make that difference. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the Cross Country but from viewing the photos from the day and talking to staff and boys, it is clear that the boys pushed themselves to gain personal best times. Our annual Easter Service brought the school together to celebrate this very important Christian event. Not having our School Hall and Chapel meant we were unable to invite parents and other visitors as the boys themselves took up all the room in our Performing Arts studios. A big thank you to Mrs Bleier and her class for putting so much effort into making this a special service. We are very close to being able to move into our wonderful new facility (Hall/Gym/Chapel). The staff and boys have been very adaptable as we juggle spaces to ensure the PE and other activities and events carry on as per normal. The juggling is almost over and we are excited about „moving in‟. The official opening will be announced soon.

Centenary Update

The registration process has gone „live‟ through the break. Please go to the website

http://www.wellesley100.co.nz/ for details. There is something for everyone. The boys will have active

involvement on the Friday 24th October and Saturday of Labour Weekend. The Year 7 + 8s are able to come to the

Thursday evening event (Dinner with Mr G). Friday night is a craft beer and reminiscing evening evening and Saturday night the formal dinner at Te Papa including a variety of entertainment. Have a look online for the full programme.

Wellesley Newsletter # 4 Centenary Edition 12th May 2014

Dominic, George, Jesse and Callum. An outstanding win for our Literature team. (see P2) The Year 7+ 8s love their sailing experiences.

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Term 2 has begun well. The key Habit of Mind we are focusing on across the whole school is „Managing Impulsivity’. This theme encourages the boys to take charge of their self-discipline and to focus on making good choices. Part of our work with the boys will be supporting them to understand the importance of making good decisions for the long term rather than responding to impulse for a more shallow and short term outcome. Our first Chapel theme of „Making a Difference‟ ties in well with the above and is also a motivating force as we approach the 20 Hour World Vision famine appeal. More on this later.

Children’s Lit Quiz 2014

The weather was great for the van trip to Papakowhai School for the Regional Heat of the Kids‟ Lit Quiz - though the road works were not - holding up the arriving buses and then us in the van on the way out. This led to a panicked phone call to Papakowhai saying „”We are coming!”. We had instructions to arrive by 9.30am and the Quiz was to start promptly at 10am . . .after finally getting through the road works, only one wrong turn and a mad dash, on foot, up the school drive we made it at 9.56 - the last people to arrive. Everything went well from this point on. This year the ten rounds of ten questions were on the topics of Doctors, Middle Earth, Mythology, Non-Fiction, Partnerships [the visual round], Primates, Settings, Who Said? and Witches. The final result was a clear win to Wellesley A [Geoge Lethbridge, Callum Benfell, Dominic Coffin and Jesse Richardson] on 89.5 points, ahead of Mount Cook A on 84.5 points, and Evans Bay A on 82.5 points. Wellesley B [Jack Inder, Hamish Hutton, Logan Forsyth and George Parker] were a very creditable sixth equal. Next stop the National Finals at National Library on Tuesday June 10th. Congratulations to all the boys and their parents from an extremely proud coach. Jane Kent

Children‟s Literature Teams Theo, Jake and Paul part of the Easter story Judd, Toby, Harper, T.J. and Mrs Sinclair

World Vision 20 Hour Famine

The 20 Hour Famine weekend is 23rd

- 25th May. A few weeks ago, Michelle Griffiths from World Vision came to our

chapel service to inspire the boys to do their part to help people around the world. This year World Vision is targeting the famine money to the people of Malawi. The boys were able to learn about this country and why there is a need for aid there.

The 20 Hour Famine is offered to boys from Years 4-8. There are many options the boys can choose to do for the famine, other than giving up food; for example – electronics, shelter, TV and Playstation.

Permission slips were handed out last term and those who are participating were issued with their booklets at the end of Term 1. In the past the boys have done a remarkable job in raising money for this charity. In 2013 we raised over $11,500 and our goal is to do even better this year!

Once the famine is completed, money raised can be either brought to school in cash or deposited directly online, through the World Vision website. If you chose to do the latter – please ensure that your donation is linked to Wellesley College.

