Ashburton CollegeNewsIndividual Excellence in a Supportive Learning Environment

Issue 243 Septembr 2020

Deputy Principal’s Message

Staff Welcome

Term ThreeTerm Three has been a whirlwind of events and activities, across Course Confirmation Evening and students choosing subjects for 2021; Year 11, 12 and 13 students with internal exams; Open Night; enrolment for Year 8 students attending College next year; and senior reports have been completed.

Still to come are Ako interviews for all students and their families; along with senior subject interviews; Lip-Sync online and Music Evening.Term FourTerm 4 will involve a raft of activities including those associated with farewells to our students who are leaving Ashburton College at the end of 2020. We will have the Blues Assembly where students are recognised for their Sporting and Cultural achievement; the announcement of the winning House for 2020; the Chess Match where staff take on the Student Executive in what is assisted by a ‘water fight’ on the College chessboard; the Year 12 Prize-giving where the Head Boy, Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl for 2021 will be announced; Year 11 Prize-giving and the Year 13 Graduation Dinner. Further past these dates our Junior students will have a number of activities and milestones which we will refer to closer to the time.Year 11 and Year 12 Prize-givingsFor the first time we are, this year, combining Year 11 and 12 Prize-givings and holding this at the Ashburton EA Networks Centre starting at 7:00pm on Tuesday 10 November. We have also changed the criteria for our Application and Effort Awards. Students now need to reach the required level in five out of six subjects in Level 1 and 2, and four out of five subjects in Level 3 to gain an Application and Effort Award.NCEA ExaminationsAll of that outlined above then leaves us hurtling into the real business part of the year – the final NCEA examinations which start on Monday 16 November. The accumulation of credits over the course of the year means that students know exactly what they need to do to reach the ‘magic figure’ required to gain each Level of NCEA. An NCEA study has observed that once students know (or think) that they have reached that figure, the motivation to keep going and to do really well may be affected and this may impact on how well they prepare for and perform in the external examinations. It is not that simple! Students, especially those who are hoping to gain University Entrance from their course this year, must remember that tertiary faculties, in setting their entry criteria for courses, are looking at the quality of the credits that students are gaining – how many Achieved, Merit and Excellence grades they have gained. There has been a reduction in the number of credits required for 2020 due to COVID-19 and the reduced time in front of a teacher. For every five credits students achieve through internal or external assessments they are entitled to one more credit. These are called Learning Recognition (LR) credits.Level 1 – 80 credits including 10 numeracy and 10 literacy credits. (Can receive up to 10 LR credits)Level 2 – 60 credits at Level 2 or above; and 20 credits from any other level. (Can receive up to 8 LR credits)Level 3 – 60 credits at Level 3 or above; and 20 at Level 2. (Can receive up to 8 LR credits)Certificate Endorsement – e.g.: NCEA Level 1 Endorsed Excellence Certificate Endorsed Merit – 46 credits at Merit or better Certificate Endorsed Excellence – 46 credits at ExcellenceCourse Endorsement – e.g.: NCEA Level 2 Technology Endorsed Merit – at least 3 such credits from externally assessed standards and at least 3 from internally assessed standards in a single school year. Course Endorsed Merit – 12 credits at Merit or higherCourse Endorsed Excellence – 12 credits at Excellence or higherUniversity Entrance – 12 credits in three approved University Entrance approved subjects.It is clear that students must aim to do their very best at whatever level they are studying. A consistently good, motivated attitude towards study, achievement in school work and towards performance in external examinations is the kind of attitude that can play a part in a student’s success and future opportunities. Helen Shore-Taylor DeputyPrincipal•TumuakiTuarua

AshColl Way

Information

Transition Department – Events Update Tertiary Study InformationWe are at the time of year where students going to tertiary study in 2021 are gathering information, making decisions, and completing application processes, as follows: University and Polytech Halls of Residence ApplicationsHalls of Residence applications are open online.Course Planning for 2021 University liaison staff are visiting College this term to help students plan their course of study for 2021.Remaining dates are:Victoria University of Wellington – 09 SeptemberAuckland University – 09 SeptemberLincoln University – 09 SeptemberOtago Polytech – 09 SeptemberOtago University – 16 SeptemberRemaining 2020 University Open DaysThe current COVID conditions have resulted in amendments to Open Day information previously publicised.Please go to the websites for the latest updates:• CanterburyUniversity www.canterbury.ac.nz• AucklandUniversity www.auckland.ac.nz• MasseyUniversity www.massey.ac.nz• AUTUniversity www.aut.ac.nz

Appreciation

AnnaSchmackExam Centre Manager

Please note that all events are subject to any COVID restrictions which may be relevant at the time. These implications are advised as soon as is possible.

