From the Principal’s Desk

18 October 2013

Kia OraWelcome back to Term Four. I trust that our students and families had an enjoyable break from school but like all good things it’s over too quickly and the grind of school work once again appears like a mountain before you. My thanks to those students who made the effort to attend tutorials and an appreciation to the staff who give their time to assist these conscientious students. I have talked to a number of senior students this week about their preparation for exams and while many are nervous and concerned about externals, I also appreciate that they have a clear idea of where they currently sit with their credits and have an idea of how they see themselves with regard to the necessary requirements.

It is important that parents/caregivers also realise that students can be uptight and a bit unsettled at this time as they worry about exams and if they are properly prepared for them. Your support is crucial and every encouragement to study and attend tutorials will assist in the end. The Ministry are looking to support schools in Eastern Southland in getting students from Year 12 and 13 across the line in NCEA Level 2 through a Summer School concept. Though still in the planning stage, I will be encouraging several students to take up this opportunity to ensure they either leave school with this minimum expectation or avoid playing catch up in Year 13.

This week we completed a report on Maori Achievement in our school over the past 15 months. It is an exciting read, telling us that our Maori students are performing exceptionally well, having produced some noteworthy NCEA results last year. Attendance is on par with the school median of 91.5% and students’ aspirations indicate a willingness to stay in school until meaningful qualifications are gained. All Maori students will be mailed home a copy of this report and additional copies are available at school or by email.

At this time of the year we also review our school’s charter and prepare our strategic planning for next year. If you are interested in having input in to this process and would like a copy of the charter emailed to you, please contact the school.

Congratulations to Victoria Clark on being elected the new student representative to our Board of Trustees. I’m sure Victoria will serve the student body well over the next 12 months, as did Charday Deans, our previous student representative.

Summer Smith finished in 11th place in the National Vegemite Spelling Bee Competition held in Wellington last weekend. This was an outstanding effort from Summer and having failed on four of the words she tested me on this week, I have a whole new appreciation for Summer’s ability.

It was enjoyable to watch Greg Dyer lead the Southland Under 18 rugby team to win the South Island tournament in Christchurch during the holidays. This is the first time in fifteen years we have won it and this was a fitting way for Greg to complete his outstanding school boy career. It was also pertinent that our 5 Under 16 players who were runner’s up in their tournament were in attendance.

Kimberly Heads has had some outstanding performances during the school holidays. She competed in the South Canterbury Tennis Spring Open in Timaru in which she gained 1st place in the Girls 14 year old grade. She also entered the Otago Spring Open and gained 4th place in the Girls 16 year old grade. Last weekend she played in the Southland Closed competition in which she won the Girls 14 year old grade. Well done Kim, you achieved some fantastic results!

Gerry WardPrincipal

Option Choice EveningOption Choice and Intentions sheets were given to students this week. It is vital these are completed and returned by Friday 1 November to assist the school in its planning for next year. There will be an Option Choice evening at school on Thursday 24 October starting at 7.30pm. This evening is compulsory for all Year 10 students. The evening will start with information around NCEA. Staff will then be available to discuss option choices.

Year 7/8 Puberty Programme The physical education and health staff at Menzies College will be delivering a Puberty Programme starting next week on Tuesday 22 October to your son/daughter. The unit will start with the Life Education Trust Bus visiting the school this week. There is a copy of the unit we plan to use available for viewing in the school office. Please feel free to call in and read this or ring myself at school on (03) 2064979 if you have any concerns that you wish to express regarding the content of the unit. If you feel that you do not wish for certain aspects of the programme to be taught to your child please contact your child’s teacher and express your view. We will then make sure that alternative work is provided for your son/daughter.

We also welcome any parents/caregivers who wish to attend the lessons with their child. Please contact me if you wish to do so at the above phone number so that we can arrange for this to occur.

Mark KerslakeHead of Department - Physical Education & Health

Careers DepartmentScholarshipsApplication forms for scholarships/bursary listed below are available from the school office.

Gore District Council Tertiary Education ScholarshipApplicants must be school leavers aged 19 years or younger on 31 December 2013, from within the Gore district and going on to study at a tertiary level at a New Zealand University or an education provider that is recognised by the NZQA authority. Closing date is 31 October.

Pioneer Women’s Memorial Trust Educational BursaryApplications for this bursary close on 24 October. Applicants must be available for an interview on 8 November. A copy of the booklet ‘The Rest Room Saga’ which provides information on the history of the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Trust is available on the Gore District Council website www.goredc.govt.nz

NZAS Tertiary Education ScholarshipApplications are now open for the NZAS Tertiary Education Scholarships. Information regarding the scholarships and the application form is available on our website – www.nzas.co.nz The application period is relatively short this year, with the closing date being 31 October.

Mrs Pam StrangCareer Advisor

English DepartmentEnglish – Level One Assessment DatesAS90855 – Create a Visual Text (102 only) - Final assessment due by Friday 1 November

Ms Sonja SwaleHead of Department - English

Menzies College Board of Trustees Election Declaration of Student Election ResultsI hereby declare Victoria Clark duly elected.