Please encourage your son to get involved. Veronica Stevens

Science and Technology

This term is going to be one of the most exciting and interesting terms for science. We have the Wellesley College Science and Technology Fair and a school wide science emphasis culminating in our school Science Evening and

afternoon for the Juniors. This is held in the last week of the term (Wednesday 2nd

May), and there will be more information about this coming home soon. All of the classes are going to be learning about Fair Testing and conducting their own fair tests and investigations into something that they find interesting in the world around them. The school has recently purchased a 3D printer and so some boys will have the opportunity to start creating their own designs. Both our Lego Robotics lunchtime clubs are up and running and towards the end of last term three classes spent some sessions learning about and using the Lego robots. This was really successful and the boys were thoroughly engaged and enjoyed what they were doing. Whole class sessions will continue this term. Over the holidays I attended the Sir Paul Callaghan Science Academy. This was a worthwhile and enjoyable experience that has given me lots of new ideas and food for thought. You can see more of what‟s happening in the science room, some useful information, and links about the Science Fair on my blog http://wellesleyscienceandtechnology.blogspot.co.nz/ Jo Hawthorne

ANZAC Day Ceremony and ANZAC Essay Results

A group of volunteers from our school choir sang 'Sons of Gallipoli' at the Eastbourne ANZAC Service. It was a lovely occasion to remember all those soldiers and families who have felt the horrors of war on our behalf. There was a big turnout of military and the wider community. Out of respect for the 'fallen', Arie Renner and Harper Doak laid a wreath at the memorial gates on behalf of all the Wellesley boys. The local RSA organised an essay competition between the three Eastbourne Schools. The essay's focus was around the impact WW1 had on New Zealand. Some Y6-8 boys entered the essay competition which was set in two divisions (Junior and Senior). The essay requirements were very demanding on top of the usual class work the boys were expected to complete. I was delighted that over 20 boys entered this optional activity. When the winners were announced we were delighted to hear that out of the six prizes on offer, the Wellesley boys picked up four of them with girls picking up the other two prizes. William Chandler who won 1st place in the Junior Division, received a fabulous trophy on behalf of the school. ( Sector Clock ) 2nd place Tom Bloomfield and 3

rd Hugo Lethbridge. In the Senior division Hugo Wiles came 2

nd.

The boys love their robotics Tobias and Iain They learn how to programme their robot

to travel around a set route

ANZAC Day parade William receiving his prize Arie and Harper laying the wreath

Slippers This term all boys must have slippers at school. During the winter terms mud can be walked in and we want to keep the school as clean as possible. There is no „uniform‟ slipper, so the boys may be as individual as they like, as long as the sole of the slipper is rubber or leather.

Uniform Shop

With the cooler mornings upon us, now is a good time to make sure that your boys have their warm clothing essentials for school. Shop Hours: Tuesdays 8.30am -- 10.30am Thursdays 12.30pm -- 3.30pm

Winter shirts (brushed polycotton) $46.00 - $51.00

Scarves $36.00

Beanies $15.00

Jerseys $74.00-$82.00

Canterbury Tracksuits –sizes 8-14 $172.00

If you wish to contact to me, phone 562 8030 ext 808 or email fiona@wellesley.school.nz Fiona Donnelly

Sacha and Jack playing Hereworth. Sage pitching against Hereworth. The unbeaten Colts cricket team with Mr Parker.

PE and Sport

The new term brings about a change from summer to winter sport. I received the following report from Chris Parker who is the coach/teacher in charge of the Year 6 Colts Cricket team. This report reflects very positively on the team but the theme could be applied to many teams last term. Last term was extremely busy and I‟d like to thank the teachers who dedicated so much time and effort to their teams. “The Wellesley Colts have played 4 games this term, winning all of them comfortably. There is a terrific team spirit amongst the boys which helps them through the tricky patches of each game. Led confidently by Finley Kruger and Archie Treadwell, the fielding has been top notch. Strong batting through to no. 11 and accurate bowlers combine to make up this impressive unit. Bring on Term 4.” Chris Parker Six boys represented an extremely strong Central Zone swimming team at the Inter-Zone event at the end of last term. The Wellesley boys had seven top three placings in the individual events, with David Lillis‟ first a highlight. Thomas Pou and Nikolai Krupski each had two top 3 placings and were members of their respective winning relay teams. The 12 member Year 7 & 8 Swimming team took part in the Hutt Zone meet and finished with eleven top three placings. Callum Hancock and Alex Laurenson placed in all three of their individual events with Callum‟s first the highlight. Wellesley had second placings in the two relay events. Thank you to the Middle and Senior parents who helped with team managing, timekeeping, result collecting and transport at the three Zone Swimming events. These events rely on a lot of adult help and it was pleasing to see so many of our parents put their hands up. The Year 3/4 basketball team completed their Term 1 competition by winning the A grade final. They thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the win in the final was a nice way to finish. This team is entered in a new competition this term, along with Middle and Senior teams, in the Karori and Hutt Valley leagues. Four Senior classes had a taste of yachting through the “Have-a-go” programme run by Yachting New Zealand. This provides a unique challenge for the boys and tied in nicely with the Year 7 unit. The two other Senior classes will have their turn at the end of the year.

