E ngā mātua, e ngā whanaunga me ngā hoa o te kura, tēnā koutou. Dear parents, caregivers and

friends of school.

It has come to my attention that some parents feel they are not getting important information sent home to them. It is vitally important we keep our channels open and we are looking at other ideas to improve this. However, you can play a part. I plead again—if you want the newsletter by email please tell us . The newsletters are also on the website. We are in the process of purchasing new noticeboards for outside so notices can be posted there too. We often send letters home with students in order to save postage. For those of you who did not attend the goal setting evening a letter will be posted home soon with the students goals for this term. It is important you take time to go through this with them as it will be monitored and another meeting will be set in Term 3 to look at this progress. This term we have a

subject parent/student interview. It is on Thursday 3 July. I have decided to give you all

plenty of warning. There will be a guest speaker again and will take place in the Library. If you have any ideas about improving our messages please let me know. We are annoyed about LATENESS. We need support from parents and whanau to ensure students get here on time. Some of our Y12 and Y13 students are letting their appearance slip at present. They must come tidy in black and white with appropriate footwear. I will send students home who do not abide by this code of conduct. We have plenty of male black trousers that can be purchased at the school. Blazers can be worn at all times especially now the weather is getting colder. Remember we need to live our values all based on the word PRIDE. Doesn’t our new Piopio bird look wonderful? So striking. Thanks again to all those involved particu-larly Mr O’Dea and Mr White. The Waitomo Awards Group have been visiting Hillview Rest home in Te Kuiti and local various businesses in Piopio with morning tea and I have been hearing such positive feedback from all those involved. Congratulations. I want to thank our community for all the support given to our Drama students travelling to Welling-ton next week for the National competition. In particular Waitomo District Social Sector trial with funding of $5,000 and to The Lions Club for their support for a second year. To Mr L Holloway, Mr & Mrs W Potter, Mr & Mrs G Denize, Rokanui Farms and the night gala and Sunday market that our parents organised. Particular thank you must go to Sheryl Johnson and Emma Thompson for their brilliant organisational skills, Karina Pulman and Noelle Turner for your help with the gala and pies. If you are interested in watching our students perform before they go we will perform in the Library on 28 May at 7.30pm. All are welcome. We have made new appointments over the last few weeks. We have 4 new teacher aides for this year Kirsty Josephs, Lliwen Roberts, Amy Rogers and Mandi Butler and Sam Payne is here for ten weeks. We have also appointed Ben Draper to teach a variety of subjects across all year groups. We look forward to working with them all. The staff are very busy at the moment. One of the support teams from the Ministry The Digital Technologies team are helping us move to a Bring Your Own Device school and working with us to develop a strategic plan for the future. This involves new teaching and learning but we are excited about the possibilities in front of us. Another team are designing our new Modern Learning Environments in A block and our student voice teams will be having a say too. Exciting times ahead. Julie Radice

PRINCIPAL’S PEN

Piopio College Newsletter

Te Kura Tuarua o Piopio 2 3 M A Y 2 0 1 4 P A N U I 7

C O M I N G E V E N T S :

2 6 M a y

B o T m e e ti n g P C C r o s s C o u n t r y 2 8 M a y

W i n t e c O p e n D a y 2 9 M a y

K C C r o s s C o u n t r y 3 0 M a y

R a n g i t o t o C r o s s C o u n t r y Y 7 & Y 8 M o n 2 J u n e

Q u e e n s B i r t h -d a y P u b l i c H o l i d a y 4 J u n e

I C A S S c i e n c e 5 - 6 J u n e

Y 9 - Y 1 0 T e s ti n g w e e k 7 J u n e

4 0 h r F a m i n e S l e e p o v e r ( g y m ) 8 J u n e

S S S h o w J u m p -e r C h a m p s ( C a m b ) Phone: 07 877 8173 or 0800 240 173 Fax: 07 877 8388 Website: http://piopio.school.nz Principal’s email: jradce@ piopio.school.nz

SCHOOL RULES

All students have

agreed to:

Be a Learner

Be safe

Be respectful

P A G E 2

2014 STUDENT LEADERS

LEADERS STUFF Hey guys! Welcome back to term two. Hope you all had a good holiday. We can’t believe it’s three weeks into the second term already. Time to knuckle down; it’ll be the end of the year before we know it. So, what’s been happening? Well, we had The Ugly Shakespeare Company come to school to perform a very funny show and “Strike” performance, which I’m sure you all enjoyed. Also the winter sports have started up again for the year with most teams underway already with their season. Good luck to you all out there playing Saturdays.