Mrs Ginny Winefield Returning Officer

End of Year Prizegiving TrophiesIt is getting close to that time of year again and it would be appreciated if all trophies received at last year’s prizegiving could be returned as soon as possible. Thank you.

Important DatesOctober 17-21 Life Education Bus Visit 23 Youthmark Awards - 7 pm 28 Labour Day

November 1 Reports posted for senior students 5 Pet Day (LMV Up to Year 8) Senior Reports posted 8 Last day of school for senior students 11-8 December NCEA Examinations 20-22 Junior exams 26-29 November Year 10 Mavora Camp

December 11 Senior Prize Giving - 7.30pm 12 Junior Prize Giving - 7.30pm Last day Term 4 - school closes 12.30pm 13 Reports posted for junior students Teacher Only Day2014January 27-29 Senior Interviews 30 Year 12 & 13 students only attend 31 Teacher Only Day

February 3 All students attend 6 Waitangi Day

Mathematics DepartmentDuring Term 3, we provided students with the opportunity to enter a variety of Maths competitions across all year levels. All of these competitions were based on Problem Solving. It is the Mathematics Department’s policy to use capitals for the words “Problem Solving” because it is extremely important as it is one of the most relevant skills that employers seek across all vocations. Whatever you want to be - brain surgeon, professional sportsperson, financial magnate, truck driver or farmer - employers want to employ young people who have the ability to assess a problem, break the problem down into the steps necessary to solve it and then execute those steps successfully. Learning Maths helps our brains to think logically, critically and creatively. This helps us with our problem solving of both practical and theoretical problems, which in turn makes us more employable and ultimately more successful in our chosen professions.

We were extremely happy with the number of students who entered each competition, and even happier with the results of many of our students. Certificates should arrive any day, so we will be able celebrate the successes of these students at the next assembly. We will also have the opportunity to praise all the students who entered these competitions with the hope that even more students will take up these opportunities in the future.

South Island Problem Challenge:Erin Norman Marina Ferguson Ira Miranda Luke Goatley Maria LindsayWilliam Ranstead Hayden Stuart Taylor Stewart Gabby Knapp (Merit) Sarah Andrews (Excellence)Jordan Shortt Declan de Haas Sam Macdonald Tane Carney Ariana SauntRegan Brunton Mitchell Durry Olivia Wallace (Merit) Lauren Story Liam CameronJordan Cowan Buddy Gutsell Kimberly Heads

University of Otago Junior Maths Competition:Joseph Ferguson (Best in School) Campbell Heads Rebekah Kingdon Kyle MartinCourtneah Mitchell Sonya Shortt Cameron Sclanders Jordan Stuart Sean Wallis

Australian Mathematics Competition:Taylor Stewart (Distinction, 84th percentile) Erin Norman (Credit) Caeden McGregor (Credit)Hayden Stuart Michael McKay Tane Carney Sam Macdonald Kaleb OliveJoseph Ferguson (Distinction, 88th percentile) Summer Smith (Credit, 83rd percentile)Michael Moncur (Credit) Sam Bee (Proficiency) Nic Michaels (Proficiency)Rebekah Kingdon (Proficieny) Jordan Stuart Sean Wallis

TutorialsWe will be putting a tutorial timetable out to students next week. In the meantime, Mrs Campbell’s Tuesday after school tutorials and Mr Wallace’s Wednesday lunchtime tutorials will continue. Students are reminded that they are expected to come to tutorials with questions that have come up during revision exercises.

Brendon WallaceHead of Department - Mathematics

Mataura Licensing Trust Summer Socca 2013 Draws - Kids/Adults Leagues - Monday 21 October Kids League Flying Pumkins vs Bubble Guppies (4pm) Dynamite Rushers vs Strikers (4pm) Glenham Ghosts vs To be Confirmed (4.30pm) Strikers vs Flying Pumkins (4.30pm) Bubble Guppies vs To be Confirmed (5pm) Dynamite Rushers vs Glenham Ghosts (5pm)

Adults LeagueFubar vs The Kelsinators (5.25pm)Orange Peanut vs Seen's Team (5.25pm)The Kelsinators vs Allstars (6pm)Menzies Legends vs Seen's Team (6pm)God Complex vs Orange Peanut (6.35pm)LOL vs Fubar (6.35pm)Allstars vs God Complex (7.10pm)Camooloon vs LOL (7.10pm)

Please note that the kids league will now finish on the Monday 16 December the same as the adults league.

Facebook PageMenzies College Soccer have a facebook page which has match reports, important dates and other information. Just type in ‘Menzies College Soccer’ and then click on the ‘LIKE’ icon. All Summer Socca draws and results will be on this page (and Newsletter) so you can check when you play each week.

