FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK ......... 3

Dear Parents and Friends ....... 3

Comment – “The Four Cs” ...... 3

Staff ........................................ 3

Student Leadership 2016 ....... 5

Property ................................. 5

Achievements and Highlights . 5

Looking Ahead ........................ 6

COMMUNITY ................................... 7

Friends’ Association ............... 7

Board of Trustees. .................. 7

Old Boys’ Association ............. 7

FROM THE CHAPLAIN ...................... 8

ADMINISTRATION ........................... 8

Competition House singlets ... 8

School Office holiday opening

hours ...................................... 8

ACADEMIC ....................................... 9

2015 NCEA Examinations ....... 9

Subject Confirmation 2016..... 9

KAMAR Parent Portal ............. 9

STAFF PROFILES ............................. 10

Grant Harper (MGH) ................. 10

Joyce Kirkham ........................... 10

OUTDOOR EDUCATION ................. 11

Rathkeale Tramping Club

Haurangi Tramp November

2015...................................... 11

2016 DAY ONE ARRANGEMENTS .. 12

from the principal’s desk

DEAR PARENTS AND FRIENDS

Term IV is now over and the Rathkeale and Senior College Prizegiving ceremonies have celebrated with our communities a wonderful year of achievement. Many boys should feel pleased about their efforts and proud of their achievements. A few will feel disappointed that their efforts have not gained them the accolades they feel they deserve and that is understandable. I hope that there will be many instances of boys finding that there is another or renewed opportunity for them to attain their goals at Rathkeale or some other place in the future. New opportunities will emerge and for those leaving and those returning I wish them, you and your families all the best. The Christmas Carol Service, Leavers’ Chapel Service and Prizegiving were memorable occasions and the boys’ involvement in them once again made me feel proud. The Rathkeale boys in full voice are impressive and a wonderful feature of our school life. I thank Rev Ben Arcus for his deliberations and thoughts. His Leavers’ Service sermon was very contemplative and relevant to the challenges we may face. I hope that Mr Arcus’ teachings and learnings throughout the year have placed all our boys in a stronger position to reflect on where their spirituality may lie now, or perhaps in the future. We finish the year pleased, but also aware we can do better. I am pleased that the level of interest in Rathkeale College remains and that we continue to receive much encouraging feedback. The future is looking positive. However, we are likely to have reached our day boy cap. With the confirmed leavers now known, a determination of those intending to board in 2016 will need to be accurately determined. In the meantime, if any day boy families are considering boarding for their sons, please contact the school or me personally as soon as possible

I thank our school families and friends for their support in the past year and wish you all a peaceful and relaxing time over the Christmas and New Year period.

COMMENT – “THE FOUR CS” (Excerpt from Senior College Prizegiving speech)

In the past we used to hear of the importance of the 3 Rs, reading, writing and “rithmetic”. In the future you will hear more of the four Cs. Creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication are the key skills deemed important for the 21st Century workplace. That is now; we are well into it. Research suggests that schools need to respond better to the rapidly changing world that we live in. It is becoming more complex and people have to make a greater number of decisions that impact on themselves and others. Jobs for life are becoming a thing of the past and the importance of having a strong skill set that enables a transition from one job to another is going to be critical success factor in the workplace. Franklin D Roosevelt once said “We cannot build our future for the youth, but we can build our youth for the future”. In making the claim that we provide a solid foundation for the future, we have a responsibility to ensure essential skills related to the 4 Cs are developed in the Senior College environment. I think they are evident, but we need to ask ourselves; To what extent do we encourage creativity? Can our critical thinking be expanded further into our curriculum? Do you understand that collaboration is not an approach to be taken to completing internal assessments when you can’t be bothered carrying out the task yourself? Collaboration is the ability to share responsibility, exercise flexibility and respect diversity in order to determine best solutions. And finally, do we appreciate that to communicate effectively we actually have to engage our audience? Acquiring these skills will not come about through spontaneous combustion. Students have to set themselves on fire and good teaching will kindle the flame. While the environment, the contexts and the tools may change, teachers actually teaching needs to remain our core purpose. But we have to accept that in today’s environment we may not have all the knowledge and skill required and therefore we have to be learners as well. And what’s more, sometimes we will learn from those who we teach.

