Lead Me to Lead My Learning

06 3880130

26 Huia Street

Taihape, 4720

www.tas.school.nz

TAS Radio - 88.1FM

rmcmillan@tas.school.nz

Principal: Richard McMillan

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Taihape Area School

Monday 29th August, 2016 Term 3 – Newsletter Number 6

Important Dates

This Week Mon-Friday NZSS Tournament Week

(Mixed Hockey Team in

Gisborne)

Tuesday 30th Room 5 Skiing (Day 2)

Next Week 8th-9th Rangatahi Mentoring Group to

Wellington

Thursday 8th Waiouru Year 7/8’s visiting

Friday 9th Ohingaiti Cross Country

(10.15am start)

Tena koutou katoa

We are now at the half way point of another term, which

coincides with the final week of winter, and the official

beginning of spring. This is really a great time of the year,

as the days begin to lengthen, and the weather (hopefully)

improves, and we are able to enjoy the pleasures of spring.

There have been signs of spring around for some time with

large numbers of lambs dotting roadside paddocks, and of

course sightings of daffodils, and other spring flowers. After

the dark cold days of winter, the arrival of spring is always welcome.

There is a special magic about this season – it is a time of new and

renewed growth and hope.

The Winter Sports Season is winding down,

with most codes either finished, or finishing this

week. It has been another very successful season with the Football Team

(3rd), Year 7/8 Netball Team (2nd), Basketball Team (play-offs this

weekend), and Hockey Team (1st) performing well. After 2 seasons of

unpreceded success both the Senior A Netball and First XV were in

rebuilding mode this year, and there are very positive signs for the

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future. As well TAS was overall winner of Winter Tournament, with both the year 5/6 and

Year 7/8 Rugby Teams winning, and the Country 7’s.

I wish to thank all those people who have been involved in Sport this year. Sport plays a huge

role in the personal growth, and development, of most young people. However without the

support of parents, whanau, and importantly coaches, children wouldn’t have the opportunity

to grow, through sport, the skills and attitudes that contribute to their development as people.

The hope also is that their love of sport will continue into adult life, and provide them with a

range of lifelong recreational options.

Thank you also to the countless number of volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes

to ensure the smooth running and operation of the various competitions.

NCEA Mid-Year Exams finished last week. This was a real eye opener for some

students, who now realise that they have considerable hard work to do to prepare for

externals, as well as to accumulate credits in the lead up to the end year. While it is important

that students take personal responsibility for

monitoring their progress and “leading their own

learning”, support and encouragement from the

significant adults in their lives is also very

important. Our Deans do a superb job working with

the students in their cohorts, and are readily

available to meet with you if you have any

concerns, or just require confirmation about how

they are tracking. Please remember that you have

access to KAMAR (the School Student Management System) to enable you to track the

progress of your child/ren.

This week is Winter Tournament Week for New Zealand Secondary Schools. Secondary

Students are participating in a variety of sporting codes, and in some very prestigious

tournaments, right across the Country. This Year we only have one Team participating, with

the Mixed Hockey Team involved in the North Island Mixed Hockey Tournament in

Gisborne, Poverty Bay. The Team left for this event yesterday, and have Pool games today

and tomorrow, before cross-over games begin on Wednesday.

The students involved are all looking forward to

this unique, and hopefully enjoyable experience,

and the opportunity to test their skills against peers

from other Colleges. As well the opportunity to

focus on their chosen sport for a whole week will

give them the chance to really push the

boundaries, and test themselves at a higher level.

Have a great week.

Regards

Richard McMillan

Principal An Iconic Gisborne View

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Tall Poppies The following Taihape Area School students rose above the crowd last week as outstanding

achievers, and members of our Learning Community:

Micah Jacobsen (Room 3) - for a good start to school;

Nile-Khalila Saifudin (Room 3) - for always being on task;

Sophie Smith and Amelia Shaw (Room 4) - for outstanding writing;

Hollie Jacobsen (Room 5) - for fantastic perseverance at skiing!

Tristan Jacobsen (Room 6) - for fantastic work in maths;

Emma Fellingham, Laycie Bennett, and Erika Elers (Year 10) - for producing high quality

genetics and evolution reports; Lize van Rensburg (Year 10) - for showing highly motivated attitude and behaviour in class;

Shontae, Tayla, Tia, Jaymi, Kierah, Jess, Te Riu and Hettie (Junior House Leaders) -

who did a fabulous job volunteering for the Cancer Society and supporting at Daffodil Day;

The Year 7/8 Netball Team – runners-up in their grade in the Manawatu Primary Schools

Netball Competition. The girls involved were: Capree Wallace, Bailey Rata Hall, Alazaye Logan,

Te Riu Steedman, Kierah Hay-Martin, Atawhai McDonnell, Pia Huxtable, Jess McGhie, Tori

Coles, and Tayla Nathan. Coach - Amy Coker;

Winning Year 7/8 Rugby Team (Winner of Wanganui Mixed 7’s Final). Jacob Sciascia, Te Riu

Steedman, Te Ngore Witika, Chad Whale, Timothy Pekamu, Caden Turnbull, Hoani

Herewini-Dygas, Atua Nepe-Apatu, Dallas Sullivan, Brayden Peehi-Marsden. Coach -

Aaron Chapman, Driver - James Fannin. Supporter - Aden Taputoro-Thomason.

