newsletter no 2 2011 - st catherines college
TRANSCRIPT
ST CATHERINE’S COLLEGE
KILBIRNIE, WELLINGTON NEWSLETTER 2/2011 Issued: 1 April 2011
......from the Principal......
For the year I have challenged the students with the question, “How good can we be?” In order to achieve
that we really have to be the change we want to see in the world and in order to do that we have to
understand what it is that needs to be changed.
A rather sad story, told by many accounts of Catherine McAuley’s life, is that of a young domestic servant who
came to her for help when she was managing Coolock House. The young woman told Catherine she was in
danger of sexual abuse and needed a place to live. Catherine tried by going to the existing places established
to offer housing for young women but the whole process got delayed by bureaucratic red tape. The young girl
was abused and Catherine never forgot it. She determined that she would build a shelter for women in this
kind of need. She also worked to ensure that women be given education and training thereby enabling
themselves to improve their potential for a decent employment and thus improve their life condition and their
ability to provide for their families.
Catherine did not wait for others to provide for a need. She saw a need and did something about it. For
Catherine, love of God and love of neighbour were indistinguishable and her deep contemplation and action
are echoed in the words of Jesus, “Love your neighbour as you love yourself”.
It is hoped that this year we will awaken this urge in our students as they embark on their projects of mission.
Working in houses and whanau groups, students have established their mission for the year as well as a plan
as to how they will achieve it.
St Anne’s: The City Mission
St Bernadette’s: Refugee Reunification Trust
St Joan’s: Ronald McDonald House
St Theresa’s: ҉ Marian College, Christchurch (post-earthquake) uniforms and stationery
҉ Paul VI College, Samoa Subsidy for stationery fees; class sets of English literature
Catherine McAuley puts it very succinctly when she says, “Love of God and neighbour are cause and effect.”
How good can we be?
Have you seen our new website? Check it out at www.stcatherinescollege.school.nz. Below are some of the
older posts on offer.
Senior Volleyball at Regionals -The Senior Volleyball team competed at the Wellington Secondary School
Regional tournament last weekend in preparation for their trip to the NZ Secondary Volleyball Nationals in
Palmerston North from March 28th
–April 1st
.
Geographers hit the Kapiti beaches - studying waves, beach profiles, effects of erosion, deposition and long
shore drift, as well as changes made by people.
Russell McVeagh International Schools Debating Tour – St Cath’s hosted two impromptu debates. Senior
debaters witnessed debating excellence, watching the New Zealand team beat the Canada West team in a
debate on the role of Wikileaks.
Good cause, good food - The Mercy Crew’s annual pancake extravaganza tempted taste buds by ‘selling’
pancakes for a donation of toiletries, which are then delivered to the Women’s Refuge.
USO – Māori and Pasifika Mentoring Programme in Science – ‘Uso fesosoani i le isi uso’ - provides students
with an opportunity to do homework, get help with their Science and learn from teachers, other students and
guest speakers.
Edogawa, Daito Gakuen, Tokyo Gakkan Urayasu & Otani schools visit - What a wonderful group of focused,
friendly young women, stepping out of their comfort zones, speaking and studying English and above all
making new friends.
New Food Technology block for St Cath’s - With great excitement the Food Technology and Catering students
opened our much awaited, highly specified building.
Technology at St Cath’s - The IT ratio is very high. The College is fully wireless, uses the student learning
system Moodle 2.0 effectively and staff have an action research focus on using IT to create independent
learners.
“An education with an active discovery of reality is superior” Piaget
How good can we be?
Jane Holloway Principal
......From the Deputy Principal (Curriculum)......
Enclosed with this newsletter is a Progress Report which gives a short summary of your daughter’s progress to
date.
On April 13 (please see letter enclosed), there will be no classes so that each student can have a 20-minute
Progress Conference with parents and a teacher, either a whanau teacher or a subject teacher. These interviews
were held for the first time in 2009 and were highly rated by parents, students and staff. We encourage you to
take up this opportunity to look with your daughter at her progress in relation to her goals.
Juniors will receive a full report with the Newsletter No.4 on 1 July, followed by subject teacher/student/parent
interviews. These are five-minute appointments only. Senior students will receive a tracking sheet for this
interview and a full report at the end of Term 3.
Parents are reminded that NCEA fees are due to the College in the first week of Term 3, 1 August.
Applications for Financial Assistance are due at the same time. Full fees are a flat $75 for any number of NZQA
entries and up to three Scholarship entries. Those eligible for financial assistance pay $20, or $30 for a family.
Mandy Page Deputy Principal
......From the Deputy Principal (Pastoral)......
UNIFORM
WINTER UNIFORM This is optional for the last week of Term 1 (11-15 April) and compulsory from the beginning of Term 2,
Monday 2 May. Girls should wear:
• Long-sleeved white shirt that buttons to the neck
• College tie
• Black tights
• Regulation black lace-up shoes
• College blazer to worn to and from school every day
As you know, we have high standards for our uniform and most girls, most of the time wear it with pride and
represent us well. There are a few bad habits slipping in, though, and I wish to draw your attention to them so
that we are “singing from the same page”.