STAFF

We farewell the following staff and thank them for their loyal service to Rathkeale and the Senior College and wish them all the best.

Tutors Tim Lawrence and Isaac Jay return to Sth Africa and Scotland respectively.

Short term teaching appointments see Mrs Amy Radford and Mr Alan Grant leaving. Both have been superb and their tenure, albeit brief, has served us very well. Amy returns with her family to Australia and Alan has gained a position at Morrinsville College from the start of Term I.

We are sorry to see both the Reverend Ben Arcus and long standing teacher, Mrs Joyce Kirkham leave. Rev Arcus, Ben, has been a vital force in and about the campus and not having anyone appointed to replace him makes us feel rather naked, such is the importance of the Chaplain’s position in the school. We wish Ben and his family all the best in their family home at the All Saints parish in Hataitai, Wellington.

Mrs Kirkham leaves a legacy of fine teaching and commitment to the profession. She has contributed much to the life and enjoyable times at Rathkeale. She and her husband Fran will be moving to the sunny climes of Rarotonga.

New Staff appointments are Ms Coadette Low who will be the new HOD of Agriculture and Ms Laura-Jayne Gray who will be teaching French and English. Mr Mason Summerfield is our new Deputy Principal.

Ms Low is originally from Hawke’s Bay, but has been teaching in Australia. She is about to leave an Agricultural College north west of Adelaide where she has taught for three years. She has a great deal of practical knowledge and she has advised that she will be bringing her own working dog.

Ms Gray has returned to New Zealand, having taught in France for two years and prior to that at Paraparaumu College.

Mr Summerfield comes to us from Lindisfarne College where he is currently the Head of the Science Faculty. He has also been the acting Assistant Principal this year. He is currently Head of a boarding house at Lindisfarne, and a keen

sportsman. More importantly, he has been involved in curriculum work at national level and his work with NZQA in the Ag / Hort area has been extensive. Additionally, he has been a member of a team carrying out action research for the International Boys’ Schools’ Coalition. Mr Summerfield’s primary role will be as Director of Teaching and Learning. He and his wife and four children will move into School House in January.

At this stage, plans are being made to not have a Chaplain for Term I but every effort will be made to secure a suitable person for the role as soon as possible.

Staff Changes will see the following come about:

Mr Jones and Mr Gordon appointed to Year 11 and Year 12 Dean’s positions while Mr Bouton and Mrs van Deventer will be the Year 13 Deans. Ms Suzie Leckie from St Matthew’s will be a Year 12 Dean. Ms Teresa Ahipene will be in a fulltime role

at Rathkeale and continuing her work with Peer Support and the Panorama programme. This will be important in the absence of a Chaplain. Mrs Ailsa Andrew will assume more

teaching and will teach Year 12 Chemistry. Mr Shay O’Gorman will leave the campus

after a five year tenure as Rugby House Master. We wish him, Dr Angela Kelly and family all the best as they move into their family home “down the road”. Mr Leif Hansen takes up that role and we will welcome him, his wife Rachel and two children on site. And Mr Harper! – After 19 years as Deputy

Principal of Rathkeale and the Senior College, he relinquishes this role. He will remain at Rathkeale in a teaching role and undertake other responsibilities in marketing and communications, possibly on behalf of the Trinity Schools and as President of the Rathkeale Old Boys’ Association’s. Mr Harper’s amazing work over many years has been acknowledged at recent school prizegiving ceremonies. We are both pleased and fortunate that he remains in our midst.

