PrinciPal’s Message

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends of St Hilda’s

As I write this last newsletter for 2015, I am amazed at how quickly the year has gone and how we have packed so much into it. With the senior students away for examinations, and the Year 7 to 10 students embarking on a myriad of rich learning programmes, as the weather improves and the temperatures lift, there really is a sense of renewal and excitement for the season ahead, which enthuses us all as we consolidate the planning for 2016. The year has been defined by several highlights that again reinforce the strength of community and the special character of the school.

In cultural highlights, our 2015 Stage Challenge team were the winners of the Otago Region.

Sings Hilda placed first in Performance of a New Zealand Composition at the Big Sing Regional Championship and were invited to attend the Big Sing National Finale in Wellington where they received a Bronze Award.

Like A Kid placed third and earned the People’s Choice Award at the Otago Rockquest Regional Finals.

The Hip Hop team ‘Cryptic’ placed fourth at a highly competitive Nationals.

In local sporting competitions, St Hilda’s are the top girls’ school in Rugby, Basketball, Rugby 7s, Squash, Water Polo, Cricket, Badminton, Hockey, Touch, Futsal, Netball, Water-skiing and Rowing.

In Aerobics, Hannah Alcock and Zara Anthony-Whigham were the Champion Junior Secondary Open Team and Zara Anthony-Whigham was the Champion Junior Secondary Open Novice Individual.

The 4 x 100m Senior Relay Team of Danica Davies, Caitlyn George, Joccoaa Palmer and Leonie Palmer won a silver medal at the National Secondary School Athletics. Several athletes had top ten placings and PBs.

The Junior Cross Country Team of Cecilia Crooks, Kate Higham, Georgia Mitchell, Sophie Sinclair, Brianna Thomson and Suzie White won silver at the New Zealand Secondary School Cross Country in June.

newsletter

St Hilda’sCollegiate School

No. 8 | 10 December 2015

In this issue Page PagePrincipal’s Message 1 - 2 Prize Giving 3- 6Special Character 7 Cultural 7 - 8Departments 8 - 10 Junior School End of Year Programmes 10 - 16Sports 16 - 17 From the Archives 17 - 18 Board of Trustees 18 - 19 Community 19 - 20 2016 Term Dates 20

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The Junior 4000m team of Suzie White, Cecilia Crooks and Georgia Mitchell won silver at the NZ Secondary School Champs Road Race event in December.

The Senior A Water Polo won the South Island Secondary Schools’ Water Polo Champs.

The First X1 Cricket team won the Southern Regional Cricket Tournament and were placed second in the National Tournament in Palmerston North.

The Junior A and Senior A Basketball teams won their respective South Island Secondary Schools’ Tournaments with the Senior A going on to place fifth at the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Basketball Tournament.

The Rowing team won the Martha Gillies Trophy for the most points for a girls school at The Head of the Harbour Regatta.

The Sevens team were the winners at the Regional Condor Sevens Tournament.

The St Hilda’s First XV won the Otago Secondary Schools’ Rugby final.

The St Hilda’s A Badminton Team finished first in the Otago Secondary Schools’ Badminton Competition.

We have had some wonderful chapel services – Easter, Amnesty International, St Hilda’s Day in the Cathedral, and I believe we are so lucky to have those opportunities in this busy world to twice weekly come together to share worship, think, contemplate and consider. Dr Townsley challenges us and educates us, inspires us and encourages us – and those chances to quietly sit, take a deep breath, consider others and concepts bigger than ourselves, be mindful and still, are to be treasured in our hectic days.

I would like to acknowledge the wonderful support I have had in my first year at St Hilda’s. The parents and community who have been so welcoming, the girls for their willingness to show me the ropes, explain procedures to me, help me along the way, and even show me where to go at times. They have been open, positive and supportive and I am truly grateful.

The Boards, especially Nicola Williams and Gaye Cowie as Chairs, have been patient, allowing me to find my feet and learn the ropes; they have stayed true to the values and strategic development of St Hilda’s, but also allowed me to add my perspectives and thoughts.

The ERO visit in May seems an age ago now, but it was a wonderful opportunity for me to quickly come up to speed with this very special organization, truly understand the vision developed by Melissa Bell and the staff, and then be able to extrapolate that for an exciting future.

I am appreciative of being among such passionate, committed and expert colleagues.

I would love to make a special mention of all the staff for their guidance, assistance and humour as I have navigated my way through a new school calendar, and I am so grateful for the support of Joanne Popa, Hazel Dey, Geraldine Corkery and Judy Maw – exceptional women who embody team work and selflessness and who are totally committed to this school.

Thank you to Amanda Haggie and her wonderful team at Tolcarne. How lucky we are to have such committed caregivers for our girls.

I have loved: spending time getting to know you all at school events, sharing the sports sideline on freezing cold and really hot days, learning more about water polo and the technicalities of touch, developing a better understanding of the intricacies of chamber music and choral repertoires, meeting up with you in far flung corners of the South Island on camps, singing alongside you in the Cathedral, gaining an awareness of the history of St Hilda’s, talking, listening, discussing, debating, laughing and always, always taking pride in my association with the school and enjoying your warmth, encouragement and assistance.

I wish you and your families all the very best for the holiday break and festive season. May you enjoy all the blessings of Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all rejuvenated, refreshed and ready for another exciting year.

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”

Eckhart Tolle

Mrs Jackie BarronPrincipal

Aisling Beamish 2015 Dux

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st Hilda’s collegiate scHool 2015 Prize giving

The Otago Daily Times does not publish the Year 7 and 8 Awards

Year 7 Certificates for General Excellence with DiligenceAnnabel Bilkey Analee Toro

Year 7 Certificates for Merit with Diligence and DiligenceMaggie BowlesGeorgia CopemanGrace CotterBrianna LeRosalie LeaperJordan Meltzer Danielle Willsman

Year 8 Certificates for General Excellence with DiligenceMadeline BilkeyAmelia Hall Lily Hornal

Year 8 Certificates for Merit with Diligence and DiligenceGrace BrenssellCharlotte CouttsEmma Edwards Isobel Keiller

Year 9 Certificates for General Excellence and General Excellence with DiligenceSophie ConnerMilly ElworthyMolly GowOlivia HallTamara Mason Lily Mole

Year 9 Certificates for Merit and Merit with DiligenceIsabella AldrichEmily Hardiman Anna Young

Year 9 Certificates for Diligence Isabella BeensEmma BurnsideRachel CaderasBriar GroundsNicole Heaton May Tangsittitum

Year 10 Certificates for General Excellence and General Excellence with DiligenceSophie ArmstrongCatherine Davidson AislingYvie Finn-HouseJillian HengHelen KnottJessica Powell Victoria Tong

Year 10 Certificates for Merit and Merit with DiligenceKiriana HunterAlice MurphyOlivia O’NeillIsabelle Robertson Isabel Woodhouse

Year 10 Certificates for DiligenceDarcie CrowleAbbey HawkerAmelia PhillipsMadison Thomson Sophie Turner