Top buttons and ties: Top buttons of shirts are to be done up and ties should be knotted at the neck and not on the chest. Winter
shirts should be worn, that is, long-sleeved ones with a firm collar. Your daughter should have enough shirts
to wear a clean one every day.
Jewellery: The rule is no necklaces, no bracelets and no rings. Earrings are limited to ONE small earring in each ear. NO
OTHER PIERCINGS SHOULD BE VISIBLE. This includes nose or lip piercings – any girl with a stud in her nose or
lip will be required to take it out and leave it out. There are no exceptions to this. Girls should not have
piercings done which require healing time during the school year.
Shoes: Standard school shoes are black, leather lace-ups. Canvas type sports shoes of any colour are not permitted.
Please help your daughter to be organised so that she wears the correct shoes every day.
Make up: It is concerning how many girls come to school with nail polish on. This is not permitted. Valuable time and
resources are being wasted as we ask girls to remove it at school. Please encourage your daughters to leave
home nail-polish-free.
A growing number of girls are ruining their skins by plastering their faces with thick layers of foundation. This is
not only expensive and against the school code, but bad for their skin, too. We will be asking girls to remove
any obvious make up. Your support on this would be appreciated.
We are frequently praised for the way our girls present on the street. It doesn’t just happen! It takes a
concerted effort from staff insisting on our standards. Please help us with this by checking your daughter’s
uniform and helping her to get it right.
Chris Jarratt Deputy Principal
......Special Character News......
The Mercy Crew held a successful Pancake Day on Shrove Tuesday and your girls were very generous, donating
toiletries for the Women's Refuge and the Men's Night Shelter. Staff and Sisters of Mercy also gave donations
which were appreciated.
We are now well into our Lenten preparations for Easter. The girls have been asked to bring in Easter eggs to
share with those less fortunate, such as the children in hospital, at local schools and at Ronald McDonald
House. We are also collecting money for Caritas, the Catholic aid agency. It is important during Lent that our
girls remember that there are always children who are suffering and these children need our help. The Mercy
Crew is raising funds as well, by making and selling rice bubble treats during morning teas and lunch times. All
the little things that we do help others in need.
I have asked the girls to try to tell the truth during Lent. Encourage your daughters to face up to their
responsibilities, complete their homework, attend all classes, do their chores… and if they do not, then to
admit to their moments of weakness, apologise as appropriate and then do better next time. Our motto of
'how good can we be' must start with an honest look at ourselves. Tell the truth. It might be a good topic to
raise at the dinner table!
A group of Year 11s and Year 10s performed beautifully at the Eastern Suburbs Pastoral Area Mass last Sunday.
The Mass was held at St Patrick's College and the hall was full. Our girls re-enacted the Gospel and performed
a dance of worship after Communion. I commend Sophie Halliday for leading the singing so beautifully, and
Allie Bell for her enthusiastic participation in both events. I particularly thank Allie, Sophie, Sammie, Liana,
Nina, Caitlin, Christina and Luisa, and I was very proud to see our teenagers performing so well in front of a
huge crowd.
We look forward to our Lenten liturgy to mark the end of Term One. Easter takes place during the holiday
period, so I encourage you to take your daughter(s) to the Easter services in your parish, as they are the most
important days of our liturgical year.
Blessings
Jenny O'Brien DRS
......Science Dept News......
USO – Maori and Polynesian Mentoring Programme in Science
‘Uso fesosoani I le isi uso’
This programme was very popular in 2010 and continues to run this year. Students do not need to sign up,
they are welcome to just come along, Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30pm in the Biology Lab.
• Teachers and USO Matua are there to help with homework
• Laptops are available
• Afternoon tea is supplied
• Information is presented each week about different job opportunities with guest speakers coming in
several times a term
If you would like to know more about this programme, please e-mail Rebecca Rapira-Davies on
[email protected] or call her on 021 883973.
We look forward to seeing more of your daughters attending this group.
Thank you to the greatest little cafe around -- Hey George (Bay Road, Kilbirnie) -- who have
become the sponsor of the afternoon teas for the USO group – providing the afternoon tea for the girls at the
start of their regular Wednesday mentoring programme.
Rebecca Rapira-Davies Science Dept
......from the French Department......
Congratulations to these students who will be awarded a Certificate of Excellence for their performance in
NCEA in 2010:
6 Excellences (out of 6) Level 3: Lizzie Goulden; Ollie Armstrong-Scott
Level 1: Anne Isaac
5 Excellences Level 3: Sarah Castle
Level 2: Justys Vickers; Malcolm Pimentel
4 Excellences Level 1: Pauline Cinco; Tessa Murphy; Maggie Kozyniak; Fatima Al-Maery
3 Excellences Level 3: Finn Egan; Christopher Pang
Level 2: Mikayla Scheck; Lucho Arca
Clara Delcour
Exchange Student from Arras,France
I am Clara Delcour and I am from the North of France, in a town called Arras. I am doing an exchange between
my French School Robespierre and St Catherine’s College, in Wellington. I am staying in New Zealand for 4
months and I think it is a great experience for me because I am discovering many different ways of living and
am meeting lots of nice people who are helping me discover this amazing country. I am learning new values
and traditions like fish and chips each Friday evening, and I love it! I am lucky to be here and I hope I can
improve my English which was very bad when I arrived! I am making lots of friends and my host families are
very lovely with me. I play rugby and the NZ girls are really good players. I hope to learn to play well also. I
did dragonboating too, which was new for me because there is not any in France. I liked it; we had a good
team and I am sad that it is already finished. I think I will go back more mature to France, and I will bring lots
of memories and presents for my family so they will want to visit NZ one day too. The landscapes are just
awesome and wonderful, I would like to visit the different places of New Zealand. I hope to come back after
my studies because I am in love with this country.