AkoInterviews:on-siteatCollege,Thursday10September,

10:00am-8:00pmNext Thursday, 10 September, College will hold the second set of Ako Interview meetings for 2020, between parents/caregivers, student and Ako teacher. Meetings will cover progress to date during this year, a revisit of career and/or academic goals, and an opportunity for communication as a team.This day will go ahead even if we are remaining at COVID Level 2. Booking arrangements: Twenty minutes has been allowed for each interview, with timeframes from 10:00am-1:00pm; 2:00pm-5:00pm; 6:00pm-8:00pm, with the last booking available at 7:40pm.Interviews can be set up through SchoolPoint, with information now sent out to families. Please contact the College Office if you have any queries.

Please note: normal College classes will not operate on this day.Students are only required to be at College for their interview time.

Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews forYear 11-13 Students: Tuesday 15 September

Please note: this day will only operate if we are at COVID Level 1.On Tuesday 15 September parent-teacher-student interviews are scheduled at the Hotel Ashburton, from 2:30pm-8:00pm. This is an opportunity to meet with individual subject teachers and it is especially recommended that you catch up in any subjects which your child may be finding more difficult.

College will close at 1:20pm on this day (no Period 5 classes).Interview Booking arrangements: Interviews will each be of five minutes duration, with available timeframes between 2:30pm-5:00pm; 5:45pm-8:00pm. Interviews can be set up through SchoolPoint, with information being sent out to families. Please contact the College Office if you have any queries.

StudylinkTertiaryEvening:Information on Student Loans and Allowances

Monday14September2020,7:00pmCollege Staffroom

This is an evening for students and parents/caregivers to hear information about student loans and allowances for tertiary study next year, accommodation costs and various deadlines. We are very fortunate to have staff from Studylink attend and be able to answer your questions first-hand.

RSVP required:Information forms are available from the

Transition Office or the College Office. Pleasecollectandreturnaformsothatweknownumbersattending.

AshColl Reading Mentor Programme Future Guaranteed

After a slow start this year, due to the COVID-19 lockdown, the Ashburton College Reading Mentor programme kicked into gear again in Term Two, and concluded last week.Joanne Wakelin, Reading Teacher, Reading Mentor Programme Co-ordinator and Within-College Hakatere Community of Learning (Kāhui Ako) Literacy Co-ordinator, said that this successful mentoring programme has run for many years and continues to go from strength to strength.  Sponsorship AppreciationAdvance Ashburton, along with the other community organisations Altrusa Club of Ashburton, Rotary Club of Ashburton and the Ashburton Plains Rotary Club, have been sponsors of the programme in the past.On-going Commitment by Advance AshburtonThis year Advance Ashburton has confirmed an on-going commitment to ensuring the programme remains funded. This security is wonderful news for the College.  Sandi Wood, Advance Ashburton Executive Officer, visited College recently, getting the opportunity to see the programme in operation.  Sandi was impressed with the structure, which sees specifically selected Year 12 students volunteering to read to Year 9 students. (Pictured below): Advance Ashburton Executive Officer, Sandi Wood with the Year 12 Reading Mentor leaders during her visit to see the programme in operation.

The scheme initially started following the research of Dr Joseph Driessen, a renowned academic on raising student achievement, and due to the encouraging results every year, the scheme has become a permanent part of the College programme.The scheme not only has positive academic results, but the role modelling and mentoring by the senior students has had many wonderful spin-offs for the Year 9 students, including things such as increasing their confidence, encouraging them to be on time for school and their classes, and helping with personal issues.  Senior students also gain leadership skills and enjoy the mentoring opportunities.WethankAdvanceAshburton,alongwithourotheranonymousdonor,for ensuring that literacy continues to be a priority at Ashburton College.This year’s Reading Mentors have been: Katelin Adcock, Ethan Annear, Taylah Burrowes, Georgie Cartney, Emma-Paige Dickson, Malachi Drye, Alex Eddington, Buddhika Ekanayake, Ian Jerao, Hannah Kuipers, John Magyaya, Tia McCallum, Ben Middleton, Dennis Nguyen, Tamaki Nishioka, Hannah O'Reilly, Thomas Patterson, Mahina Pongia, Drew Porter, Samuel Reilly-Sigel, Emma Scammell, Marlese Schoonderbeek, Milli Sullivan, Eliane Vinculado.