Year 11 Certificates for General Excellence and General Excellence with DiligenceAdithi AlexanderElizabeth FitchettAmy JonesRachel KinleyElla McDonaldOlivia Ray Emma Taggart

Year 11 Certificates for Merit and Merit with DiligenceSarah CochraneJosephine CookMariette DevereuxGabrielle HunterLarissa Reddiex Laura Simpson

Year 11 Certificates for DiligenceEmma CramptonSamantha EllisonDayna GallagherGeorgia HayHillary HuntKatherine InderLaney KeenanMeg KinneyLaura Taylor Olivia Whelan-Henderson

Year 12 Certificates for General Excellence and General Excellence with DiligenceHolly ArmstrongCaroline BurchellKaya FukushimaLola GardenAmelia Knott Katie Knowles

Year 12 Certificates for Merit Casey BrownAnna Lindsay Lili Sabonadiere

Year 12 Certificates for DiligenceAmeisha CochraneAlexandra HighamClaudia MakerHolly Miller Anna Power

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Year 13 Certificates for General Excellence with DiligenceAisling BeamishAmy JonesMegan KyteIhlara McIndoeMeghann North Andrea van Turnhout

Year 13 Certificates for Merit with DiligenceAinslea BoultSophie Coutts Madeleine Holmes

Year 13 Certificates for DiligenceAmy BackMerran CasseJulia LandelsNan LiAlice MorrisonBrittany RichardsZoe RichardsMhairi RowbottomAleisha RuskeJamoon WuKaren Wu

FIRST IN SUBJECT PRIZES AND SPECIAL AWARDS

The Holmes’ Family People’s Choice Award for Year 9 Passion ProjectAmelia Scully

The Melissa Bell Award for Highest Achievement in the Junior SchoolAmelia Hall

The Melissa Bell Award for Highest Achievement in the Middle SchoolVictoria Tong

YEAR 11 FIRST IN SUBJECT AND SPECIAL AWARDS

Design and Visual Communication Olivia Ray

Drama and History Amy Jones

Economics Ella McDonald

English Adithi Alexander

English for Speakers of Other LanguagesAlice Wei

French Emma-Gabrielle Jack

Geography and Mathematics Emma Taggart

Information Communication Technology Rachel Wilson

Music Madeline Guthrie

NumeracyAmy Hancock

Physical Education Samantha Casse

Science Meg Kinney

Spanish Sarah Cochrane

Textiles Katherine Inder

Visual Art Victoria Tong (Year 10)

The Enid Freeman Cup for All Round Achievement in Year 11Georgia Hay

St Hilda’s Collegiate Old Girls Association Prize for Highest Achievement in Year 11Amy Jones

YEAR 12 FIRST IN SUBJECT AND SPECIAL AWARDS

Accounting, English and The Jane Wheatley Memorial Award for first in French Holly Armstrong

Biology and The Hanff Cup for first in Chemistry Kaya Fukushima

Economics Casey Brown

English for Speakers of Other LanguagesAngel Choi

The Susan Main Memorial Cup for first in Geography and first in Physics Lola Garden

History Jamie MacKenzie

Information Communication Technology and Performing Arts - DramaNicola Wilson-Stewart

MathematicsJessica Gray

Media StudiesBrigette Hoskin

Music Tessa Forde

Outdoor Education Claudia Maker

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Performing Arts – Dance Emma Alcock (Year 11)

The Fletch Award for first in Physical Education Holly White

Pure Mathematics Alice Wei (Year 11)

Spanish Amelia Knott

TextilesMaria Angus

Visual Art – Painting Amy Jones (Year 11)

Visual Art – Photography Katie Cooper

The Devon Anderson Memorial Prize for Visual Art in Year 12Amy Jones (Year 11)

The Tiffany Cone Cup for All Round Achievement in Year 12Holly Armstrong

The L.M. Gillies Memorial Award for Highest Achievement in Year 12Lola Garden

The Zonta Prize for Excellence in Mathematics and ScienceKaya Fukushima

YEAR 13 FIRST IN SUBJECT AWARDS

Accounting, Textiles, and The Felicity Wren Memorial Cup for first in Visual Art – PhotographyAinslea Boult

The Amanda McKeown Award for first in Art History Aleisha Ruske

Biology and The Paterson Family Award for first in Physics Amy Jones

The Gootjes Award for first in Chemistry Meghann North

The Fisken Prize for first in Economics Lola Garden (Year 12)

The Miss Muriel May Prize for first in English, first in Music and Performing Arts - Drama Ihlara McIndoe

English for Speakers of Other LanguagesNan Li

Financial Mathematics Olivia McNab

The Kate Hogg Memorial Prize for first in French Sophie Coutts

The McElroy Prize for first in Geography Madeleine Holmes

The Mrs MJ Mayhew Prize for first in History Madeleine Gabbusch

Information Communication TechnologyBrittany Richards

The Parents and Friends Association Prize for first in Mathematics with Calculus Kaya Fukushima (Year 12)

The Parents and Friends Association Prize for first in Mathematics with Statistics and Modelling and The Science ShieldAisling Beamish

The Janece Wilson (nee Kitchen) Prize for first in Media Studies Andrea van Turnhout

Performing Arts – Dance Mhairi Rowbottom

The Cameron Prize for first in Physical Education Danica Davies

The Connie Gillies (nee Walker) Cup for first in Visual Art – Painting Erin O’Brien

SPECIAL PRIZES AND HONOURS AWARDS

The Clem Rondel Award for Effort in Social Sciences Madeleine Holmes

The Hobson Cup for Fine Arts Erin O’Brien

The Roslyn Physiotherapy Health Sciences Award and the Barbara Dineen Award for Oral FrenchSophie Coutts

The Christine Gold Award for Excellence in Investigating Biology Emma Wilson

The Bunton Cup for Service to Music Megan Kyte

The Macassey Cup for Public Speaking, The Rebecca White Cup for Excellence in and Contribution to Performing Arts and the Rosalynd North Accompanist Cup Ihlara McIndoe

The Kim Morice Award for Senior Debating Alicia (Poppy) Finn-House

The Sonya Morice Award for Junior Debating Isabelle Robertson

The MacDonald Cup for Library Service Jessica Fleming

The Rae-Ann Sinclair Cup for Chairperson of the School Council Tessa Read

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The Walker Sisters’ Cup for Individual Performance in Dance Claire Lau

The Sisters’ Geraldine and Etheleen Award for Special Character in the Junior School Yvie Finn-House

The Sisters’ Geraldine and Etheleen Award for Special Character in the Senior School Amy Back

The Bishop Penny Jamieson Scholarship for university study in Theology and Religious StudiesMhairi Rowbottom

The Christine Leighton Award for Endeavour in the Junior School Abbey Hawker

The Christine Leighton Award for Endeavour in the Senior School – a joint award in 2015 Brittany Richards and Zoe Richards