Maureen MacIver HOD, Languages
......from the English Department......
Media Studies
Censor for a Day The Year 13 Media Studies class was very fortunate to be selected to take part in the Censor for a Day
programme, held on March 24th
. The programme was run by the Office of Film and Literature Classification,
New Zealand’s official censors, in their own theatre in BP House in downtown Wellington. The day began with
one of the classification officers outlining the process that the office uses to apply New Zealand’s censorship
laws. The students then had the opportunity to watch a film that has not yet been released in New Zealand
and to go through the process of applying the law to come up with a suitable rating for the film. The film was a
horror parody called “Tucker and Dale vs Evil”, and, after some lively discussion amongst all of the students
from several different Wellington schools, the students agreed on an R16 rating for the movie, because they
believed that younger viewers might find some of the horror scenes disturbing and that they might not
understand the parodies and humour involved in the movie.
Overall, the day proved to be an excellent starting point for the students’ own research into media issues in
New Zealand, such as issues of censorship, broadcasting standards or representation of different groups in the
New Zealand media.
Debating
Russell McVeagh International Debating Tour The debating season got off to an inspiring start when we hosted two of the first round debates in the Russell
McVeagh International Debating Tour in February. On Sunday, February 13th
we were privileged to host the
USA A team, who lost to the Canada East team, and the team from India, who won against the Malaysian
team. Both teams debated the moot that “this House would require as many hours of women’s sport on
television as men’s sport”. The debating was lively and of an exceptional standard, providing our girls with a
fantastic model to emulate in their own debating. We also welcomed the coaches of the four teams, a large
contingent of supporters from the Malaysian High Commission and the adjudicators and organisers of the
International Tour, who all enjoyed some of St Catherine’s College’s famed hospitality.
Wellington Speaking Union Intercollegiate Debating This year we have four debating teams entered in the Wellington Speaking Union’s Intercollegiate Debating
competition. All four teams have completed their first rounds, with all four suffering losses, but learning
useful tips and skills along the way. The Senior Premier A (Year 12) and Senior Premier B (Year 11) teams are
coached by Kathy Ryan, (with invaluable assistance from Vicky Casey for the Premier A team); Maureen
MacIver (Junior Premier – Year 10) and Sophia Nisbet (a Year 12 student) taking the Junior Certificate (Year 9)
team. The coaches and student adjudicators also attended excellent coaching and adjudication workshops run
by the Wellington Speaking Union in early March.
International debaters
and St Catherine’s
students gather after
the morning’s debates.
The Canada East team
listen intently to
arguments put forward by
the USA A team, ready to
engage in verbal battle.
Russell McVeagh Wellington Regional Debating Championships This year we entered a very young team in the Russell McVeagh Regional Debating Championships, which took
place at Hutt Valley High School over the weekend of March 19th
and 20th
. Grace Jansen, Sophia Nisbet (both
Year 12), Lauren Holloway and Julie Vidal (both Year 11) had an action-packed weekend that involved four
debates on the Saturday – two were prepared debates (both sides of the argument that “this House supports
compulsory voting”) and two limited preparation debates. The girls had 45 minutes to prepare arguments
negating “that university education should be reserved for the best and brightest” and negating “that the
death penalty should be reintroduced as a punishment for the most horrific crimes”. In preparation, the girls
were not allowed any help from the coach or any access to the internet or other electronic data. At the end of
our four debates on Saturday, we had won two and lost two (very narrowly).
On the Sunday morning, minus Sophia who was in the dragon boating team, we assembled for our final round
robin debate, another limited preparation round – affirming “that we support free trade as a means to
economic development”. We won the debate and waited anxiously to find out who from the twenty-two
teams would go through to the semi-finals. We were enormously surprised to discover that only one school
had won all five debates, and only two teams were on four wins and one loss. So the organisers had to look at
the seven teams on three wins and two losses, ourselves included. Much to our surprise, we were judged to
be top of those schools on place points and speaker points so we were through to the semi-finals, against
Scots College. In the semi-finals, on the motion “this House believes individuals should be able to sell their
organs”, St Catherine’s defeated Scots in an unanimous decision on the part of the panel of three judges, and
we were through to the Grand Final.
The Final was against Wellington College, and we debated with passion, but ultimately lost the debate,
affirming “that we should legalise performance enhancing drugs in sport”. It was so exciting to have the
support of so many other schools in the final, all cheering for our team.