The TAS Mixed Hockey Team – winners of the Manawatu

Secondary Schools Mixed Hockey Competition. This Team

comprised Dylan Sincock, David Frankham, Aden Tapu, Jonny

Sage, Kelsey Eames, Sam Troon, Peita Law, Samantha McGhie,

Ashleigh Squires, Gina Swanson, Millie Law, Jack Eames, Tom

Fleury, Erika Elers, and Renee Linton. Coach - Richard

McMillan; Manager - Alan Carson.

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Tall Poppies from Learning Street – Week 5

The TAS School Wide Behaviour Expectations are: - Rangatiratanga:

We are Learners

We show Rangatiratanga

Whanaungatanga:

We are Caring

We show Whanaungatanga

Wairuatanga:

We are Reflective

We show Wairuatanga

Manaakitanga:

We are Respectful

We show Manaakitanga

Stop Work Meeting

School will be closed for Instruction from 12.30, on Thursday 15th

September. This is to enable all Staff to attend a Meeting to discuss a number of major

issues confronting the Education Sector. One issue relates to potential changes to School

funding, which will have massive implications for all schools.

Fortunately the Meeting is being held here in Taihape, which means classes can operate all

morning, rather than finishing earlier if we had to travel to Palmerston North or Wanganui.

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Buses will run @ 12.30.

Supporting Your Child The most important lessons your child needs for success aren’t taught in the Classroom,

they’re often taught at home. Children’s performance in School has more to do with parents,

than with their natural brainpower, or even their teachers.

One recent study claimed the parental effect on exam results at 16 is 5 times greater than any

other factor. So what should we be doing to maximise their chances?

Help Their Reading Recent research from the University of Edinburgh shows children who read well at seven, do

better in IQ Tests as teenagers. Reading is the number one skill for parents to encourage in

the early years of School.

Have your child read to you for 10

minutes every day – if you do it as the

same time each day, it becomes

automatic and moaning should be

minimal. Keep the habit going even

when your child becomes fluent, as it

improves comprehension.

The Ministry of Education has revamped and updated its Website to make it more

user friendly. As part of this they have introduced a page with information for parents. This

can be found at: http://parents.education.govt.nz. This contains practical information about

education for parents and carers.

Room 5 on the Mountain 26/8/16 by Nailul Hafiz

On Wednesday night my Mum told me to get prepared for skiing tomorrow. I packed a black strong helmet with my warm snow gloves, I packed in my waterproof snow jacket and pants, and lastly put my clear goggle’s in my blue bag. Thursday came. I

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stepped into the icy road, and I could feel the cold wind off the mountain. After getting my skis and poles, I started my ski lesson with Jackson. It was difficult and frustrating at first, but I improved. The snow was soft, silky and cold. I really like skiing now.

Friday 26th August.

On Thursday Room 5 went skiing. We were all very excited that we were going up Mount Ruapehu. When we stepped out of the van it was freezing, and bitter cold. Then we went and got our ski boots, skis and poles. The snow was white, crisp and crunchy, when the snow hit you. My instructor was Tom. We learnt how to stop, and get back up again. I was awesomely happy. I cannot wait until next Tuesday. Next time we go skiing we are in the next level up and will learn how to turn. I love skiing now and want to do it whenever I get the chance or have time.

- By Emma Collings.

Room 5 in the Snow

Hockey Last week the Taihape Area School Team played Otaki College in the Final of the Manawatu

Secondary Schools Mixed Competition, winning convincingly 7-0. TAS dominated from the

start, although stout resistance, and a packed defence, from the Otaki Team made scoring

difficult.

Dylan Sincock, David Frankham, Aden Tapu, Jonny Sage, and Kelsey Eames controlled the

midfield, winning the battle for possession, and created numerous scoring opportunities.

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Shelby Inwood ran strongly and was dangerous on attack. He was well supported by Sam

Troon, Peita Law, and Samantha McGhie.

The defence of Ashleigh Squires and Gina Swanson quickly extinguished any opposition

attacks, while goalie Millie Law was virtually unemployed for yet another game – her time

will come at Tournament.

One of the highlights of the evening was the huge support provided by parents – it is

interesting that the team with by far the longest distance to travel, received the biggest

support each week. For the final the support was fantastic.

The Taihape Team has dominated the Mixed Grade this year, and fully deserved to win. At

times they have played some sublime hockey, an exciting fast game, with quality passing and

support play. Whereas initially the default pass was forward (and only forward) players are

now looking for opportunities in other quarters, and passing sideways, backwards (and

around), and huge passes across field.

This team comprised Dylan Sincock, David Frankham, Aden Tapu, Jonny Sage, Kelsey

Eames, Sam Troon, Peita Law, Samantha McGhie, Ashleigh Squires, Gina Swanson, Millie

Law, Jack Eames, Tom Fleury, Erika Elers, and Renee Linton.