The Smith Gordon Award for Outstanding Service to TolcarneAmy Back

The Imlach Family Prize for Contribution to TolcarneKatherine Inder

The 2013 Leavers’ Award for Spirit, Initiative and LeadershipAleisha Ruske

The Shirley Henderson Cup for Assistance with Sports AdministrationElle Perriam The Pinckney-MacFarlane Cup for Assistance with Coaching – a joint award in 2015Whitney Keenan and Alice Morrison The Edgar Cup for Excellence in a Single SportDanica Davies

The Hodge Award for Student Representative On the Board of TrusteesIhlara McIndoe

The Wood Cup for Best All Round Senior SportswomanElizabeth van Harselaar

The Fogarty Cup for Best All Round Junior SportswomanOlivia O’Neill

The Sports Committee Trophy for Best All Round Sports Team of the YearSenior 4x100m Relay Team

The Mumford Cup for Inter-House CompetitionHavelock

ELITE SERVICE AWARDSAisling BeamishJessica FaulksKaya FukushimaMadeleine HolmesAmy JonesStella KeownEmma LloydJodi Patterson Tessa Woodhouse

DUKE OF EDINBURGH GOLD HILLARY AWARDSAlexandra CokerHannah McLarenJordan Pannett

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LEADERJinny Jang

PREFECT AWARDSThe Elaine Hesse-Greif Award for Liaison PrefectSarah Wyber

The Elaine Hesse-Greif Award for Arts PrefectsMadison Heyward and Madeleine Holmes

The Sir Roy Stevenson Memorial Award for SacristansMadeleine Gabbusch and Julia Landels

The Betty Barling Memorial Award for Sports PrefectsPaige Cotton and Annabel Girvan

The Mary Botting Memorial Award for Head BoardersLucy Bell and Amelia Hewett

The Mary Botting Memorial Award for Deputy Head GirlAleisha Ruske

The Mary Botting Memorial Award for Head GirlIhlara McIndoe

TOP HONOURS AWARDSThe Eugenie Avent-Hunter Memorial Award for All-Round ServiceJessica Fleming

The St Hilda’s Collegiate Cup for All Round Achievement Ihlara McIndoe

The Sophie Elliott Proxime Accessit Memorial AwardIhlara McIndoe

DuxAisling Beamish

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sPecial cHaracterChaplain’s Chat

One of the things I love about Christmas is seeing Advent Calendars. I like to get one that has a Nativity scene, so that we can be reminded of what Christmas is really about. But most of the ones that are available to buy these days have nothing to do with the Christmas story; they often have Santa or scenes of Victorian England, and you can even get Barbie and Thomas the Tank Engine ones. If you couple this with Easter, where you can get Barbie and Thomas Easter eggs, and the Cadbury’s Easter Bunny is almost as well-known as the Coca Cola Santa image, then it is no wonder that many people these days have forgotten the real meaning of these key Christian celebrations. I had a student at Otago University a couple of years ago who asked me, in all sincerity, of the two celebrations, which was the one where Jesus was born?

But getting back to Advent Calendars. The tradition of marking the days until Christmas goes back a long time. People used to make chalk marks on their front door in anticipation of the day that the Christ Child would come through it. The first calendar, with twenty-four little pictures to be revealed, one per day, was invented in Germany in 1851, and the idea spread slowly to the rest of the world after World War II.

The period of Advent refers to the time we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. The calendars teach us patience and anticipation, and remind us to prepare and be organised for Christmas, both practically and in terms of our hearts. We should be planning our menus and present lists as well as preparing our hearts to receive God’s love and forgiveness.

I bought a special Advent Nativity scene this year. Each little box reveals a figure for a Nativity scene, and I already have a sense of anticipation and excitement for opening each box. The scene will build up over the season of Advent until Christmas Eve, when the last figures emerge. I imagine it will be the Christ Child, and I hope that by then I will be prepared in my heart to receive the rich gifts he offers us all at this time.

I hope that we all have a blessed Christmas, and have a sense of the love, hope, peace and joy that the birth of Jesus brings to our world, a world in desperate need of these gifts.

Dr Gillian TownsleyChaplain

cultural

Arts Corner

Southern Sinfonia Schools' Tour

On Monday the 23rd November musicians from The Southern Sinfonia performed for our junior school in the library. They talked about the instruments they had brought along and played for us some very recognisable and diverse music, from composers such as Mozart and Bach to the Star Wars and 2001 a Space Odyssey theme songs. We really enjoyed the skill and passion with which they performed.

Arts Scholarship Recipients

We are very happy to announce our two Arts Scholarship recipients for 2016 are Natalya Skelton and Lily Hornal. Congratulations to both girls.

Natayla Skelton has been awarded her scholarship for her achievements in Fine Arts. She is an accomplished artist who has overcome great hurdles in order to nurture her love and talent to an already high standard. We look forward to the contribution we are sure Natalya will continue to make to the artistic landscape at St Hilda’s.

Lily Hornal has been awarded her scholarship for her achievements in Performing Arts. Lily is a committed dancer, actor, musician and singer and participates broadly across all these disciplines. We look forward to Lily’s continued growth as an artist and mentor in the Performing Arts at St Hilda's.

Drama

The Year 10 Performing Arts class have been working on a project called "For the Love of Dance" and Mrs McMillan’s proposal to be a part of DANZ’s video celebrating International Dance Day has been accepted. Olveston is the location for a piece inspired by Dorothy Theomin’s interest in mountaineering, photography, painting and more. Filming will take place in the next two weeks and the compilation of choreographies from around New Zealand will be available for viewing in April 2016.

Marzipan Drama Performance

Rachel McMillan has provided this report on recent activities of the Marzipan Drama group.

"The Marzipan Drama Group (Emily Wilson, Lucy Woodhouse, Sophie Smith, Sophie Silcock, Maia Lamb, Brianna Le and Kyoka Summerhayes) performed to parents and friends on Friday 27th November.

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Everyone was impressed with the progress all of the girls have made this year – especially with their confidence, spontaneity, audience awareness and appreciation for comedy. The script was co-written by the students and they even improvised without skipping a beat during the tricky ad break/costume changes. The plot involved kids who would rather watch TV than do housework (hard to believe, I know). Be careful what you wish for though, because these characters became stuck inside the TV and were VERY eager to do housework by the end!

Many thanks to Sophie Acklin (Marzipan tutor) who clearly loved working patiently with this group of young thespians."

Carol Service

The Carol Service was held on the last Sunday in November, Lillian Gibbs opened the service, which was well attended by a large number of students and parents, with a beautiful rendition of "Once in Royal David's City". The Madrigal Choir sang several carols including "O Holy Night" and the school orchestra members supported the choir and also the congregational singing. It was a wonderful way to end the month of November and herald the coming of the Christmas season. The event concluded appropriately with a piece of Christmas cake for all supplied by the PFA.

School Production 2016

A reminder that auditions for our 2016 School Production will take place in Week 2 of Term 1. So get your song prepared over the break. To secure a role in the school production all students must audition.