At the end of the day, the adjudicators announced prizes, and we were not only very proud to be runners-up in
the competition, for the first time ever, but Sophia Nisbet was awarded a Promising Speaker Award and Grace
Jansen was announced as one of six members of the Wellington Regional Debating team – again, this is a first
for St Catherine’s! We are so proud of you, Grace!! Grace will take part in the National Debating
Championships in late May, and we wish her every success in the competition – we will be there to support
you, Grace! This is a truly stunning achievement and the result of a fantastic team effort over the weekend –
seven debates, and four very tired but happy debaters by Sunday night.
Grace and Julie
practising their skills
for first limited prep
debate.
Commonwealth Day Observance Every year we are invited to take part in the Commonwealth Day Observance, and this year was no exception.
The theme for this year’s observance, held on Monday, March 14th
at Wellington Cathedral, was Women as Agents
of Change. It was a wonderful privilege to be involved in such a relevant celebration. Four Year 13 students – Laila
Ben-Brahim, Justys Vickers, Mikayla Scheck and Suluvale Fatu, had special roles in the celebration, processing
down the central nave of the cathedral each carrying a flag of one of the Commonwealth countries. Andrea
Ornido and Cecilia Nguma also attended the celebration, with Mrs Ryan. We heard the Governor-General, Sir
Anand Satyanand, deliver the Queen’s Commonwealth Day message, as well as several other heartfelt speeches
and prayers about the place of women in our world today. The message was one of real hope in the power of
women to make a difference in the world, working for peace, education and family stability. Thank you, girls, for
giving up your time to take part in this tremendous event.
Julie, Lauren and Sophia,
ready to take on Sacred
Heart on the topic of
capital punishment for
horrific crimes.
Lauren, Grace and Julie
looking delighted after
the Grand Final.
Mikayla Scheck (left), before the
ceremony.
Justys Vickers carries the flag of
one of the Commonwealth
countries.
......from the Technology Department......
Technology Welcome back to everyone in the Technology Department. It has been another really busy, but great start to
the year. Classes are in full swing and students are beginning assessments.
A few weeks ago we had the opening of the new Food Technology Room. The opening went really well.
Students catered and ushered the event. They all did an amazing job. Thank you to the all the Nutrition and
Catering students, Mojo Coffee and HSI for all your help and support. A special thanks to Razia Farun (TIC
Hospitality) for the endless hours of work you put into organising the opening. Thank you also to the McAuley
Trust for supporting us in building the new room it is an amazing space for our students.
Sinia Tiatia (HIS staff member) and Food and Nutrition students getting ready for the opening
The girls enjoy a moment after the ceremony with African drummer, Sam Manzana. From left:
Suluvale Fatu, Andrea Ornido, Laila Ben-Brahim, Justys Vickers, Mikayla Scheck and Cecilia Nguma.
Thank you to all the students who have brought back their Computer/Internet Contracts and continue to use
these facilities correctly. It is important to St Catherine’s that our students are using the computers and
internet correctly and responsibly. Those students who have not brought their contracts back, Miss Simpson
will be available at the beginning of each lunch time in Room 6.
2010 ended well and results were really encouraging with an increase in achievement from 2009. We have
started a new Year 9 programme; students will be creating, packaging and labelling chocolates throughout all
the Technology areas, and we all look forward to see the finished outcomes at the end of the year.
Assessments are on the way for all Technology students and we look forward to even more pleasing results.
Antonette Antiago 10IT – Kiwiana Magazine Article Kate Ostapowicz 10IT – Kiwian Magazine Article
We are looking forward to another great year in the Technology department.
Monique Simpson HOD Technology/ICT
......Music Department News......
‘On Hold’ Music If you are ever fortunate enough to ring the College and be put on hold, the beautiful music you will hear has
been composed and recorded by Laila Ben-Brahim. This original composition is called ‘Bear Each Others’
Burdens’ and was submitted by Laila for her NCEA Level 2 composition portfolio in 2010. We think it is worth
ringing and asking to be put on hold it is so good!
Stephanie Becker Year 10 proudly displays the
strip-pieced cushion she made in Materials
Technology
Year 9 Materials Technology designed and made their pin cushions
Barbershop Workshop On Friday 11
th March, a small group of students attended the regional YSIH barbershop workshop. Students
were split into their respective parts and mixed with other young women from other Colleges to learn ‘Side by
Side’. The workshop was directed by David Brookes who was full of unrelenting energy and enthusiasm. The
girls performed this piece, complete with choreography, to the boys who returned the favour with their
performance of ‘Chord Busters’. This was a great experience for our barbershop singers and we look forward
to another workshop especially for our juniors in November. Now the work begins for our chorus and quartet
singers as we work towards the regional competitions!
Belles Voix Congratulations to the following girls who were successful in their auditions for Belles Voix:
Josephine Dawson, Solome Tadesse, Christina Fitu, Charyne Sundgren, Aina Ale, Celine Dabuet, Saasha Riddell,
Dianna Padernal, Chantelle Leota, Hope Savali, Nina August, Alicia Print, Hemapu Sakalia, Caela Heke.