Vaida and François OUT WITH THE OLD—New Boiler Installed On Thursday this week the installation of our new boiler heating system was completed to commissioning stage. We are looking forward to seeing an improvement in the heating of much of the College. The three areas that this system feeds are the Gym, Main Block classrooms and B Block (Y7 & Y8, Technology, Art ). Features of the new system are a modern temperature sensing system that alters the output of the boiler in relation to the outside temperature, battery backed up timing system that will ensure that classrooms are up to temperature in time for start of school, and automation that means vrtually no manual input on a daily basis. Being a diesel fired boiler, we will no longer have to deal with the grime associated with coal nor blocked auto feed systems etc. Micon Engineering Ltd and ClimateZone (2007) Ltd were the contractors and they will remain responsible over the system over the next 12 months while they tweek settings to maximise the benefits and efficiency. Rob Hallam

LIFE SKILLS IN Y8 SCIENCE We have been learning about “Fasteners” in Y8 Science. Mr Cory Barnsdall came and showed us heaps of different equip-ment used in the building trade to hold materials together. We learned that screws are coated with different chemicals so they don’t corrode as quickly as they come into contact with wood acids. By experimenting with hydrochloric acid we learned that stainless steel doesn’t react in acid at all and is great for using on coastal constructions.

Galvanised bolts are used in the construc-tion of pole sheds.

P A G E 3 P A N U I 7

The students realised they

needed clear storytelling

techniques and hours of

practice to get the piece clear

and in time.

They are now excited to

represent South Waikato at

the National Festival.

The students will go on tertiary

visits, attend workshops with

professional actors and enjoy

the festival celebrations.

They are performing on the

Sunday morning of the

Festival at 11.00am

The Festival will be held

between May 29 and June 2,

in Wellington at the Wellington

College and Wellington East

Girl’s College.

W H A T T H E J U D G E S

S A I D A B O U T O U R

P E R F O R M A N C E

All actors had good clear

diction and projection.

The stage and space was

used effectively.

Subtle use of live music was

innovative adding humour

and impact.

The journey began at the start

of term.

As many of the group had won

the previous year they knew

what to expect and understood

the commitment needed to

enter this competition.

We choose the play,

“The Two Noble Kinsmen”

as it was written by

Shakespeare and Fletcher, who

also wrote “ Henry VIII” which

the students performed the

previous year.

The students enjoyed working

through the playscript, learning

who wrote which pieces and

because of this a lot of valuable

learning went on.

The Competition rules state

that only the language of the

play can be used and it has to

be in order of the scenes

written.

The group decided not to use a

set but to change the scenes

with props.

Sticks were chosen as these

could represent the prison, the

trees, the swords, the

executioners axe and Morris

dancing sticks.

The competition rules state that

it can only last 14 minutes, 59

seconds - if any group goes over

they are disqualified. This is

why it takes so much rehearsal.

It is important the storyline is

clear so choosing which words

to use and what thread of the

story to follow was difficult.

The senior drama group of 32

students in years 12 and 13

worked with ideas and

experimented with the scenes

before the final script was

chosen.

The students volunteered to

play the characters and this

year we decided to use live

music as the judges the

previous year had said they

like this.

Trae Aitken- a finalist at last

year’s “Waitomo’s Got Talent”

composed the music and he

played the mandolin and pen-

ny whistle and along with two

percussionists they brought

the play alive.

The story is about two cousins

who are jailed after fighting in

a war and losing.

While there, they both fall in

love with a beautiful princess

and then they start to argue.

One of the Noblemen, Arcite,

is released but banished from

the country so rather than

never see the woman again

he disguises himself as an

athlete and attends a sports

day. He wins and the King

gives him to the princess as a

servant. He boasts about his

win and goes to the forest in a

good mood. In the meantime

the other nobleman Palamon

is released from prison by the

jailor’s daughter, as she has

fallen in love with him. Of

course he is not interested in

her. Palamon and Arcite meet

up in the forest and fight,

which is against the laws of

that country. The King catches

them but agrees they can dual

to the death. If one wins the

dual and the other does not

die then he will be executed.