The School Cross Country took place on the last Tuesday of last term. The weather cleared and we had a fantastic day for the event. The Junior school was first on the course followed by the Middle and Senior year groups. Cross Country is not all the boys‟ favourite event but it encourages perseverance and improves fitness levels leading into the winter season. The following boys were the top three place-getters in the Middle and Senior year groups: Year 4 - Carl Pascall, Nikolai Krupski, Eddie Lethbridge Year 5 – Oscar Jackson, Duncan Mutch, Cameron Pattison Year 6 – Ethan MacKenzie, Archie Chandler, Bruno Penney Year 7 – Ruaridh Ferguson, Toby Barlow, Cameron O‟Brien Year 8 – Callum Hancock, Jack Healy, Henry Chandler The top ten Year 4 to 8 finishers at the School Cross Country qualify for respective Zone events. There will be some organised runs for these boys at school but they will need to do some extra running outside of school hours. Dates for these events are on the calendar and notes will go home with the details closer to the time. Marc Ellis about to start the Y8s. Max, Ryan and Alex (Y6) Ethan (Y6) Callum (Y8) Jackson (Y2)

The Senior Table Tennis Championships have started with entries closing at the end of last term. Interested boys have entered singles and doubles competitions. Games are played on Senior allocated days at break and lunch times. Boys require their own bats and balls. The Senior school has their winter sports trials over the first three weeks of this term (refer to letter sent out last term). The Senior teams will be announced after these trials. The boys not involved in these sports teams will take part in the Multi Sports programme which exposes the boys to a range of different sporting and active activities. The boys involved in trials need appropriate mufti practice and safety gear on those days. Boys not involved in the trials require Wellesley PE/Sports gear. Please ensure your son has his school gear on PE days. The coaches endeavour to make the team selection process as fair as possible. Unfortunately, boys do miss out on teams and this can be distressing for some boys. We do have a lot of talented boys and we try to find opposition to cater for the demand. There has been an increase in the number of teams competing in some of our traditional fixtures plus new opposition has been found in recent years. The Year 5 and 6 boys have chosen to play football, rugby, hockey or join the Year 4 boys in various games each week. The squads practice and play games each Tuesday afternoon during their sport time (2.00-3.00pm). We find it difficult finding schools to play these teams so if opposition is secured then teams are chosen from the squads. We do enter teams in various Zone tournaments as well. The squad members require appropriate mufti practice, safety sports gear and a towel on Tuesday‟s. Boys not involved in the squads wear Wellesley PE/Sports gear for sport. All boys require school gear on their PE days. If you are intending on purchasing a school tracksuit please contact Fiona Donnelly in the Clothing Shop for more details. All senior boys should have one by now as they are a compulsory item. These can be worn over the top of PE gear and home after Tuesday and Thursday sport sessions. They are also required for match days and Multi Sports trips.

1st XI cricket team playing against Hereworth at Te Whiti Park, Waiwhetu.

I encourage parents and boys to refer to the various sports blogs, especially the „Sport Admin‟ one which has updated fixture information. Please return transport slips by the date stated (even if you can‟t help) so they can be processed quickly. I realise parents need time to organise time off work and family commitments. We are fortunate to have very supportive parents at Wellesley and we rarely have situations where parents overstep the mark with their comments or behaviour on the sideline. We will be making it clear to the boys what is expected in the upcoming winter season so thought it appropriate to remind parents of their role as well.

Encourage my son, and other people‟s children, in their efforts in sport

Insist that my child plays within the rules and by the principles of fair play

Respect my boy‟s efforts the same, regardless of whether he has won or lost

Display self-control on the sideline. Be positive, never shout at or ridicule a player

Watch my son play and enjoy the game

Show my appreciation to people who volunteer their time so my son can play or practice

Remember that my son plays sport for his reasons not mine

Never place undue pressure on my child to play or perform Old Boy Isaac Rusholme-Cobb recently won gold and bronze in Under 15 and 17 sections at the National Fencing Championships and is awaiting confirmation of his place in the NZ team travelling to Australia. Another Old Boy Marc Ellis spoke to the Year 8 boys prior to the start of the Cross Country and passed on his words of wisdom. Current boy, Callum Hancock, won the Junior National Boys‟ “Tri Star” Triathlon series and was fifth in the U13 National Championships which included Year 9 boys this year.