We had a large number of girls auditioning this year. So much so, that we also have a reserves list. It is
wonderful that so many students enjoy singing and wish to be involved at a higher level.
We also welcome Gabrielle Armstrong-Scott as our official accompanist for 2011.
In Support of Music If your daughter is taking instrumental or singing lessons at the College, it is important for parents to know a
few things:
Firstly, your daughter will be having lessons once a week either by herself or in a small group. Please
encourage your daughter to be responsible about attending these lessons, being on time and having the
correct equipment. If students miss more than two lessons for no reason, they will be removed from the
scheme. If your daughter is sick or away from school on the day of her lesson, please inform the office when
you call in that she is due to be having a lesson. That way, the office can pass the message on to her teacher.
Secondly, it is imperative that students practise their instruments regularly – this means every day! If students
are to progress and enjoy learning, it is important to reinforce what their teacher has shown them in their
lesson. This means they can continually move through new material and develop their technique. Please
encourage and support your daughters in this – even if things sound a bit squeaky to start with!
Amy Lee HOD Music
......Geography Department News......
Entertainment Books The latest edition of the Entertainment Books has arrived. Cost is $60 and $12 of this goes to a
Geography student whom you nominate to offset the cost of their Geography field trips. If you would like a
book, then please send the money and your details to the College office.
Samoa Geography Trip In July, 20 St Catherine’s College students are going to Samoa to look at the impact of tourism on people and
places.
We are looking for ways to raise money towards this trip and are selling 40L bags of good clean garden mulch
for $5 per bag (which is cheap). You can place your orders by sending a note to the College office or phoning
and leaving your details and we will contact you.
Also on 28 May (time to be advised) we have Nigel Kennedy the Magician and hypnotist doing a show for us
in the Mercy hall at the College. $10 Adults; $5 children under 13. Tickets will be available soon at the office.
Be in quick!
If there are any other jobs we can do for you (to help our fundraising efforts), please contact
[email protected] or leave a message on my voicemail by phoning the College office on
939-8988.
Gill Willis HoD Geography
......Careers, STAR and Careers News......
GATEWAY
Our Gateway Programme started this year with the students preparing their CV’s ready for their job
interviews. During February we visited Dress for Success where each student had a fitting for suitable interview
clothes. Each student came away dressed from top to toe, looking fantastic. Also at the end of February they
participated in a two day course with KiwiHost, where they learnt skills and techniques required for any
employment situation. When asked what they learnt from the course, there were comments like, ‘I learnt how
to communicate with people properly’; ‘How to answer the phone appropriately’; and one student answered,
‘Everything’!
At the end of the month there will be a First Aid course that will provide the students with a current First Aid
certificate.
Our Gateway students at their KiwiHost course
STAR/ CAREERS
Three students attended an Introduction to Nursing and Health Studies at Whitireia for a half day seminar.
They met the tutors and were able to view the facilities, and during the morning the students had the
opportunity to participate in a range of nursing activities.
There was a good amount of time spent with practical, hands on learning. Not only did they experience the
environment of tertiary learning, they are now very clear on the entry criteria for the courses available at
Whitireia.
This seminar is run later in the year as well, so if your daughter is interested in taking part please phone me or
encourage her to come and see me. We need to book early as there are only a few dates available. The
seminar is for year 12 and 13.
During the year the College will have visiting guests. There will be guests who come from a tertiary institute, or
perhaps a speaker who is in the work force, who would talk about their job and their pathway of ‘how they got
there.’ This week about 15 students came to a lunch- time presentation from the Air Force. It was good for
the girls to know that there are many jobs within the Air Force and it is not all flying planes. The great
advantage of joining the Forces is that it is possible to learn and earn at the same time. Latitude Global
Volunteering came during morning tea and presented to 15 interested students, the idea that a gap year
appeals to many young people. There has also been a visit from Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of
Technology who spoke about what was on offer at the CPIT. The visits are open to any year group, so
encourage your daughter to sit in on the information offered by our guests to increase their awareness of
options for their future.
During the year our Year 13’s will receive visits from Massey, Victoria, Otago and Auckland Universities. Our
first visit from Auckland was on the 22nd
of March, Massey visited on the 29th
March, followed by Victoria on
April 12th
. Otago will make their first visit in Term Three.
It is said that, ‘a dream without a plan is only a dream.’ First we have to dream, then, have a plan to move in
the direction of our dream. Recently I picked up a book by Wendy Betteridge titled It’s your thoughts that
count, and came across this list of questions. They may help your daughter to find the things she has a passion
for: • What is your favourite pastime or hobby?
• What do you love to do?
• What’s your greatest talent?
• How would you like to spend your time?
• What do other people compliment you for?
• What would you do with your life if money was no object?
• What were you born to do?
• How could you make a difference in your life, to your family and friends, to the world?
The Career Services web site at www.careers.govt.nz has a comprehensive source of online information about
careers, work and learning options.
If you want to find some possible career/job options, CareerQuest is a fun, interactive questionnaire. Visit
www.careers.govt.nz/careerquest and answer a series of quick, visual questions. At the end, it will recommend
possible job options based on the student’s interests. CareerQuest is a great way to get to know what a
student’s likes and dislikes are when it comes to their career path. I strongly recommend anyone at any age or
stage to explore this site.