Ms Barbara PowerArts Co-ordinator

dePartMents

English Department

Writers’ Camp 2015

St Barnabas Church, Warrington, was built in 1872, held its first service on 11th November of that year, and was consecrated by the first Bishop of Dunedin, The Right Reverend Samuel T. Nevill, on 11th June

1873.

Recently a group of twelve keen writers, Mrs Smith and Mrs Maw headed out to Warrington to spend two days soaking up the atmosphere and firing up their creative ideas. In the course of the two days the girls explored the natural environment and tried looking at things in different ways. The writing from this is presently being crafted and we are planning to “publish” in the new year.

ICAS English Competition

We would like to acknowledge some very pleasing results in this year’s ICAS English competition. Caroline Burchell has been awarded a medal in recognition of gaining the top mark in New Zealand in Year 12 English. This is an outstanding achievement. Congratulations also to Olivia O’Neill who was awarded High Distinction and Annabel Bilkey, Lauren Heng, Analee Toro, Emily Wilson, Lily Hornal, Isobel Keiller, Catherine Davidson, Jillian Heng, Nina Johnston, Victoria Tong, Susie Olssen, Jess Powell, Isabelle Robertson, Adithi Alexander, Laura Simpson, Sam Casse, Gabby Hunter and Mia Knott who were awarded Distinction.

Mrs Judy MawHOD English

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International Department

The End of Year Programme has been in full swing. Marie-Sophie, Yuka, Metoo and Shuri have had a breath-taking tour of the south. They got to see the glow worms up close and personal in Te Anau, they were nearly washed away by the stunning waterfalls of Milford Sound and soaked in all things Queenstown: Fergburger, the luge, Walter Peak Station, the Earnslaw to name a few and they even saw kiwi in the Kiwi Birdlife Park. Then there were the things closer to Dunedin as well. The albatrosses and penguins, the Monarch, Orokonui Ecosanctuary, Larnach’s Castle, Olveston, the Chinese Gardens, surfing at St Clair and some of the local museums as well. What a delightful way to spend the last few weeks. A big thank you to Nele and Mr Angus for their help with this programme.

Unfortunately this is the time of year where we have to farewell many students, and it never gets any easier. Our international students become such a strong part of St Hilda’s and the surrounding community and a real member of their host families. So when we have had to say farewell to Sumire Aikawa, Ing Ing Apiratmontree, Johanna Drüppel, Julia Harten, Metoo Kaiya, Cherdear Ketrungsi, Jinny Jang, Nan Li, Sherry Li, Ryoko Sekiya, Cheer Cheer Songsakhon, Shuri Takemae, Jamoon Wu and Karen Wu, we were saying goodbye to friends. These girls are off to explore the rest of the world, with some about to embark on their university careers around the globe (some are even coming back to good old Otago to study). To the girls who are returning to school at home, good luck. It will, I am sure, be a hard adjustment heading back home. Oliver Wendell Holmes said that “a mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions”, so think of how you can make the most of the new dimensions in your life. Enjoy the delicious food that you have missed and share plenty of those lovely smiles with your families. Keep in touch and tell us what you’re up to. Remember this is never goodbye, just Auf Wiedersehen (till I see you again).

Travel safely to those girls returning in 2016 and a very Merry Christmas and a huge thank you to all of our homestay families. It really would be impossible for our international students here without your unwavering support and care.

Ms Kirstyn MawdsleyDirector of International Students

Physical Education, Outdoor Education and Health Department

Report to the Board of Trustees - 25 November 2015

We have been extremely fortunate to fill the position vacated by Anna Bruce with Miss Hannah Wilson, who has returned to the position she held several years ago. Hannah has added much to the department; her innovation and dynamism in the classroom have continued to keep these subject areas appealing for our students. She has contributed to the ongoing success in the department, with 2014 and 2015 showing pleasing results through all levels of NCEA, in some areas exceeding those of other single sex decile 10 schools around the country.

Initiatives that our department pursued this year were to rediscover the benefits of play, and exploratory learning contexts, where our students feel comfortable to take risks. We are reviewing our learning contexts and looking at reducing ‘mainstream’ sports where students may have existing expectations and are looking at finding more unique, inspired ideas in which the learning can occur. Hopefully through this students feel comfortable taking greater risks in their learning, and building their resilience through rich learning experiences.

We are continuing to integrate the use of new technologies into our teaching and learning. The iPads at Year 9, and progressing through the year levels, offer different capabilities, which we are gaining confidence in using. These such as interactive assessment modes, ongoing learning folios and apps will provide us with previously unobtainable information about movement, and will open up pathways that we wish to pursue.

Looking further ahead, the department wishes to embed Tikanga Maori more consistently and effectively through our courses which will provide further learning opportunities to our students. This is a challenge that we as a department are excited about.

Thank you to all the families that have supported the PE and OE camps and other initiatives over the last two years. Your support and feedback into what we provide allows our department to move forward.

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We stayed at the Tautuku Outdoor Education Centre, which provided the perfect base for a range of exciting activities, including abseiling, kayaking, orienteering, a confidence course and, of course, the notorious “mud-run” followed by the equally notorious “hose-down.” After the physical challenges of the day, the girls spent their evenings on more cerebral tasks, designing and parading wearable art, competing in a quiz, and creating performance pieces.

It was amazing to see how the girls approached every activity with boundless positive energy, ingenuity and courage. A big thank you has to go to the marvellous parent helpers, who happily cooked, kayaked and slid through the mud to make this camp a success. It was a great week, and one we will all remember fondly.

Ms Sandra MullerYear 10 Camp Teacher

Junior School End of Year ProgrammesBEAMS

BEAMS is an annual programme run by the University of Auckland to help young Maori and Pacifika students see the possibilities of tertiary study in Business, Engineering, Architecture, Medical Sciences and Science.

Once again the strongest asset to our department are the students. They really are capable, engaged young people.

Mr Alan West HOD Physical Education, Outdoor Education and Health

Year 10 Camp

On the 9th of November, Year 10 headed off for a week of fun and adventure in the Catlins.

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Any one school can take a maximum of 10 students to this day.

The group of St Hilda’s students, accompanied by Ms Corkery, that went to Auckland 23-24 November travelled the furthest of all the participating schools.

All the girls had great fun learning about Auckland. On the Monday, after settling into our university hostel accommodation, we visited the zoo, then returned to the CBD on a local bus, and in the evening we walked downtown to the Sky Tower and a view of the city from above.

Impressions of the day at the university on the 24th were very positive. Here are the girls thoughts:

Business was one of our favourite topics of the day. The tutors were really chill and made the class fun by giving us a quiz that provided an insight into the marketing business for the Warriors. This led to a bonus round where people got to show their skills by getting up and dancing, which got us relaxed and laughing. We learnt about the different business degrees available in Economics and Marketing as well as gaining more of an insight into business.

Going into the engineering workshop we had no idea what to expect. Something along the lines of cars and structures came to mind, but we found out that it was far more than that. Problem solving, teamwork, creativity, and spatial awareness were some key skills that were covered in this workshop. Lots of different challenges were set for us that enabled us to use the skills that were covered earlier in the workshop. Overall we really enjoyed this workshop and were able to gain a clearer understanding of engineering.