I thank all those who have accepted new responsibilities and thank them for their work in their previous capacities.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP 2016

At the end of the year there is always considerable interest, discussion, some debate and deliberation regarding student leadership for the following year. We congratulate the following on their appointments and thank all those who applied:

SCHOOL PREFECTS Head Boy: Angus Tylee Deputy Head Boy: Tom McKay

PREFECT TEAM James Boyce, Christopher Dalley, Harry Eschenbach, Troy Etherington, Jack Gordon, Samuel Hammond, Oliver Lewis, Matthew Pledger, Benjamin Renton, Thomas Renton, Reinhard Schwanecke

BOARDING HOUSE PREFECTS Head of Cranleigh Matt Pledger Deputy Head of Cranleigh Vincent Capes Cranleigh Prefects Fred Falloon

Mitchell Weeks Head of Repton Tom McKay Deputy Head of Repton Tom Renton Repton Prefects Temana Matiu

Chris Dalley Head of Rugby Ben Renton Deputy Head of Rugby Miller Paton Masters Rugby Prefects Kelsey Fahey

Ben McCook-Weir

COMPETITION HOUSE LEADERS

Head of Blake Harry Eschenbach Deputy Head of Blake Miller Payton Masters Head of Halberg James Boyce Deputy Head of Halberg Chris Dalley Head of Hillary Oliver Lewis Deputy Head of Hillary Angus Tylee

PROPERTY

Refurbishment to convert Rooms 7 & 15 to more functional teaching spaces has commenced and a business case is being prepared for the refurbishment of the Tuck and Uniform Shop. There continues to be a great deal that can be done, but only so much is possible in the current financial climate. I would like to thank the staff and the Year 9 boys for their magnificent work in clearing part of the bush in preparation for the new track and fitness trail.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Congratulations to Adam Gordon for his coordination and masterminding of another magnificent House Music competition. Halberg were the overall winners with Sam Kyle Best Conductor

Angus Tylee has been returned to the BOT Student Rep position by an overwhelming majority.

Rams Hockey Team won Wairarapa Schools 2nd Grade Competition

Sam Kyle – finished the season having played over 100 games for the Rathkeale College Hockey 1st XI

Callum Riach gained a top 0.2% placing in an International on-line Language competition

Judah Dabora received a Tu Tangata Service Award for his World Vision fundraising efforts

Jamie Gordon is the recipient of the Faye Norman Music Scholarship

Max Spencer and Jonty Morison in the Wellington High Performance Development squad

Ben Taylor named in Hurricanes U18 Rugby team and Ueta Tufuga in the reserves

Ollie Hammond, Quinn Riddell, Max Spencer, Hugh O’Donoghue and John McKeefry won their age groups in the Cross Country Championships

James McKenna, Wynter McCook-Weir and Oliver Clive-Griffin gained distinction in Australian Mathematics Competition

Jeramiah Mapusua and Ben Renton selected into Hurricanes U17 team

Ueta Tufuga signed up with Manawatu Rugby Academy

Ben Taylor signed up with Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union

Vincent Capes 2nd overall at Commonwealth Power Lifting Champs in Vancouver

Tom McCallum selected into the NZ Cycling Junior Development squad

Rory Thomson Silver Level Duke of Edinburgh Award

Dylan Drysdale 17th at World Karting Champs

Ryan Nelson selected into NZ Junior Skeet Shooting team

Harry Eschenbach Top PITA Student (Level 2) in the Wairarapa

Callum Riach Te Kura (Correspondence School) High Achievement in French award

School Tennis Runners up and Champions in Wairarapa Tennis Regional 3 competition

Junior Cricket Won the 2015 Junior Cricket competition

New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Athletics Champs in Timaru (13 boys represented Rathkeale)

Max Spencer 2nd 1500m Jonty Morison 3rd Senior Boys’ 200m Gerard Hickey 5th Junior High Jump and

8th 800m

Cricket teams performing well – 1st XI beat Greytown in Premier competition (first time in years)

Wairarapa Sports Awards Max Spencer - Junior Sportsman of the Year

Dylan Drysdale - Emerging Sport Sportsman of the Year

Jonty Morison, Mitchell Cockburn, Tom McCallum, Vincent Capes, were finalists in other categories

John Mckeefry - Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award (presented by the Governor General) John selected to make the Thank You speech on behalf of the 59 recipients

LOOKING AHEAD

I will write to all families in the week commencing 18th January, to confirm the beginning of year arrangements and advise you of other matters. In the meantime, please be aware of the arrangements set for the beginning of the 2016 school year shown in this newsletter, particularly Sunday January 31st. The enclosed calendar will show all the Term I events and activities.