Ellen Castle Gateway, Star and Careers Coordinator Phone: (04)939 8988 ext 822
......International Student News......
Reine & Minami Nao & Mariko Fuka & Hinako Daito Gakuen High School Tokyo Gakkan Urayasu High School Sapporo Otani Jt High School
During Term One, the students above from Japan had a wonderful time at St Catherine’s and thanked us for
the warm welcome. Even though they were here for only one term, they joined the Mercy Crew, waterpolo
team and the Barbershop Quartet Workshop. They also visited many of Wellington’s sights and loved what
they saw. They were so relieved their families and relatives in Japan remained safe and well after the recent
earthquake. Ms Honzawa and Mr Ito from Urayasu High School visited us on 25 March and Ms Mika Kaneyoshi
from Otani Jr High School on 28 March. They were pleased their students were happy, working hard and
making many friends at St Catherine’s College.
Lunch with friends With Drama Class friends After Beehive Tour & Mr Kaulback
15 Edogawa Girls’ High School students were with us from 26 February until 17 March. Their homestay families
were wonderful and their school buddies and transport buddies were so kind and helpful. They loved their
time with us. Let’s welcome Edogawa students next year!
Hazuki Tomoka & Reiko Kana & Aya So Yeon
Hazuki, Tomoka, Reiko from Osaka Kunei Jr High School, Kana from Osaka Yuhigaoka High School, Aya from
Osaka Kansai International School and So Yeon from Korea will be continuing their educational endeavour with
us at St Catherine’s College.
A big thank you for those who show an interest in our international students and who lend a hand to help
them. Wellington is a really international community and here at St Cath’s we have an excellent opportunity
to be a part of it by making friends with our international students.
Megan Kim International Student Coordinator
......Library News......
Wow !!!! St Catherine’s girls are amazing readers and they have hit the ground running again this year with
their enthusiasm and pleasure of reading and good use of the library. With all their suggestions and ideas for
books and series to buy and their willingness to be librarians, they really have a sense of ownership of their
library. And we are so lucky to have a supportive community for maintaining library purchasing, too.
It has been great to meet keen Year 9 readers.
All students need some reading material with them for the Silent Reading slot at the end of every day from
3.10 to 3.25pm. This is a great opportunity for senior students to do the reading they need for their reading
logs to achieve literacy credits.
Students:
• Issue up to 5 books including magazines (textbooks are not counted)
• Issue period is 2 weeks
• Renewal can happen if the book is not reserved by another student
• Invoices will be sent home for lost books
• All can help their house win 5 points each week by managing overdue books
We have had a fantastic response to the call for student librarians this year. They include Ella, Emily, Saasha,
Solome, Bezawit, Tabatha, Lauren, Sian, Rosanna, Alisi, Nera, Joana, Betlehem, Melissa, Filipa, Luisa, Eilis,
Emma, Sarah, Fua, Christina, Terena, Catherine, Max, Rachel M, Kera, Ramina, Jasmine, Melina, Charyne and
Brittany.
Thanks to these girls for volunteering to help the school in this way. They will be at the issues desk and keeping
the library tidy and running well at interval and lunchtimes. Luckily we have so many librarians there can be a
senior and a junior on duty at one time which certainly helps with supervision.
Textbooks are being issued to the students this year again through the library system to help keep track of
books and maximise school resources. The textbooks are issued for the whole year and must be returned
through the library computer. There will be a replacement cost for lost textbooks.
I am looking forward to a great year in the College library. I am really proud that we have so many girls who
appreciate the library and are well on the way to becoming lifelong readers.
Sophie Jolliffe Librarian
......Other News from around the College...... 13TO Year 13 Tourism The Tourism students are working productively this term. One unit standard has been completed worth 4 Level
3 credits and has been sent away for external marking by Travel Careers and Training who provide the
workbooks. The students are now working on the Australia assessment which is worth a further 8 Level 3
credits.
The class hopes to visit a Wellington hotel in Term 2. This visit aims to increase the student’s understanding of
the range of employment in the tourism industry and give them an opportunity to see behind the scenes in a
busy hotel.
Sophie Jolliffe
KAPA HAKA 2011 It is an exciting year for Kapa Haka at SCC this year as we are going to be entering the Regional Kapa Haka
competition for the first time. This will be held at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua on the 14th
of July.
Last year we were lucky enough to secure two amazing tutors who will continue to work with us this year.
Kereama Te Ua and Ria Hall are working with us through ‘Te Rakau; Hua O Te Wao Tapu Trust’. They have
considerable Kapa Haka experience, having competed with Te Waka Huia for many years and are committed
to building the skills and confidence of our young people.
Our Kapa Haka group will consist of students from St Catherine’s College, St Patrick’s College and Te Rakau.
Practices will be held every Monday evening from 5:00pm to 6:30pm either in SPC Hall, or in SCC Hall. The
venue will be confirmed on the Friday before. Whanau are welcome to come along and join in at practices
and any support you can offer us throughout the year is appreciated.