Studying architecture, we learnt in the workshop, would not just lead to building structures, but could lead to clothing design, computing and limitless other options as a career. This was also true for all the other career paths we learnt about over the course of the day, as each degree option branches out into many different careers far from the stereotypical ones that are associated with them.

We had a session on medicine and health science. We learnt how to take blood pressure and how to find the patella tendon. We were also quizzed on the organs and muscles in the body.

In Science we carried out many experiments, such as chemical reactions, dry ice and fun practical work. We also learnt what it’s like to do Science at the Uni and how Science can be a really interesting career pathway. We really enjoyed the experiments and learning new things about chemicals and gases.

The whole Tuesday BEAMS experience has taught us much about teamwork, career options, and motivation. It was a very memorable experience and definitely helped us to shape the decisions that we will make in the future.

Touring different parts of the University of Auckland and having the opportunity to talk to real students about their studies was also great.

Hannah Alcock, Poppy Davis, Kiriana Hunter, Kaitlin Jaeger, Lusia Maia, Helen Knott, Amelia Phillips, Georgie Pope, Brianna Thomson and Siobhan Whitty.

Ms Geraldine CorkeryDeputy Principal

Science Wananga

As Maori students, we were lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to attend a science wananga at Karitane run by the University of Otago’s Science Department, where we stayed two nights on the marae. There were 50 students in total from Kavanagh, Otago Boys’, Otago Girls’, King’s, Queen’s, Verdon College in Invercargill, and St Hilda’s. When we arrived, we had to do a powhiri, where they greeted us onto their marae. After that, we had kai, and then settled into the whare moe, which is the area where we slept. Everyone had to sleep in the same room. After settling in, we had to introduce ourselves with our mihis.

Later, we were split into groups, and walked down to the Karitane beach. Half of us set plankton traps, which were basically glowsticks in a plastic bottle, as we were testing to see which colour attracted the most plankton. We tied them to the wharf and left them there overnight. The other half did a marine metre by metre square survey, which is where you set a metre by metre square on the sand and observe what creatures are within it.

We walked back to the marae and had supper. Everyone was clearly exhausted as it was almost midnight. But, even though we’d been warned, we were woken up unexpectedly at 4am the next morning by Koro Hata doing a morning karikea/prayer. The reason it was done at 4am each morning was to bless the start of a new day, even though our new day didn’t usually start till a bit later.

On the second day we went on a walk around Karitane peninsula where we learnt about the history of the land and how important it is to take care of it. We stopped at a rocky shore and did another marine metre by metre square survey, but instead of doing it on soft sand, we did it on rocky shore. This meant there were different creatures second time round. After the walk, we checked our traps to see which colour had attracted the most plankton. Ours was green.

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Maori Language Week

Maori Language Week is a week for learning and embracing the Maori culture. The Year 9’s recently had multiple language lessons in which we learnt the basics and how to say our own mihis.

We also spent an entire day visiting Arai Te Uru Marae. We participated in the protocols of entering a Marae and exiting. As we entered, each one of us had to Hongi the tangatawhenua (people who belong to the Marae). The majority of us were worried, but after felt such a relief as they were lovely and welcoming people. The purpose of this week was to keep the Maori language alive and introduce it to those who were unfamiliar with it so that later on in life we can teach it to others and, as a result, New Zealand’s native language is kept alive. We all throughly enjoyed our week and learnt so much that we can share with other people.

By Tyra Styles and Holly Nicholls on behalf of the Year 9s.

We were then split into groups again. Half of us did chemistry-based activities. One of the activities was the ‘Lab in The Box’. The ‘Lab in The Box’ is a science lab in a shipping container, where we investigated small creatures such as crabs and plankton using microscopes. The other activity was looking at dry ice, which is a solid form of carbon dioxide. The other group did waka ama. Waka ama is where you do canoeing, paddle boarding and sailing. While doing this, a sample of water is collected and taken back to the lab to see what things were inside the water.

That night we had an ice cream competition, where we created ice cream using the dry ice. We made a mango flavour with some students from King’s, East Otago and Verdon, and actually ended up taking out first prize. After the competition, the rest of the night was all about kapa haka and waiata. It was great, participating, watching and learning all the different Maori songs and hakas. Everyone joined in and it was just such a fun time.

On the last day, the weather turned sour, and it poured down with rain. We were all pretty sad because no one wanted to leave, as everyone was having lots of fun and we all had made such good friends. That day, we basically just played a lot of games, did some more kapa haka, had dance battles, and had to do a massive clean up of the whole marae.

We really encourage Maori rangitahi in Year 10 next year to go on this trip. You learn heaps about not only science and caring about the environment, but also about your culture. You meet lots of new people, and some great friends can come out of it. It also changes your views on studying Science. Many, at the beginning, didn’t want anything to do with Science, but now are having second thoughts and have developed a real interest in the subject. The wananga also made you feel more connected to your Maori culture, and made you want to have more involvement in it.

Thank you to Ms Corkery, Mr St Louis, and all the university students and teachers who made it happen and Hiria Tutakangahau the overall organiser of the programme from the Univesity of Otago.

Cameron Taylor and Tuihana Ngamoki Year 10

(as the prize-giving is a very lengthy affair) we arranged that each prize-winner should receive at one time all the prizes that fell to her lot. These were tied together with pale blue ribbon, and many small libraries were carried off by their happy owners. May Macalister was Dux for the year, and received the Gold Medal. May Bentham was awarded the Bishop’s Gold Cross for Divinity – a much-coveted honour.The winners of C.E.A. medals (from London) were delighted with the design, and many others made up their minds to write such splendid examination papers that they too would be awarded a silver medal this year.The play consisted of several scenes from “As You Like It.” On the whole it was very well done, R. Whitson rousing much applause by her representation of Touchstone.Miss D. Gardiner’s Division went through a marvelous mazy kind of hoop drill invented by herself. It lasted for quite 15 minutes, but as all onlookers were entranced they did not notice the time. The girls were dressed in soft white frocks, and carried white hoops. The effect was lovely.

John HuggettSchool Archivist

coMMunity

PFA

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the parents and friends who give their time and talents to our association. Everyone has a busy life these days. That so many volunteers continue to work on the school’s behalf is most commendable.

Our main focus at present is the School Fair which is set down for 5 March next year. Our great team of organisers, led by Kyleen Brook, is well into the planning. We have taken the decision that funds raised will go to improving teaching environments within the school. There is abundant research to show that good teaching, when combined with flexible and modern learning environments, produces better results. We hope that the whole school community will swing in behind this important event and make it a great success. If you can help in any way, be it donating materials, running a stall or providing sponsorship etc., I urge you to contact Kyleen.

Fair Donations - Silent Auction

We would love contributions to the Silent Auction for our Fair in March (such as holiday accommodation, vouchers or new items). If you have any items can you please email Lisa at lisaandscott@xtra.co.nz to arrange pick up.If you would rather donate anonymously, please place it in an envelope marked Silent School Auction and leave at the school office from February next year.