W J Kersten Principal

Outstanding Principal’s Awards were presented to the following students for achieving an Excellence grade in NCEA Level 1 Angus Yeats 4, Jordan Thurston 3, James Gordon 2, Jack McKenzie 2, Henry Phelps 2, Callum Riach 2,

Sebastian Vallance 2, Benjamin Williams 2, Krittapon Kietchaisak ,Sung Bin Kim ,Hamish Cox , Judah Dabora ,

Dylan Drysdale , Matthew Galyer , Will McMaster , Sean Percy , Oliver Pilbrow , George Robinson, Pranay

Singh , Anthony Sprowson , Nathan Whiteman

Outstanding Principal’s Awards were presented to the following students for achieving an Excellence grade in NCEA Level 2 & Level 3

Matthew Pledger 8, Harrison Bolt 5, Samuel Collins 4, Temana Matiu 4, Frederick Falloon 3, Samuel Fleming

3, Marshall Pitney 3, Benjamin Renton 3, Thomas Renton 3, Robert Spite 3, Liam Burling 2, Christopher

Dalley 2, Isaiah Davies 2, Callum Finn Reason 2, Jack Gordon 2, Jack Hirst 2, Banon Hopman 2, Isaac Johnston-

Lundy 2, Jack Laven 2, Benjamin McCook-Weir 2, Henry McCook-Weir 2, Zack Saba 2, Nattawat

Tangthanakitroj 2, Kristian Taylor 2, Reade Thompson-Trott 2, John-Bengt Weidling 2, Daniel Barnett , James

Boyce , Vincent Capes , Joseph Doyle , Henry Eschenbach , Troy Etherington , Jack Forrester , William Foster ,

Hugo Hewitt , Jack Hopman , Jackson Hunter , Samuel Kyle , Oliver Lewis , Jeramiah Mapusua , Thomas

McKay , Jinwon Park , Miller Paton-Masters , Angus Tylee , Jacob Woods , Yi Zhu

Outstanding Principal’s Awards were presented to M Oakly for Service to Sound & Lighting C Riach for Service to Sound & Lighting C Harrison for Service to Sound & Lighting H Forrester for Service to Sound & Lighting Charles Morrison for Cricket Best Fielder Liam Burling for Cricket Best Batsman Kelsey Fahey for Cricket All-rounder Kelsey Fahey for Cricket McLeod Cup for Best Bowler Charles Morrison for Cricket Leadership & Sportsmanship Ramsden Cup Dylan Price for Wicket Keeping RMB Payne Cup Liam Burling The Most memorable moment in 2015 (Liam Burling 200 vs Marlborough Boys) O’Gorman Stump Prefect Awards for Leadership in Term 4 were presented to the following students

Cooper Jamieson -Head Boy of Cranleigh House Award Eric Zhu - Head Boy of Cranleigh House Award Thomas Ralls - Head of Dayboys Award Henry Williams - Head of Dayboys Award Jarrod Rowsell - Head Boy of Repton House Award Cameron Tyson - Head Boy of Repton House Award Oli Clive-Griffin - Head Boys Award Campbell Allen-Jones - Head Boys Award Seiya Kagawa - Head Boy of Rugby House Award John Weidling - Head Boy of Rugby House Award

community FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION

The Friends’ Association Christmas Fete was another fantastic success with the net proceeds being in the order of $25,000. They must be thanked for their vigour and drive to see the event work so well. Once again, the committee is very grateful to members of the school community who have made provisions and in other ways assisted them in their efforts. The proceeds will be used to construct a pathway and install exercise stations through the campus bush and surrounding area.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

At the October Meeting, three new members were co-opted to the Rathkeale Board: Mr Peter Eschenbach, Mrs Sarah Smith and Mr Jonathan Tanner are all current parents and we anticipate their involvement will provide considerable stability as the Board continues its future in 2016, an election year. Roles for all board members will be reviewed early next year.