(Pictured below): The Reading Mentor programme sees students in small groups all around the Library.

(Pictured left): Year 12 Student Emma-Paige Dickson reading to her Year 9 buddy.

Ashburton CollegeNewsIndividual Excellence in a Supportive Learning Environment

Issue 243 September 2020

Term Dates 2020 – Terms Two, Three and start of Term Four Term Three Monday 20 July - Friday 25 SeptemberTerm Four Monday 12 October - Thursday 05 November (Year 13) - Tuesday 10 November (Years 11 and 12) - Thursday 03 December (Year 10) - Friday 04 December (Year 9)Term Dates 2021 –Term One Year level dates tba - Friday 09 AprilTerm Two Tuesday 27 April - Friday 02 JulyTerm Three Monday 19 July - Friday 24 SeptemberTerm Four Monday 11 October - Friday 10 December – year levels tbc

Some Key Forthcoming DatesNovember05 Year 13 Graduation Ceremony, Ashburton Trust Event Centre, 7:00pm10 Years 11 and 12 Prize-givings, EA Networks Centre, 7:00pm16-09 Dec NCEA Exams

Events

Alterations due to COVID changes will be advised directly to each group as relevant.

Coming Events

Successful ‘Spirit of Gold’ Mufti DayInformation provided by Jestena Raj, Treasurer, Student Executive

On Friday 21 August the College Student Executive organised a fundraiser mufti day for the New Zealand Paralympics, to support our paralympians as they make their way to Tokyo to represent New Zealand in what will now be the 2021 Paralympics. These sixteenth summer Paralympic Games have been rescheduled from 2020, due to COVID constraints, to 24 August– 05 September 2021. This is the second time Tokyo has hosted these games, subsequent to the Olympic Games. The previous time was back in 1964.Students were encouraged to wear something gold and bring along a gold coin to show their support.

Fundraising TotalCollege students raised a total of $1028.20. It was great to see the whole school come together to support this cause and go ‘all out’ to wear something gold to keep with the theme.  We thank students and their families for their support.

A Career in the OutdoorsFormer student Cole Beeman, with fellow course attendee Jamie Toomey previously from Mt Aspiring College, spoke to a group of students on Wednesday 26 August, in the College Auditorium. This year attending the Tai Poutini Polytech on the West Coast, Cole and Jamie outlined the opportunities available to students, with Cole sharing his adventures on the Outdoor Education and Ski Patrol Course. Cole advocates this course as a perfect pathway for a career in the Outdoors, including instruction in White Water Kayaking, Rafting, Climbing, Mountaineering/Snow Caves, Bush Skills, Sea Kayaking and much more.Students were advised on ‘how to enrol’, enrolment deadline dates, accommodation, course age eligibility, how to find information and what career options an Instructor’s Certificate can enable.

Ashburton College PIE’s(Pride, Identity, Equality) Host Bake Sale

On Wednesday 26 August AshColl students hosted a very fine Bake Sale on the Chessboard, with money raised to go towards RainbowYOuTh.RainbowYOuTh is a charitable organisation that was established in 1989. RainbowYOuTh is here to work with queer, gender diverse, takatāpui and intersex youth, their friends, whānau and wider communities in order to ensure that New Zealand is a place where all young people can thrive.  Sarah McKerrow said, with all baking donated the fundraising was successful, raising over $200 to be forwarded to RainbowYOuTh, Christchurch Division.

(Pictured above): Good custom underway.

(Pictured above, left to right): Ready for the lunchtime customers are Gemma Taylor, Sarah McKerrow, Emma Petrie and Lauren Taylor.