Darren Houston

Monty and Robbie The boys love their sailing experiences and some go on to take up the sport on a regular basis

Subway Kiwi Sport Day at Hutt Park

On Friday 4th April I took 30 Yr 5 boys to the Subway Kiwi Sport Schools Festival, sponsored by Hutt City Council.

There were a dozen other schools there at Hutt Park as well. The school groups moved around 5 (of 13) activities during the day, spending about 45 minutes on each. We tried Cricket skills, Touch skills, Ignite Sports 2 which was a netball skills based team game, Ultimate Frisbee, and Futsal. The weather was magnificent, the activities were engaging and energetic, and the boys were terrific.

Chris Parker

Year 8 group lunches with Mr Owen. The Jnr School to Somes Island was spectacular. Hotshots tennis for Year 1

Performing Arts

As part of the Performing Arts programme at Wellesley, we believe it is important for the boys to be exposed to a range of different live performances. Last term we had The New Zealand Playhouse perform two plays for different areas of the school. Both were outstanding and enjoyed immensely by the boys and staff. This term we have the percussion group Strike coming to perform.

The orchestra practising with Mrs Morgan and Andre Paris. Nick and Hamish in foreground.

On Monday the Junior and Middle school experienced a fantastic play put on by the New Zealand Playhouse called Rap-unzel. At the start, the speakers were shouting "Today everyone in A Land Far Far Away you will get to experience the masterpiece... A LAND FAR FAR AWAY'S GOT TALENT! With a judge who's also a X Factor Idol!" The speakers boomed when the music came on. There were parts in the play where everyone would laugh their heads off. The main part was when the evil Simon Cow stole Rapunzel's singing voice with a recorder, because she was a really good singer, but she wouldn't sign a contract with Simon so he locked her in a recording tower. Then, he cut off her hair and made it so that her sister would lip-sync the words while Simon played the recording, so it looked like her sister was the real Rapunzel. So do you know what she did? She solved the problem with the help of the rappin' prince, Rupert. Or Rupee, for short. Instead of singing, she rapped. See the little joke in the title Rap-unzel? But to get out of the tower she needed the help of Jack's beanstalk, the prince, and her sub-conscious. When she finally got to Simon to prove that she was the real Rapunzel, she beat Simon in a - wait for it - rapping contest. Pretty cool, huh? Then they ended the show with a remake of the song „Can't touch this‟ with the chorus instead of being „Can't touch this‟, it was Rapunzel. They then allowed time for questions from the audience. I really enjoyed the show. It was a fun take on the original fairy-tale of Rapunzel. (written by Ned 6S)

Rap-unzel The Junior boys acting out parts of the story.

On 25th March, NZ Playhouse performed „BOT Farm 2014- Rise of the Appliances‟ for the Year 7 and 8 boys. This play was based on Animal Farm by George Orwell (or Eric Heath as we found out). The play followed the same structure as Animal Farm but instead of a farm in England, it was set on the Big Brother TV show in modern times. It was very well acted, even though there were only three actors and many characters. They also did ad breaks with a dictator to explain what was happening in the show. I thoroughly enjoyed it as they had great costumes and characters. They also had great humour and there were many „laugh out loud‟ moments. I think this was one of the best plays I‟ve ever seen and I would rate it 4.75 of 5 stars. (Year 8 Theo T.)

Year 3/4 basketball team completed their Term 1 competition by winning

the A grade final

School Calendar

This term has a number of important dates. The school intranet calendar is updated daily with information of events various activities. To access this please follow the link - http://wellesley.knowledge.net.nz/. **Note that there is no need to log on, just click on public pages, Wellesley Calendar.

Key dates include: Monday May 12 Y4-8 Parent Interviews begin

Wednesday 21 May Open Morning 9.30am-12.30pm

Monday 26 May Year 1-3 Parent Interviews begin

Monday 2 June Queen’s Birthday

Tuesday 3 June Teacher only day

Thursday 6 June Year 6 Parents‟ Evening „The Y7+8‟ Years

Friday 7 June World Vision 20 Hour Famine

Friday 20 June Queen Margaret Choir Exchange

Monday 23 June Y3-6 NZ Speech Board Assessments start

Wednesday 25 June Year 7 House Breakfast. Marlborough / Selwyn House

Wednesday 2 July Science Fair Afternoon and Evening 2pm Juniors 7pm Years 4-8

Wednesday 3 July Grandparents and Special Friends‟ Day

Friday 4 July Last day of Term 2 and School Reports out.