Important Upcoming Dates in 2013Monday 21 October 1st Round of games in MLT Summer Socca LeaguesMonday 28 October NO GAMES - LABOUR DAYMonday 4 November 2nd Round of games in MLT Summer Socca Leagues

Please support our sponsors: Mataura Licensing Trust, NZ Sport, Sport Southland, Rebel Sport, Lotto Sportswear

Questionnaire on Sports Participation by Students in Years 7 and 8Sport Southland is Southland's regional sports trust. Staff at Sport Southland would like to know more about what sports, school students in Years 7 and 8 are involved in so they can support the school in meeting the sports and recreation needs of students in this age group. They are working with researchers from Southern Institute of Technology to gather information to help them do this. As part of this project, students in Years 7 and 8 at all schools in Invercargill, as well as at selected schools from around Southland, are being invited to fill in the questionnaire. Information from all the questionnaires will be used to help Sport Southland work with schools to support sports for Years 7 and 8 students.

Dr Sally Bodkin-Allen and Dr Jo Whittle from Southern Institute of Technology will be visiting the school in the next few weeks to invite all Years 7 and 8 students to complete a questionnaire about the sports they play at school and outside of school. This questionnaire will ask students what sports they d o, how they feel about sport, what puts them off sport at school and if there are other sports they would like to do. All information will be treated confidentially and no schools or individual students will be identified in the final report.

If you would prefer that your child(ren) did not fill in a questionnaire, please let their classroom teacher know by no later than Tuesday 22 October. If you have any questions about the questionnaire please contact Dr Sally Bodkin-Allen, Research Manager, SIT: phone (03) 211 2699 ext 3316, email sally.bodkin-allen@sit.ac.nz.

Sports NoticesGetting Started in Coaching – Free CourseSouthland Sport are offering a free coaching course aimed at those who are wanting to get started in coaching. Learn things such as managing team behaviour, practical warm up drills, maximising your practise sessions and meeting the needs of your teams. These one off sessions will be run in Invercargill on 21 October 6.30pm-8pm, Sarah Ulmer lounge, Stadium Southland and also in Gore if you prefer on Tuesday 29 October, Gore Multisport complex, 6.30-8pm. Spaces are limited so register at: andrew.petrie@sportsouthland.co.nz or call Sport Southland on (03) 2112150.

Community NoticesEdendale Tennis ClubOpening day will be held Thursday 24 October at the Edendale Tennis Courts from 3.30 to 4.30pm for all players interested in playing tennis this season or anyone interested in learning to play. If you wish to commit to a Saturday team this is your only chance as teams have to be entered that evening. If you are unable to attend or for more information please contact Lois Heads on (03) 2066057 or 0273337658 or Belinda Knapp on (03) 2066404 or 021 1712144.

Swimming Lessons with Fiona Dooley at Edendale Pool11 November to 6 December (Monday to Friday only) - 10 lessons over 4 weeks - Age from 4 years up. Cost $50 per swimmer or family of 3 or more $110. For more information contact Fiona email pete.dooley@xtra.co.nz or ring (03) 2064660 or 0212636644.

Tulip Open DayThis is being held on Labour Day - Monday 28 October from 10am-4pm at Triflor, 390 Edendale Seaward Downs Road. Bulb orders, food and crafts for sale. This is a fundraising project for the Edendale Presbyterian Church - Pioneer Lions. For further information contact (03) 2066533 or (03) 2313080.

Menzies College NetballNetball Club MealParents/caregivers, coaches and committee members are invited to the end of season meal at The Heartland Hotel (Croyden Lodge Gore) on 7 November at 7.30pm. We hope to see you there for a fun social night and to also honour our Year 13 players. Please RSVP by 1 November to Sue Shaw on 0272924412.

Congratulations to Tessa Braven for being selected for the Southland Under 15 Te Waipounamu Netball team to compete in Tauranga next Easter. Kia Kaha Tessa.

J R McKenzie Youth Education TrustThis trust supports families in need of financial assistance with the purchasing of a school uniform. Applications will be accepted from those students who are entering high school for the first time specifically:* Year 9 students provided that the school only accepts entrants at the Year 9 level onwards* Year 7 students provided that the school only accepts entrants at the Year 7 level onwards and also provides high school education at the Year 9 level.This includes basic school clothing and footwear (excluding roadshoes/runners). Further information and application forms are available from the school office. The closing date for applications is Friday, 29 November.

TennisToday we have four junior students away competing at the Eastern Southland Tennis Competition in Gore. The best of luck to Kim Heads, Gabby Knapp, Marina Ferguson and Kaitlen Yorke.

Sports PhotosThese photos are now available for viewing in the office foyer. Photos are 12cm x 18cm and cost $12 each. Orders close 29 October.

The Year 10 Camp at Mavora this year will be held from Tuesday 26 November to Friday 29 November. The response from students in previous years is incredible as they really value the time spent with their friends and classmates outside of the classroom experiencing and being challenged by camping outdoors, rafting, tubing and hiking. These are just some of the activities on offer and more information, as well as permission forms were given to students on Wednesday. We are also looking for expressions of interest from parents/caregivers that may be willing to go and/or offer their support in a variety of roles i.e. camp mothers or parents/caregivers with kayaking skills etc. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact either Matt Cook or Kate Byars, Year 9 & 10 Deans at school.