The staff have met to discuss some searching questions and further feedback to the board will inform the completion of the 2016 Annual Plan. With their insight we will be better able to focus on how we can continue to improve the education Rathkeale College provides.

I would like to thank the board for their magnificent work through the year.

OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION

At the recent Rathkeale Old Boys’ Association AGM Andy Sutherland tendered his resignation. Andy was thanked for his work over the last four years. We now look forward to Grant Harper taking on the role of President and with the support of a new look committee who have already met to plan their future intentions. The development of a strategic plan and regional committees will be crucial to the future success of the organisation.

We are pleased that the committee has already made the invitation for this year’s leavers to join the association at a small function at school last week.

Liam Burling in action during the Governor-General's XI cricket match against Willows (Christchurch) Cricket Club at the Hawkins Basin reserve, 3/12/2015

from the chaplain The question I most often get when asked about my upcoming move is: “Are you excited about the move?” My honest answer is probably: “No”. I probably don’t expect life to be much different down there than it is here. Sure, externally there will be some huge changes: moving from a rural setting into an inner-city suburb; moving from teaching teenagers to pastorally caring for an adult community. These externals will mean that my day will look very different on the outside from what it does at the moment. But I am more and more convinced that these externals only shape a small part of our “reality”.

Like me, you may know someone who is always looking for “the next big thing.” We all do this is in little ways: whether it be looking forward to the next holiday, our birthday, making that next purchase or achieving that next goal. And the underlying belief that drives this thinking is: my life will be better when I am at that next place. However, I think that this kind of thinking can lock us into an endless cycle of always waiting for the time when we will finally “arrive” when our life will finally be what we want it to be, or when we ourselves will finally be what we want to be. I am convinced that unless we can be happy where we are, right now, in this moment, then

we will never be happy. Because what is the future except another “now”. We are currently living in a time that we once looked forward to. Our “now” was once our future – and possibly a future in which we thought our lives would be much better.

Many spiritual teachers hold this as a central truth essential to a full human life: the past and the future do not exist. There is only now. If we spend our time focussed on either the past or the future, then we are not living in reality; we are living in illusion. As we get older, we can sometimes move from focussing on the future to constantly rehashing our past. Both are not really living.

So when people ask me if I am excited about moving, I tend to give them the expected answer: “Yes, really looking forward to it.” But my honest answer is that I don’t expect it to be much different than right now. It will just be another “now”. And given that I am happy and content right now, I expect that I will feel the same then.

Let me leave you with a quote from a favourite author of mine:

“It is not uncommon for people to spend their whole life waiting to start living.” ― Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. Have a great Christmas. Ben Arcus

administration

COMPETITION HOUSE SINGLETS

Competition House singlets that you have purchased from the Uniform shop are to be updated with the new House Logos/Crests. These crests have come about after considerable effort from Angus Tylee, who has co-ordinated the initiative, with support from the Heads of House and with funding from the Friends’ Association, on behalf of the boys. Please return cleaned and named singlets to school over the holiday period but certainly on Sunday of Opening Assembly. They will be returned early in Term I. Note there is a $6 charge for this which will be disbursed.

SCHOOL OFFICE HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS

The Office will close on Friday 18 December. The accounts office will re-open Tuesday 5 January. The Principal’s Secretary will be available from Monday 18th January and the School Office on Tuesday 26 January 2016.

academic 2015 NCEA EXAMINATIONS

NCEA examinations for Rathkeale and Senior College students concluded on Tuesday 1st December with Level 2 Business Studies. The Exam Manager commented on how well behaved the students were during the three and a half week period and this is always good to hear. Some of the students had very contrasting experiences as they entered exams – the smell of Christmas lilies on some days, and members of the police on one particular day! Results will be available from the Learner log-in page on the NZQA website around about the 11th January 2016. The web link is https://secure.nzqa.govt.nz/for-learners/records/login.do Boys having trouble with the learner log-in should telephone 0800 697 296, the QA helpline. Have the NSN number handy. As mentioned in the last newsletter, I would advise all students to log in and request free paper copies of results notices and, in the case of year 12 and 13 students, Records of Achievement. They will come in handy next year for scholarship and university applications. A data file containing internal assessment results was sent on December 3rd. Boys should check this data and refer any questions about this, or any other NCEA matter, to Mr Peter Haworth. Any change of address needs to be advised to NZQA using the 0800 number written above – marked papers will be returned to student addresses.