We will also have a strong focus on our Sports and Cultural Fund for 2016. This year we have improved the system by which activities and individuals can apply for assistance. In some ways we have been the victims of our own success. We now find that, to continue with the current levels of support, we will need to take our fundraising to a new level. If you have a passion for the sporting and cultural life of the school and believe you can help out we’d love to have you on our committee.

Finally I wish to thank Kath Keown for her work as treasurer. We now have an able replacement and Kath can take a well earned rest. Leanne Reid will take up the treasurer’s role in 2016. Lisa Mason has continued to do great work as our secretary and we all thank her for her hard work and attention to detail.

The PFA will wind up for 2015 on the 14th of December. After our usual monthly meeting we will adjourn to #7 Balmac at 8.15 pm for a social hour.

Mr Nick SimpsonChairman PFA

Board of trustees

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Year 9 Passion Projects

Sophie Dempster whose Passion Project is sewing

Passion, is a word we use to describe something that we love and we enjoy doing and the “Passion Project” is an opportunity to present our passions in creative ways. Near the start of Term 3, Year 9 students selected a project to do until week 8 of Term 4, a project that allowed them to express their passion in various ways - maybe a video, science board, baking or a trained dog.

Lilly-Anne Adam with her Tower of London Passion Project

After the holidays, we were given one period a week to work on our projects in class. Everyone worked hard to get the project completed before the big night arrived. At 5:30pm on Tuesday, December 1, we met in the Chapel with our parents to view all the results. After viewing an amazing movie by Izzy Gold on her life with swimming, we moved to the Library to see the rest of the projects. Finally, the results of everyone’s hard work was on display.

I think I can speak for all the Year 9s in saying that we had a great time making a project to express to everyone. I really enjoyed piecing together, over a number of weeks, my iBook on Travel and my science board. I learned that having the majority of my project completed before the last week really helped. I also learned to keep an open mind of how to present my passion in new creative, interactive and fun way.

To the 2016 Year 9 students, good luck and have fun with your Passion Projects.

Tamara Mason Year 9H

Year 10 Rich Task

Planning stages of a new country

Rich Task is a three day activity that the Year 10s do at the end of the year. The aim is to create a new country. First we all met in the chapel for a briefing and were given a group and booklet with all the requirements.

Then we all headed off to the library with some co-ordinates and worked out where our new countries were going to be. Throughout the three days we went to seminars that provided information that helped us make our countries.

We thought up everything (with help from our neighbouring countries) to develop our own country, for example, language, festivals, climate, government, towns/cities etc and then displayed the information on a board for judging.

Though there were many fun activities there were definitely some challenges. So many different ideas from eight people in a group means a lot of discussion and compromising. I think that after Rich Task everyone has definitely gained team skills and definitely learnt to work with and listen to other people’s views.

One of the highlights was watching the presentations on the last day. Seeing everyone’s hard work and cool ideas presented on the boards and then the dances and skits come together afterwards was really interesting and amazing. The costumes and face paint that every group had made their presentations that much more interesting. All of the Year 10’s enjoyed performing and we were all very keen to get involved.

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Overall the Year 10 Rich Task was really fun and improved our teamwork skills and helped us bond with our fellow classmates.

Emily Perry and Madison ByersYear 10

Extension Science for Years 8 and 9 – Rocketry and Robotics

Ever wondered what it might be like to be an engineer for the space programme or to work in the field of robotics? A small group of Year 8 and Year 9 students had an opportunity to discover this in the last weeks of Term 4 when Anna Murphy came to school and ran extension programmes on these very topics.

Anna is an aerospace engineer who worked on Orion, a next-generation spacecraft designed to take astronauts into deep space, to explore Mars, moons and asteroids.

Her main responsibility on Orion was to design the Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery systems for the spacecraft that would autonomously detect and respond to critical faults to protect the vehicle from damage, continue the mission and safely return future astronauts on-board. The school programmes highlight the need for critical thinking, creativity and curiosity to solve problems in the context of Rocketry or Robotics. The students become familiar with using engineering design and test methods while working to solve problems familiar to engineers and scientists on an every-day basis. Anna is currently taking a year sabbatical to explore New Zealand.

Year 9 Rocketery

Last week Anna Murphy from USA came to speak to us about her experience in aerospace engineering and worked with us to design our very own water pressurised rockets. Anna is very experienced and has worked with NASA to help build and design Orion, a modern space capsule. We learnt about how the space capsule was launched, its route, safety procedures, the materials and its landing.

Using this information we designed our own space capsules which were launched into the air using water and an electric air pump. We had to design parachutes so that our “space” capsule could return to the ground safely without cracking the egg inside. We came across many different challenges such as how to deploy the space capsule from the rockets and getting the parachutes to open in the air.

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We learnt a lot about aerospace engineering and the different aspects we had to think of when making our own capsule and rockets. It was a great experience and we all enjoyed it a lot.

Meg Anderson and Lily MoleYear 9

Year 8 Robotics

Have you ever wondered how a Robot works? Along with a group of lucky Year 8 girls, we had the opportunity to find out from a two day session run by Anna Murphy who has worked with NASA.

Robots are already a big part of today’s technology whether it be in sophisticated space programmes, manufacturing or domestically . For example, robots are currently being trialled in New Zealand to support elderly people in their own homes with basic medical advice and support. So far, the trial has been successful.

In preparation for Anna’s visit, we were assisted by our resident Robot Expert, Mr Janssen, to build our Robot. Using a manual, we constructed a kit set robot, but a Robot will not work without being programmed accordingly...

On Anna’s arrival, we split into pairs, and learned how to programme our robots to perform simple tasks such as turning around on a circle and even dancing. We also learnt how to control our robots using colour and ultrasonic sensors. By the end of our session, we were able to programme our robot to complete an obstacle course.

In the future, robots are going to be a huge part of everyone’s daily life. Like it or not, it may not be long until we walk into a cafe and are served by a robot. The two days provided an amazing insight into the scope of robotics. We all are extremely glad we gained this insight into programming and came away with a much better knowledge of how robots work. A huge thanks to Anna and Mr Janssen for making this possible.

Madeline Bilkey and Amelia HallYear 8

Junior Performing Arts Concert

The Year 10 Music class held an Arts Assembly on Tuesday Dec 8th. Their task was to organise the acts and then run the event for the rest of the school and what an incredible job they did. The acts they chose were a complete mix of music, drama, comedy, dance, duos and trios and variety acts with each performer showing huge courage and skill. The performers were well supported, not only by the way the Year 10s organised the event, but by the super supportive school community.

Well done Year 10 Music class and huge congratulations to all who performed. It was at times moving, funny and astounding, and truly entertaining.

Farrin Quin and Meg McLaughlan

Samantha Herbert, Meg Kenny and Darcie Crowle

As Arts Co-ordinator I felt very proud and humbled to be able to watch such an array of amazing talent.

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It was an an ideal and positive end to my first half year in the role and was another indication of the strength of the Arts programme at St Hilda’s.