Final Manawatu Secondary Schools Mixed Grade - Summary

Taihape Area School 7 (Jonny Sage 2, Shelby Inwood 2, David Frankham, Dylan Sincock,

and Aden Tapu goals) v Otaki College 0.

It has been a frustrating Competition this year because of a number of reasons, including the

presence of a bye round, and no games because of holidays, cancellations, and defaults. As a

consequence we are a little underdone going into Tournament Week. However these young

people have a great spirit and determination, and will most certainly put their best foot

forward during Tournament this week.

North

Island Mixed Tournament

TAS is in Pool C in this 14 Team Competition, to be held this week, in Gisborne, Poverty

Bay.

Draw for the Round Robin Section:

Monday 29th TAS v KeriKeri High @ 3.00pm

Tuesday 30th TAS v Campion College @ 9.10am

TAS v Huanui College @ 5.20pm

Wednesday/Thursday/Friday Cross-over Games.

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Members of the Competition Winning TAS Mixed Hockey Team after the Final last Week

7/8 Rugby 7s The TAS Year 7/8 Rugby 7s Team travelled down to Wanganui on Saturday 27 August to

play against Westmere - Curtain Raisers for Steelform Wanganui vs West Coast. Nail

biting first half with TAS down when the half time whistle blew!! Second half, TAS worked

harder and with only 10 seconds to the final whistle, TAS scored the winning TRY!!!

Well done to the boys and girls who played. Awesome experience for the team.

Thanks heaps to Coach Aaron Chapman, to James Fannin for driving the team van, and

thanks to whanau who went down to support the team - Jenny Whale

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Thanks A huge thanks to Tracey Murrell and Bronwyn Troon who

each morning organise and supervise breakfast in the Hub.

They have a band of regulars who enjoy toast and milo

before class each morning. Often the chat and conversation

is more important than the food.

A special thanks also to Mokai Patea Services who sponsor

the food – we are really appreciative of this gesture.

We are now part of the KickStart Breakfast Programme. KickStart Breakfast helps more

children achieve their best by getting a kickstart to their day. Fueled by milk and grains, the

students experience the power of a nutritious breakfast to provide both strength and energy

Alongside support from the New Zealand Government, Sanitarium provides Weet-

Bix, Fonterra provides Anchor milk, and the school is responsible for delivering

the programme.

Breakfast clubs are about more than eating breakfast at school. The engaging environment

encourages students to develop social skills, take on extra responsibility and grow

academically through the wider benefits of breakfast.

A Breakfast of Weetbix and Milk, and including Toast and Milo kindly sponsored by Mokai

Patea Services, is available in the HUB from just after 8.00am.

We are indebted to Curriculum Leader of Maths, Mr Vijay, who has organised this for us.

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Prize Giving 2016

All students who received Cups and

Trophies at last year’s Prize Giving

please return these to School by the

end of this term - thank you.

Prize Giving:

Tuesday 13th December @ 1.00pm

The Honours Boards for TAS Dux, and Head Boy and Head Girl

Student Leaders to Rotary

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Last Tuesday the Student Leadership Team attended a regular weekly Meeting of Taihape

Rotary. This is an annual event, and the Rotarians are wonderful hosts, and make our students

feel welcome and valued. For the evening the students take the official roles of Rotarians and

run the formal part of the Meeting. After a nervous start, they always grow into their roles,

and enjoy the whole experience

The TAS Leadership Team @ Rotary

(N.B. President Liam is wearing the Official Chains of Office)

Dorman’s Seven Needs of Young Adolescents (Year

9-10)

Early adolescence, it is generally agreed, coincides with the middle years of schooling, which

are characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and intellectual development. Patterns of

thinking and behaviour are being established. It can be a difficult period in which

achievement gaps may widen, especially as they collide with inter-sector transitions. It is

widely recognized, and statistically validated, that Years 9 and 10 are those in which there is

a spike in student disengagement. Suspensions, stand-downs, and general loss of interest in

school clearly rose in those years.

General agreement in the literature suggests the following prerequisites for Middle Year

Education:

1. The need for diversity: Different opportunities for learning; Different opportunities with a

variety of people; Different opportunities to refine thinking skills.

2. The need for self-exploration and self-definition: Opportunities to establish a positive self-

concept, and a sense of identity.

3. The need for meaningful participation in school and community: Opportunities to become

independent and to have a role in making the rules affecting them.

4. The need for positive interaction with both peers and adults: Opportunities for association,

companionship, and criticism regarding new social roles.

5. The need for physical activity: Opportunities for physical exercise and proper rest to avoid

high energy levels, and fatigue.

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6. The need for competence and achievement: Opportunities to try out new physical, psycho-

social, and cognitive abilities.

7. The need for structure and clear limits: Opportunities for increased independence and self-

direction, yet clear limits.

- (From Dorman, G. (1984). Middle Grades Assessment Programme, Centre for Early

Adolescence: University of Carolina)

Quotes of the Week “Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not

follow. Just walk beside me, and be my friend” — Albert Camus.

“Friendship consists in forgetting what one gives, and remembering what one

receives” – Alexander Dumas.

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