SUBJECT CONFIRMATION 2016

All boys in years 10-12 were issued with Subject Confirmation sheets for next year, indicating whether their choices fit into the final timetable structure or not. Those boys who were absent on 4th December have their sheet enclosed with this mail out. For those sitting NCEA exams this year the choices for next year are still subject to results being good enough to allow admission to the course of choice.

Unfortunately it is not possible to put together a timetable that ensures everyone can do the subjects they want to. The timetable is constructed to get the best fit for the greatest number of students. Other factors that dictate the final structure include the availability of specialist teachers and specialist rooms. Please note the following days and times that have been set aside for 2016 year 12 and 13 course confirmation in January:

Thursday 29th January: 9.00-11.00am Surnames A-K 11.00-1.00pm Surnames L-Z Sunday 31st January between 2.30pm and 5.00pm (either before or after Opening Assembly) is allocated for students who need to travel a considerable distance to get to Rathkeale College and are unable to attend on the day specified above.

All boys must confirm their course with their Deans: Year 13: Mr Bouton either in person or by email cmb@rathkeale.school.nz Year 12: Mr Gordon either in person or by email ajg@rathkeale.school.nz

KAMAR PARENT PORTAL

By now you will be aware that all reports are being made available in the first instance via the parent portal to our student database – KAMAR. Every time a report is available in this way you will receive an email advising of the availability, and of the web address, user name and password to access the report. If you have more than one child at Rathkeale (and Senior College) then you will receive more than one email. I encourage you to keep the passwords handy as other data is also accessible – NCEA results, attendance, activities, pastoral records and library issues. Over time, the school calendar and daily notices will also be added.

Peter Haworth Deputy Principal

staff profiles

GRANT HARPER (MGH)

Position: Deputy Principal/Head of Senior College Where do you come from?

Rathkeale (1975) – Ashburton College – Bromsgrove School (UK) – Rathkeale (1982)

What is your favourite food Any curry, including school ones! What are your impressions about Rathkeale?

An excellent institution that is improving all the time. A special atmosphere and especially fine students.

Where are some places you've travelled? Over 50 countries and most recently – Israel, Australia,

Turkey and Italy. Co-led school trips to Vietnam, Japan, Italy and America.

What is your favourite thing about Rathkeale? The environment and the student body.

What do you like about the Wairarapa? Lifestyle, atmosphere, Tararuas and coastline

What are your hobbies? Gardening, travel, art, antiques What is a surprising fact that people probably didn't know about you?

I spent time on J.K. Baxter’s Commune. Favourite sporting team All Blacks unquestionably!

JOYCE KIRKHAM

[recently referred to as Kirky Babe but have gone under other names such as Captain Kirk and Special K.)

Position: Assistant Head of English Where do you come from? West Yorkshire, U.K. What is your favourite food? A fab roast dinner Where are some places you've travelled?

All over Europe [easy when you live there] Cook Islands, Oz, travelled across the U.S. on Route 66 [best thing ever!]

What is your favourite thing about Rathkeale? Everything - the journey here, the people, chapel…..

What do you like about the Wairarapa? Its friendliness What are your hobbies?

Sailing, motor biking [No, I’m not in charge; I’m pillion] and developing square eyes with all the reading I do.

What is a surprising fact that people probably didn't know about you?

I loathe public speaking….and that’s from an English teacher! So, I totally sympathise with students who are

terror-struck at the thought of presenting a speech. Favourite sporting team? After the Abs, Arsenal !

outdoor education RATHKEALE TRAMPING CLUB HAURANGI TRAMP NOVEMBER 2015

With Junior exams and most Senior core subject exams having been completed it seemed a logical time for a tramp.