There is a twist to the story as

the beautiful princess loves

both men and is devastated

when Palamon loses and is

about to be executed. Just at

that moment the execution is

halted as Arcite has fallen off

his horse, mortally wounded.

On his death bed he allows

Palamon to take the

princess’s hand

So all that in 15 minutes!

Drama Group win for the second year running

Piopio College Senior Drama

The University of Otago

Sheilah Winn Shakespeare

festival.

Shakespeare Globe Centre

New Zealand-Chief Execu-

tive is Dawn Sanders

ONZM QSM

Schools from all over NZ

participate in regional com-

petitions and 42 schools are

chosen to attend the Na-

tional Festival.

Usually 2 pieces are chosen

from each region-one 5

minute student directed

scene and one 15 minute

teacher or student

directed scene.

P A G E 4

WAITOMO AWARDS COMMUNITY SERVICES Community Service was the theme for the first two weeks of

term. In week one we travelled into Te Kuiti with a most

welcome morning tea for the residents and staff of Hillview

Rest Home. We wanted to recognise the resident’s contri-

bution to the wonderful world we live in today, to in a small

way brighten up their day by engaging and sharing in their

wonderful stories. We also wanted to recognise the service the staff give to this and the

wider community by the way they care so well for our very precious taonga. The

students baked generously at home, and baked a large quantity of pikelets and scones

under real world pressure to bus into Hillview by 10.15am. The pictures show the high

level of engagement and the success of the students efforts. As we left, the manager Leslie

Finn commented that one resident had hardly spoken in weeks, but after conversation with

our boys was chattering openly. What a wonderful result. Our school community can be

very proud of our students, and the students of themselves.

This week we again cooked scones and pikelets and took them to

the businesses in the township as a way of acknowledging these peoples service to us as

citizens. Again the photos show the appreciation, surprise and glee with which this gesture

was received.

Next week we return to Hillview with morning tea. We hope to build our relationship fur-

ther and share more stories and hopefully get to point over the term where we can write

some chapters of their interesting and valued life histories.

Upcoming activities include acknowledging Piopio senior citizens, track clearing and hut

cleaning at Leitches Clearing (overnight), another Tongariro camp, and some new sporting

skills such as trampolining and gymnastics rugby league, hockey, cycling and more.

“STRIKE” Performance - Wednesday 21 May

VISION We will work collaboratively to create a dynamic learning environment which is the focus and pride of our community. Our stimulating curriculum will allow students to choose their pathways and will provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to empower them to become successful, responsible citizens. Piopio College will become a school with choice and a school of choice. VALUES We will have a Passion for learning and Perservere when faced with difficulties. We must Respect each other, ourselves and our environment. We will act with Integrity at all times. We will value Diversity and tolerate difference. We will aim for Excellence in all we do with lots of energy and enthusiasm.

P A G E 5 P A N U I 7

WELL DONE SHAUN Over Easter Shaun Edgerton represented Te Kuiti BMX Club in the New Zealand BMX Champs in Tauranga. Shaun raced in 2 classes over the 3 day events which were the 12 years boys 20 inch class and the 11 to 12 years mixed cruiser class. Shaun struggled with adapting to the wet weather and the tight corners on the Tauranga BMX track over the first 2 days and didn’t make it past the quarter finals on his 20 inch bike. However, after a good rethink and some fine weather he made in to the finals on his cruiser bike, he came out of the gate strong and was leading the pack when he was taken out by another rider, it than became a race to see who could get back on their bike the quickest! Shaun did well and finished the race with a New Zealand ranking of 6th. This qualifies him to represent New Zealand at the World BMX champs which will be held in Rotterdam , Holland in July. Shaun representing NZ at the World BMX champs in Auckland CROSSCOUNTRY EVENTS NEXT WEEK Monday 26 May—College Champs. This is our Championship event for those wishing to compete for the titles and\or house points. The event is also used as a trial for the two age group interschool championships later in the week. Those not competing will continue with usual classes. Approximate race times : (times may be advanced if adverse weather) 10.45am Sub Junior Boys 10.55am Sub Junior Girls 11.05am Junior Boys 11.15am Junior Girls 11.25am Intermediate Boys 11.35am Intermediate & Senior Girls 11.45am Senior Boys Thursday 29 May—King Country Secondary Schools Crosscountry Champs: Piopio Domain Times: Course opens 10.00am. Race start times as below but these may be compacted/merged depending on participant numbers and early arrival of teams. 10.30am Junior Boys 10.45am Junior Girls 11.00am Int Boys 11.20am Int Girls 11.30am Senior Girls 11.45am Senior Boys Friday 30 May—Rangitoto Inter Primary at Rangitoto Y7 and Y8 students may represent our College in this event provided they ran in our Champs. Depart approximately 10.00am. An information sheet will be sent home Monday afternoon. Fun Run Postponed.