Canterbury Secondary Schools’Ski Championships Creditable Results

This event was fortunate to be able to be held on Thursday 13 August at the Mt hutt Skifield, involving College student siblings Kayne Johnston and Mya Johnston (pictured right, left and right), with father Michael as Manager. Michael said that racing was held in ‘bluebird conditions’ with a total of over 180 skiers plus snow boarders competing.The ski group numbers were significant with sixty nine female skiers and ninety two males.ResultsMya skied well to finish strongly in 14th place in the girls’ race and Kayne also had a great result, finishing 19th in a field dominated by senior students.

(Pictured below): Mya in action on the slalom course.

(Pictured left): Kayne surveying the slalom course from the start line.

House Sports and the Coveted House TrophyAs for all events this year programmes and itineraries have been started, changed, stopped, restarted and changed again. The normally very lively house Sports competition is no exception to this necessity.This year house Cricket, Badminton and unihock have had to be cancelled but, at the start of Term Three, Volleyball was able to be held and, more recently, Basketball.house Netball is currently scheduled for Weeks 8 and 9 of this term, on days between 07-18 September, and we also have Lip Sync scheduled to run for house points. Lip Sync has been transferred from a public event in the Auditorium to a video competition, with entries to close on 06 September, at 6:00pm. Music Evening, which also contributes to house Points, is still scheduled at this stage to take place on Thursday 24 September.

Basketball Restarts House Sports Recently Basketball gained the kudos of re-igniting the competition between houses, with Blue playing Green, and Orange challenging Red, in the play-offs. Blue house had a clean sweep of wins while last year’s champion house, Red, was successful in three of their four games.

Finals Results were a cautious triumph to Blue House:• Senior Girls’ Blue v Orange Houses 5-0 win to Blue House.• Junior Girls’ Blue v Red Houses 5-4 win to Blue House.• Senior Boys’ Blue v Red Houses 3-all draw.• Junior Boys’ Red v Blue Houses 8-2 win to Red House.

Congratulations

Congratulations

Currently the House Point competition sits at :Blue House 76.15 Red House 66.89Orange House 58.02 Green House 58.02

(Pictured above, left and right): Riley Sa scoring from a slam dunk against the Orange house Junior Boys’ team, in the play-off rounds.

September04 South Canterbury Winter Basketball Competition,

Southern Trust Events Centre, Timaru Boys’ 1st XI hockey, Christchurch05 Rugby – uC Round 12 Mid Canterbury Combined v

St Bede’s College, Ashburton06 NZSS Shooting Championships (Triple S) Round 407 Year 10 Outdoor Education hike, Little Mt Peel08 Year 10 Outdoor Education hike, Little Mt Peel Year 12/Year 13 In-Zone Careers Bus visit Thomson/Whelan Basketball Trophy, Ashburton or Christchurch Junior Skiing, Mt hutt Year 10 hike AGS3 Farmbikes Day, Yr12 ACAD Group 1, Ashburton Showgrounds09 ACAD1 Farmbikes Day 2, Year 12 ACAD Group 1,

Ashburton Showgrounds Auckland university Course Planning Victoria university Course Planning Lincoln university Course Planning Otago Polytech Course Planning Girls’ 1st XI hockey, Christchurch Supernet – Ashburton College v Rangi Ruru, Christchurch (Round 7)10 AKO interviews (as elsewhere in this newsletter) Aoraki Girls’ Football v Timaru Girls’ high School, Timaru11 Canterbury Schools’ Golf Matchplay, Christchurch Year 11 Outdoor Education hike, Mt Thomas, Oxford Aoraki Secondary Schools’ Table Tennis Championships, Timaru South Canterbury Winter Basketball Competition,

Southern Trust Events Centre, Timaru Boys’ 1st XI hockey, Christchurch12 Rugby – uC Round 12 Marlborough Boys’ College v

Mid Canterbury Combined (Marlborough)

As part of their power point presentation (pictured above) they showed life out on the course expeditions, outlining what a number of these involved, and their ‘top moment’ during this year. For Cole this included a week-long kayak mission at Arahura, and for Jamie it was Māori week. They recommended Punakaiki’s rock climbing wall, and noted the 48 hour race comprised of running, biking, rafting, orienteering, beach running with a raft on your shoulders – and one team who managed it on one hour’s sleep!