I am even more excited about what we will achieve together in the Arts in 2016.

Ms Barbara PowerArts Coordinator

sPortsCricket

The season at school is winding up but the 1st XI is travelling to travel to Palmerston North to compete in its 6th consecutive NZCT National Schoolgirls’ Finals.

The team was placed 3rd last year so is hoping to do better in 2015. The T20 format sees each team playing the others and the winner is determined as the team with the most points. The balance of the 1st XI is exciting. Captain Bella James is in the Otago Sparks Team and Bella, Kate and Georgia Heffernan are in the Otago Under 21 team.

The depth of cricket at St Hilda’s is shown by six Year 9 players being selected for the Otago Under 15 Team to play in a national tournament in Wanganui in January.

Thanks for all the support this year, especially from Adam Gain, Trish Conrad and Dave Patchett who will accompany the 1st XI to Palmerston North and Bart Meltzer who has been involved with the Development Team.

Neil Rosenberg1st XI coach

Sports Scholarship recipients for 2016

We are very happy to announce our two Sports Scholarship recipients for 2016 are Sarah Langsbury and Sarah Johnstone. Congratulations to both girls.

Lunchtime Activities

Each lunchtime this term, there have been fun activities for the girls to participate in. Dodgeball and tennis have been the most popular with table-tennis a close third. It has been most rewarding to see the girls picking up a racket or a ball and having fun.

Athletics

Four Year 7 and Year 8 girls competed at the Otago Primary Schools’ Athletics Championships.

They participated very strongly in the 13+ relay team, unfortunately missing out on a semi-final berth. Grace Brenssell competed in the 12+ High Jump and made the top 4, jumping a new PB of 1.40m.

Junior Sports Week

Waterpolo

We had a great day with the girls playing well against the mixed competition in preparation for the South Islands.

Tennis

St Hilda’s had 11 teams (22 Students) involved, and came out on top in the championship and non-championship tournament.

Dodgeball

This was a great introduction to competitive sport. The girls loved it and have already asked if they can play next year in the weekly league. They came 3rd against the OGHS A and B teams which do play in the weekly league competition.

Volleyball

Two teams competed, the 10A and 9A teams being successful in their respective competitions.

TouchTwo teams competed strongly, with 10A winning the competition and 9A coming 3rd.

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SISS Junior Tournament 27 - 29 November

With some tough competition the girls learnt heaps and had a wonderful opportunity to gain some valuable insight into higher level competition.

Good luck to our travelling sports teams

CricketThe 1st XI travels to Palmerston North to contest the National Secondary Schoolgirls’ T20 Finals in December.

AthleticsThe school track, field and road team attend the NZ Secondary School Championchips in Timaru from the 4 - 6th December.

Condor SevensThe 7s Rugby Team travel to Auckland to compete in the NZ Condor Sevens Tournament after winning the regional competition.

Term 4 ResultsCongratulations to all the girls who participated in sports events in Term 4.

Special mention to:Senior A Water Polo team for winning the Section A competition.

Senior A Touch team for winning the Senior Girls competition and the Junior Girls for winning the Junior Section A competition.

Year 11 Futsal team for comimg second in the Senior B grade competition.

Year 9 Blue team for winning the Junior competition.

Year 9 White team for coming second in the Junior competition.

Year 7 and 8 White Futsal team for winning its competition.

Well done:Cricket Selections:Bella James becoming a member of the Sparks Women’s Cricket team.

Bella James, Georgia and Kate Heffernan being named in the Otago Under 21 squad.

Olivia Gain, Eden Carson, Megan Meltzer, Olivia Hall, Emma Black and Ella Goggan being named in the Otago U15 squad.

Otago U15 Cricket Representatives L-R Ella Coggan, Emma Black, Olivia Hall, Olivia Gain,

Megan Meltzer and Eden Carson

Athletics

St Hilda’s athletes shine at New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Track, Field and Road Race Nationals.

A small, but highly successful athletics team of Cecilia Crooks, Danica Davies, Caitlyn George, Kate Higham, Georgia Mitchell, Joccoaa Palmer, Leonie Palmer, Sophie Sinclair, Mikayla Thorn and Suzie White competed in this event on the 4-6th December in Timaru.

All the girls either posted personal bests and/or and made finals in their respective events. What a fantastic effort.

Special mention must go to the Junior 4000 metres Road Race team of Cecilia Crooks, Georgia Mitchell and Sophie Sinclair for winning the Silver in this event and our Senior Girls 4x100 metres relay team of Danica Davies, Caitlyn George and Joccoaa and Leonie Palmer who also won Silver in this marquee track event with a time of 49.34 seconds.

Mrs Lana MorrisonSports Coordinator

froM tHe arcHives

St Hilda’s Only All Black

Yes, that’s correct!

St Hilda’s has produced an All Black, a real Richie McCaw-type All Black. No he wasn’t a Phys Ed teacher, but a former student.

His name is Ian James Botting and he toured South Africa with the All Black Team in 1949. He played on the wing, and I can remember him clearly sprinting down the the touch line at Carisbrook scoring tries for the famous Otago rugby teams of 1948 and 1949.

He was fast and considered one of the best wingers in the country at the time. That’s why he was selected as an All Black, St Hilda’s only All Black.

What is the connection with St Hilda’s you are possibly wondering? Well, Ian Botting (born 18 May, 1922) was enrolled at St Hilda’s, aged 4, in 1926 into the infant class that existed in those days.

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He was one of a small group of boys who attended and he can be seen standing at the left hand end of the row in the accompanying photo, probably taken in 1926.

Ian Botting stayed at St Hilda’s until the end of 1928 and then moved to the all boy environment of John McGlashan College where he continued his education before going on to Christ’s College in Christchurch which he attended from 1938-1940. During World War 2 he was a Flying Officer in the RNZAF stationed in Europe, and after the war returned to Otago University where he made his name as a rugby player and became an All Black. After the South African tour he moved to England and completed his studies at Oxford University graduating with a Master of Arts degree in 1952. While in Oxford he continued to play rugby and in 1950 played two tests for England against Wales and Ireland.

He became an Anglican Minister working in England before becoming Vicar at Wanganui East. He was later appointed Chaplain at Christ’s College a position he held for 13 years. In 1975 he became Chaplain at St Margaret’s College, but his life ended tragically in 1980 when, aged 58, cycling through Merivale he was hit by a motor car, and killed.

Ian was not the only Botting with a St Hilda’s connection. His mother, Mary, was an old girl. She enrolled here in 1910 as Mary Simpson, and later in life as Mary Botting played a very important part in school administration, being a member of the Board for 21 years. The Mary Botting Memorial Awards presented at our prizegiving remember her contribution. The Bottings must have liked the St Hilda’s environment for young boys, as his three brothers, Stanley, Miles and David all enrolled at St Hilda’s over the 1926-1936 period.

Prize Giving 1903

With Prize Giving such an important part of the school year, we forget that all prize givings are not alike. Those in the past were very different. I was fascinated to read this account of the 1903 Prize Giving, which sounds as if it could have been a rather lengthy event. Perhaps one year we will have “a marvelous mazy kind of hoop drill”.