MERITORIOUS ACTION These students have received acknowledgement of the many good things they have done. Heath Barnsdall, Chloe Brown, Phillip Brown, Paul Bull, Ivyn Burgess, Saraya Burgess, Jack Cathy, Nathan Crooks, Daniel Foss, Clay Harris, Saskia Johns, Julius Kaiki, Logan Singleton, Ngawaka Karaitiana, Paiaka Muraahi, Santana Muraahi, Harley Ngarotata, Logan Singleton, Zykarne Kopa-Winikerei, Isrie Tapara, Cameron Warren, Tyler Wiseman. Winners of a canteen voucher are Phillip Brown and Harley Ngarotata. FLAT FOR RENT in Piopio township, very tidy 2 bedroom flat next to College. $150 pw. No pets, references required. Phone Sheryl at Piopio College or a/h 877 8683.

Turn down Zumba fitness for what? $50 for 7 classes or $10 casual. Multi-Purpose Room Piopio Primary at

6.00pm. All welcome for any level of fitness.

SORE BACK or NECK? No time for exercise…Try Pilates at lunchtime for staff A chance to start the week off with a stretching and strengthening class of fun Pilates! Feel the benefits of better energy, strength and posture. Plus prevents lower back pain and general aches & pains. 50 minutes, at the Piopio Recreation Centre. $10 per session, will run for 6 – 8 weeks (longer if requested). Please contact Erin to register interest on 877 7842 or 021 263 1880.

PIOPIO SWIMMING CLUB AGM & PRIZE GIVING Friday 6 June 2014 6.30pm in the Piopio College staffroom. Shared $5 fish & chip meal, followed by AGM and prize giving. Learn to swim parents are very welcome & encouraged to come and support the Club. Learn to Swim lessons are held after school in Term 1 every year at the Piopio pool. These lessons are run by the Piopio Swimming Club and we need parent support to keep this valuable service available to the children in our area. Te Kuiti has lost their Learn to Swim lessons - don't let this happen to Piopio. Contact Esther Bijenhof-Marshall for more details and to order your meal phone 877 8952 creative.essie@gmail.com

AFS AFS is looking for families to host I P students (Intensive Programme students ) for eight weeks from around the 15 June to 16 August. Hosting is a fantastic and enriching experience for any family and is a great way to learn a new language and culture. Hosting is gaining a new son or daughter, brother or sister and a new family / friends on the other side of the world. So if you would like to give a student from the other side of the world a new family / home for eight weeks or more information , please contact Bryce Stilborn 877 8451 or go to AFS NZ and click on host a student. FUNDRAISER FOR ARIA TOY LIBRARY The Night Owl —Saturday 24 May at 7.30pm—Live music by “Karasel”Kylie Howard (former Piopio College student) and Keith Wright. Mixture of new and old music including Kiwi Classics. Dinner available at The Night Owl, bookings essential. Supper provided. $15 per ticket—limited tickets. Mini auction (weekends away). Sold at Lisa Lyford 877 8186 / lyford1@xtra.co.nz GET YOUR FLU SHOT - 29 May 9.00am—1.00pm in Piopio Rec Centre classroom. Free to those who are—pregnant, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, serious medical condition, cancer, over 65 years, otherwise there is a charge of $25 (cash only). Any queries please contact Te Kuiti Medical Centre 878 7878. STARS IN YOUR EYES—Saturday 21 June. Tickets on sale now at RD 1 Piopio, $25 /R18. Get your act together now. Contact Kristen Pari or Emma Thompson. Having fun is guaranteed.