We welcome any new members to Kapa Haka. You do not have to be of Māori descent. We have students of
all ages and ethnicities in our group. If you are interested in joining, either see Mrs Rapira-Davies or just come
along on Mondays.
Rebecca Rapira-Davies
HOMEWORK CLUB Just a reminder that Homework Club runs every day except Friday in the library from 3.25pm to 4.30pm.
I am available to help students with their homework or course work and this is a great opportunity for
students who may not have access to a computer at home to complete school work. Sophie Jolliffe
҉҉҉҉
PROFILE ON
MANDY PAGE
Deputy Principal - Curriculum
Teaching: Gateway, PE and Science
Previously employed at Wellington
East Girls’ College
Where she was Acting Assistant Principal
And HoD Health and PE
2004-2008 NZQA Moderator in PE
2010 National Aspiring Principals’ Programme
Very involved in coaching and playing sport
St Catherine’s College Old Girl
......General College Information......
ST CATHERINE’S COLLEGE
ACADEMIC & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 2011 – EMAIL ADDRESSES (see also www.stcatherinescollege.school.nz)
Mrs Jane Holloway JH Principal [email protected]
Mrs Christine Jarratt CJ Deputy Principal Pastoral [email protected]
Miss Mandy Page MP Deputy Principal Curriculum [email protected]
Mrs Jenny O’Brien JO Director of Religious Studies [email protected]
Ms Laura Heil LH HOD Physical Education [email protected]
Miss Liz Hill EH HOD Science [email protected]
Mr Martin Kaulback MK English, Drama, JUNIOR DEAN [email protected]
Mrs Amy Jennings AJ HOD Music [email protected]
Ms Lisa Lorenzen LL HOD ESOL [email protected]
Ms Maureen MacIver MM HOD Languages [email protected]
Mr Joseph McMenamin JM HOD Art [email protected]
Mr Kevin Mulcahy KM HOD Mathematics [email protected]
Mrs Kathy Ryan RY HOD English, Media Studies,
Takitoru, SENIOR DEAN
Miss Monique Simpson MN HOD Technology, IT [email protected]
Ms Gill Willis GW HOD Geography, Social Studies [email protected]
Miss Carolyn Atkinson CA Guidance Counsellor, Health [email protected]
Ms Kim Earney KE Accounting, Economics, Maths [email protected]
Mr Brad Evelyn BE History, Classics, Takitoru [email protected]
Mrs Razia Farun RF TIC Food Technology [email protected]
Miss Haley Gould HG Media Studies, Digital Media, Art,
PE
Dr Elena Korsoukova EK Mathematics [email protected]
Ms Patricia Lynch PL Teacher Aide, Special Needs [email protected]
Ms Patricia O’Donnell OD Religious Education, Social Studies [email protected]
Mrs Rebecca Rapira-
Davies
RR Biology, Science, SCT, Maori [email protected]
Mr Venkat Reddy VR Science, Physics, Applied Maths [email protected]
Ms Susan Smith SS Lang Ext, Special Needs, English,
Gateway, YEAR 11 DEAN
Mrs Diane Sweet DS Materials Technology,
Mathematics, Admin
Ms Deirdre Walsh DW English, Religious Education,
Takitoru, Literacy
ADMINISTRATION
STAFF
Mrs Jacqui Bisley JB Arts Coordinator [email protected]
Mrs Ellen Castle EC Careers, Gateway, STAR [email protected]
Ms Margaret Cook MC Teacher Aide (p/time) none
Mr Andiras Goreyah AG Mathematics Assistant (p/time) none
Mrs Sophie Jolliffe SJ Librarian [email protected]
Mrs Megan Kim MG International Student Coordinator [email protected]
Miss Andrea Lynch LY Laboratory Technician (p/time) [email protected]
Ms Kristine McShane KR Canteen Manager none
Mrs Christine Perry CP PA to Principal, Office Manager [email protected]
Mrs Janet Slater JS Receptionist, Uniform Shop [email protected]
Mrs Margaret Smith MS School Secretary [email protected]
Miss Kylie Summers KS Sports Coordinator [email protected]
Mr Geoff Sweet GS Caretaker [email protected]
Mrs Barbara Woodcock BW Bursar [email protected]
......College Calendar/Events 2011...... Don’t forget to check out our revitalised College website at www.stcatherinescollege.school.nz. See
all the latest news on recent and upcoming events at St Cath’s.
A reminder about an upcoming event.........
Our OPEN DAY for prospective students is on Tuesday 24 May, 1.30-4.30pm.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Snapper cards for the “GO” buses
The way GO buses apply a travel concession to a Snapper is changing for school students Year 9 to Year 13 in
the Wellington region.
• Students with a combined School ID with Snapper – do not need to do anything as Snapper already
have their details and those students will continue to receive their student bus travel concession.
• Students with a regular red Snapper card – who would like to continue receiving a child travel
concession (and a cheaper bus fare) need to register their Snapper card number, and need to complete
a Child Concession Form that will verify:
o First Name
o Last Name
o Date of birth
o Snapper card number (this is a 16 digit number)
o Email address
If students would like to email the above information to SNAPPER, they will need to email their details as
shown below to: [email protected], using their school email address (to confirm that they are a
student).