Excerpt from the “1904 Chronicles of S. Hilda’s” Prize Giving 1903

The “break-up” and prize-giving took place at the Choral Hall on Thursday, December 17. As usual, a large concourse of friends and relations assembled to witness the bestowal of prizes on the happy recipients. To expedite matters (as the prize-giving is a very lengthy affair) we arranged that each prize-winner should receive at one time all the prizes that fell to her lot. These were tied together with pale blue ribbon, and many small libraries were carried off by their happy owners. May Macalister was Dux for the year, and received the Gold Medal. May Bentham was awarded the Bishop’s Gold Cross for Divinity – a much-coveted honour.

The winners of C.E.A. medals (from London) were delighted with the design, and many others made up their minds to write such splendid examination papers that they too would be awarded a silver medal this year.

The play consisted of several scenes from “As You Like It.” On the whole it was very well done, R. Whitson rousing much applause by her representation of Touchstone.

Miss D. Gardiner’s Division went through a marvelous mazy kind of hoop drill invented by herself. It lasted for quite 15 minutes, but as all onlookers were entranced they did not notice the time. The girls were dressed in soft white frocks, and carried white hoops. The effect was lovely.

Mr John HuggettSchool Archivist

Board of trustees

The Board of Trustees met on 25th November 2015.

Departmental Presentation

The Board received a presentation from Mr West – HOD Physical Education and Health. Mr West discussed achievement statistics for 2014, which were consistent with previous years.

He informed the Board of trialing achievement standards he will incorporate into the 2016 learning programme and of the importance that students do not miss milestones along the way to ensure they earn desirable achievement outcomes. Outdoor Education at Level 2 continues to be a popular course with students.

Mr West highlighted his department’s goals for 2015 and progress to date. He spoke to the meeting regarding student profiles, access to course outlines and digital resources.

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Initiatives and developments, barriers to achieving desired outcomes and the need to keep costs as low as possible for families were highlighted. The department operates two Google sites – one for staff and the other for students.

Languages Presentation

Mrs Kruger presented a proposal to the Board that requested permission to research a trip in 2017 for senior students studying French and Spanish. She explained the difference between a trip (group of students with teacher(s) and an exchange (a student - reciprocal arrangement). Mrs Kruger explained the benefits for students visiting countries and immersion into the language and culture – everyday life. It also increases self confidence, independence, self esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Successful trips undertaken in the past to Japan and New Caledonia were highlighted. Working with schools that we have established links with in the areas to be visited is the preferred option as the safety of students and staff travelling to foreign countries is paramount. The Board requested an updated proposal that included alternative options for countries to visit bearing in mind the costs to families and the need for as long a period of time for a payment plan should a trip be approved.

Reports from the Principal and Student Trustee

Mrs Barron spoke to the Board of the development of four strategic goals that extend over a three year period that reach across the different groups that make up the St Hilda’s community. Each goal will be underpinned by an operational plan for each of the three years. Mrs Barron will present the operational plan for the goals at the February 2016 meeting of the Board. The continuation of the wellbeing programme goal was endorsed.

Miss Wilson-Stewart’s report highlighted the St Hilda’s Day Service, preparation for NCEA examinations and activities taking place in the Junior School. Year 10 students travelled to Tautuku for their camp while Year 9 students participated in Te Reo Week. Te Reo Week provides students with an opportunity to learn some Māori language, how to use poi and a visit to a Marae. Students develop a better understanding and respect for our Māori culture and its place in our society.

Self-ReviewThe Board adopted the following policies, which had been reviewed and updated by the following committees:

Reviewed by the Health & Safety Committee - Harassment Policy- Health and Safety Physical Policy- Health Harming Substances Policy- Healthy Food and Nutrition Policy and Procedures - Smoke Free Policy

Reviewed by the International Committee - International Fees Protection Policy- International Group Student Policy- International Students Policy Reviewed by the Personnel Committee - Staff Development Policy

Next Meeting

The Board’s last meeting for the year is planned for 17th December 2015.

On behalf of the Board, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Nicola WilliamsChair, Board of Trustees

coMMunity

Parents and Friends Association

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the parents and friends who give their time and talents to our association. Everyone has a busy life these days. That so many volunteers continue to work on the school’s behalf is most commendable.

Our main focus at present is the School Fair which is set down for 5 March next year. Our great team of organisers, led by Kyleen Brook, is well into the planning. We have taken the decision that funds raised will go to improving teaching environments within the school. There is abundant research to show that good teaching, when combined with flexible and modern learning environments, produces better results. We hope that the whole school community will swing in behind this important event and make it a great success. If you can help in any way, be it donating materials, running a stall or providing sponsorship etc., I urge you to contact Kyleen.

Fair Donations - Silent Auction

We would love contributions to the Silent Auction for our Fair in March (such as holiday accommodation, vouchers or new items). If you have any items can you please email Lisa at lisaandscott@xtra.co.nz to arrange pick up.

If you would rather donate anonymously, please place it in an envelope marked Silent School Auction and leave at the school office from February next year.

We will also have a strong focus on our Sports and Cultural Fund for 2016. This year we have improved the system by which activities and individuals can apply for assistance. In some ways we have been the victims of our own success. We now find that, to continue with the current levels of support, we will need to take our fundraising to a new level.

Ihlara McIndoe Amy Jones The St Hilda’s Collegiate First recipient Cup for All Round of the Achievement The Paterson Family and the Award for first in Physics The Sophie Elliott Proxime Accessit Memorial Award

Mhairi Rowbottom First recipient of the

The Bishop Penny Jamieson Scholarship for university study in

Theology and Religious Studies

Jessica Fleming The Eugenie Avent-Hunter

Memorial Award for All-Round Service

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If you have a passion for the sporting and cultural life of the school and believe you can help out we’d love to have you on our committee.

Finally I wish to thank Kath Keown for her work as treasurer. We now have an able replacement and Kath can take a well earned rest. Leanne Reid will take up the treasurer’s role in 2016. Lisa Mason has continued to do great work as our secretary and we all thank her for her hard work and attention to detail.

Mr Nick SimpsonPFA President

2016 terM dates

Term 1 Variety of start dates see below Monday 1 February – Friday 15 April 11 Weeks

Term 2 Monday 2 May – Friday 8 July 10 Weeks

Term 3 Monday 25 July – Friday 23 September 09 Weeks

Term 4 Monday 10 October – Thursday 8 December 09 Weeks

2016 start uP datesMonday 1 February Years 7, 8 and 9 1.30 pm mihi wakatou All families of Year 7, 8 & 9 are welcome to attend.

Tuesday 2 February Years 7, 8 and 9 8.40 am – 3.25 pm Year 10 8.40 am – 12.30 pm Year 11 1.30 pm – 3.25 pm Year 12 8.40 am – 12.30 pm Wednesday 3 February Years 7 – 13 School operating as normal Peer Mentor 8.30 am – 1.15 pmTraining