Staff

We welcome Brenda Nisbet who takes over from Annick Geldernans who retired last term from her role as Teacher Support. Brenda is a qualified teacher with a Batchelor of Education and a Master of Special Education (Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia) degree. Brenda has a range of interests and we look forward to her working with the boys and adding value to our staff team.

Open Morning-Wednesday 21 May (9.30am-12.30pm)

This opportunity is for prospective parents planning ahead for next year and beyond and also for any current families who wish to attend. Please spread the word to colleagues, family and friends about these opportunities and encourage them to plan ahead for 2015 and beyond.

Ms Xia taking Madarin

Eve Owen with architect Bruce Dickson

GAP Host Families

We are always looking for host families. This hosting could be on a 10 week term basis, or longer if it suited. Hopefully it would be a two-way cultural adventure. Currently we don‟t have any families listed to host in Term 4 2014 and Terms 1 and 2 2015.

If you are interested in being involved, please ring or email me or Steve Girvan to discuss the matter without any pressure of commitment. I can give you the names of past host families if you wish to discuss their experiences. As usual we are seeking host families for later this year and next so please consider this experience. If you would like to find out more about being involved in this hosting programme, please give Steve Girvan a call. We have found after over 15 years of having GAP tutors, the vast majority add tremendous value to the families who host them. The period of hosting is usually one term.

From Term 3 we will welcome our new GAP tutor, Seb Morton. As yet, we don’t have a host family for Sebastian. This is what the Dean of his school said about him: Sebastian is a fine young man whom I have had the pleasure of teaching and seeing develop throughput his time at Langley School. He is enthusiastic, unerringly positive and approaches life with a smile on his face. He is not afraid of hard work and will always be a reliable member of a team. He loves sport and his enthusiasm is catching. Sebastian understands the importance of hard graft and I feel he could inspire in young people a desire to make the greatest effort in order to reach their fullest potential. Sebastian would be a good addition to any school, and his loyalty, trustworthiness and positive attitude will be a real bonus to an employer. Kind regards Warren Owen Principal

Thushar, Nicholas and Zac – Y7 Army boot

camp experience Cam and his mum at the Year 4 art exhibition

PUBLIC NOTICES

Please note that notices posted in this section of the Principal’s Pen have not necessarily been vetted by Wellesley. We therefore advise that if you are interested in any of the services advertised that you check them out yourself.

King of the Hill event ready, set, go on Wainuiomata Hill King of the Hill is a new fun run/walk event up Wainuiomata Hill, which is cheap to enter and has great prizes. Students under 18 years can enter for $5. First place home will win a cash prize and there are other prizes for just taking part like best dressed King or Queen and best themed team. Make it a family event and you could win best decorated pram or pushchair. Anyone can sign up for King of the Hill at www.kingofthehill.co.nz The event starts at 9am on Sunday 1 June from the Queen Street Reserve in Wainuiomata. King of the Hill costs $10 for adults, $5 for 5-18 year olds and is free for those under-five.

WELLINGTON YOUNG VOICES Places are available for term 2 for keen young singers, aged 8-14, who would like to sing in Wellington’s regional children’s choir. In term 1 this year the choir formed the chorus for NZ Opera’s production of Noah’s Flood. At the start of term 2, the choir will sing with Dave Dobbyn and the Orpheus Choir in a concert in the Michael Fowler centre and later in the year WYV sings Carmina Burana with the Orpheus Choir and Orchestra Wellington. Rehearsals are Mondays 4-6pm in central Wellington. Contact Judy McKoy ph 233 9365 or 021 263 9844, or visitwww.wellingtonyoungvoices.co.nz Italian for beginners – small group lessons for years 4 - 8 students. For more information please contact

Cecilia 889 0269 or 021 0252 1616, email: ceciliadoogue@xtra.co.nz Wanganui Collegiate School - Thinking Boarding?

PROGRAMME

SATURDAY 24 MAY

3.30PM Arrive and register at the Auditorium

4PM Games in the Sports Hall and Drama on the Stage

5.45PM Dinner followed by some down time

7.00PM Organised activities in your boarding House

9.30PM Lights Out!