Alternatively students can drop by with their School ID and Snapper in person to Snapper Headquarters,
located on Level 3, Kennedy Building, 33 Cuba Street, Wellington during the hours of: Monday to Friday
8.30am to 5pm.
Note: The information collected by SNAPPER will only be used to verify a student’s entitlement to travel
concessions so that we can notify the students when their concessions are due to expire.
CHARITABLE DONATIONS – TAX REGULATIONS
1. Three years ago positive changes were made to the IRD regulations that govern tax credits on donations
made.
2. As an individual you are now able to claim 33% on all qualifying donations (no IRD established levels) on
donations to your school, your PTA, your Bishop, your school’s Proprietor, your parish and other
approved done organisations. This applies to donations that you have been making since 2008. You will
need to keep your donation receipts and attach them to your IRD claim form when you seek a tax credit.
3. Attendance dues are not charitable donations and cannot be used to claim a tax rebate.
4. You can get Tax Credit Claim forms from the Inland Revenue Department’s website at www.ird.govt.nz
or you can phone the automated IRD phone line 0800-257-773 for a form. If you phone, you will need
your IRD number.
5. The IRD tax credit fact sheet is attached for your information.
UNIFORM SHOP
New Uniform Enquiries – phone Janet on 939-8988 Ext 800.
Don’t forget we sell black Columbine black tights – great quality – great price at $10 per pair.
Secondhand Uniform Enquiries -- phone Diane on 939-8988 Ext 804.
With winter approaching, remember that we have a range of second-hand waterproof jackets in good
condition.
PTA NEWS
1. Movie Night
A Girls Night Out
Bring your daughters, mothers, sisters and friends
It would be a perfect Mother Day present to buy for Mothers Day, so get in quick and reserve your ticket and
look forward to a great night out.
Penthouse Theatre, Brooklyn
Sunday 22 May 2011
At 7.45pm for an 8pm start
Tickets $15.00 each
Tickets available from the school office
Water for Elephants
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz
Director: Francis Lawrence
As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most
Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he
remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of
caring for the circus menagerie.
It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal
trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The
bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.
Based on the novel by Sara Gruen.
Opens 12th May.
2. Father/Daughter Dinner
Coming soon, put the date in your Diary for:
Tuesday 6 September 2011 at The Pines
Fantastic night out.
Elaine Hill, PTA
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Faster, Easier Online Ordering
We have made our website easier to navigate and our new upgrade means you can order your technology, stationery and furniture faster. There is also FREE Next Business Day Delivery on most purchases $50 and over. Terms & Conditions apply.
Plus, purchase anything from our website before 8th April and you automatically go in the draw to win an HP 110-3138 Notebook worth $499. Winners will be contact by email/phone by 18th April 2011.
��
Community News INTERESTED IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH? A team drawn from the three Catholic parishes of the Eastern Suburbs is again preparing to run the Rite of
Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) in our Pastoral Area.
The RCIA is the process for welcoming new adult members into the Catholic Church. It begins in April with a
number of inquiry sessions for those interested in Catholicism. If you know someone who may be interested
in these ‘no pressure’ inquiry sessions, please ask them to contact the appropriate parish office:
St Patrick’s, Kilbirnie 387-2102
Holy Cross, Miramar 388-6953
St Anthony’s Seatoun 388-8609
TENNIS AND FOOTBALL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME If your son or daughter would like to have some extra tuition and fun over the second week of the
April school holidays, then Scots College may be able to help. Matt Calcott (from Miramar Ranges) and Reilly
Smith (Smith Tennis) are back for another entertaining tennis and football holiday programme.
Dates/Times: 26-29 April: Tennis 9-12; Football 1-4
Registrations are now live online at: www.scotscollege.school.nz/academies/holiday-programmes
SCHOOL HOLIDAY COMPUTER CLASSES 1. Educational and enjoyable. One day to one week holiday computer classes for ages 5 to 15. Create 3D
games, web design, animations, art and graphics, video editing, programming, Powerpoint, Excel, Word,
Access or build and upgrade computers. For further information call Ed Brown on 499-2211 or
www.grandtraining.co.nz. Classes are held at Grand Training, Level 3, Tourism & Travel House, 97
Boulcott Street, Wellington.
2. BUBBLEDOME Computer Courses
Have you ever wondered how 3D movies like “Toy Story” and computer games are made? Learn the
latest in 3D Animation and Games Design on a Bubble Dome School Holiday workshop these holidays. For
students aged 6 to 18 years. Tel: 0800 GET BUBBLE (438-282) or email: [email protected] or book
online at www.bubbledome.co.nz
NEWTOWN COMMUNITY CENTRE
Aged 16+ and looking for something to do this Holiday?
Get great job experience and give back to the community – come and volunteer at the
Newtown School Holiday Programme!
Play games, draw and hang out with an awesome bunch of kids!
The holiday programme will run from 18-29 April 2011.
(not including the Easter weekend) For more information contact: Cathy Bi – School Holiday Programme Coordinator: [email protected] or 022-659-8942