Rapidly deteriorating weather in the Tararuas, meant the Haurangi Forest Park seemed like the next best option. Before long the group had assembled, lead by Mr Nawalaniec and Mr Watson plus several year nines and I. Two hours later we pulled into the carpark at the mouth of Mangatoetoe stream just around the coast from Ngawi. We began walking up a wide braded river whilst carefully trying to maintain dry boots. As the sun gradually set behind us and the sea disappeared out the end of the winding valley, the hut was nearing. Eventually the hut appeared amongst the Kanuka trees. Before long the tents were well established on a comfortable grass flat.

The next morning we were lead up a sharp gorge for spectacular waterfall views. It was a welcome change to be hopping between clean cut rocks rather than the typical smooth, slippery, moss covered boulders found in the Tararuas. Having reached a fork with a large waterfall we climbed up the middle of a large razor back revealing a spectacular view. A quick descent was made easy by the clearly cut and well maintained deer track, returning back to the hut in time for lunch. We then exited the same way before driving to another Forest Park entrance. We soon found ourselves scrambling up a large gorge of the little Mangatoetoe stream wedged between two large rock faces; Kupe’ 1st sail and Kupe’ 2nd sail.

Along the way Mr Nav continually set challenges such as climbing difficult rock faces and traversing steep sided gorges without touching the water. Eventually we arrived at a large shingle rock cliff face. We staggered our climbs to avoid rock fall injury while carefully gripping without displacing the rocks. The height was terrifying but the view of the Cook Strait, surrounding bush and lighthouse was satisfying. A quick descent back to the road was slowed by trying to avoid the sticking flax nectar from coating our hair, skin and clothes, despite some people deliberately hiding and shaking the nectar on others.

Having made the van, everyone agreed it was an enjoyable experience made possible by the support of Mr Nawalaniec, Mr Watson and Mrs Cheetham. It was great to see some new younger members attending and is a reminder that the tramping club is an opportunity for everyone.

Callum Woodhouse

2016 day one arrangements

PROGRAMME FOR SUNDAY 31 JANUARY 2016

ALL NEW STUDENTS YEAR 9-13 AND ALL RETURNING STUDENTS

9.00-2.00pm Peer Support Leaders’ Meeting (SCC)

9.00-3.30pm Uniform Shop open

10.00-3.00pm School Office open

From 12.00noon Year 9 boarders can arrive at Rugby House

2.00pm All new Parents & students to Auditorium

2.15-3.20pm Peer Support Activity - Yr 9s and Peer Support Leaders

2.30-5.00pm Staff available for parent/student enquiries on courses & Year 12 & 13 Course

Confirmation for students having to travel long distances.

3.00pm Afternoon Tea – Dining Hall

3.20pm Year Group Assemblies & Roll Calls: Yr 12 and 13 Senior College Centre, Yr 11

Lecture Theatre, Yr 10 Library, Yr 9 Gym (3.45pm paired with Yr 13’s)

4.00pm Rathkeale 2015 Opening Assembly in Auditorium. All students to attend in

Formal Uniform (ties, blazers, white shirts, longs, black shoes). All

parents/caregivers/whanau welcome.

5.15-6.30pm Friends’ Association function (light refreshments) for New Parents at

Principal’s residence

5.15pm All year 9 boys and Peer Support Leaders to dinner followed by Peer Support

activities

5.25pm Yr 13 and Yr 10 Boarders’ Dinner

5.35pm Yr 12 and Yr 11 Boarders’ Dinner

6.30pm Peer Support Activities conclude

6.30-9.00pm Boarding House Programmes

6.45pm Parents’ farewell to Year 9 Boarders & Year 9 Dayboys’ departure

TERM DATES 2016

Term I Sunday 31 January Friday 15 April

Term II Monday 2 May Friday 8 July

Term III Monday 25 July Friday 23 September

Term IV Monday 10 October Saturday 3 December

(Easter - Good Friday 25th March, Easter Sunday 27th March, back to school Wednesday 30th March)