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TempusWOODFORD HOUSE MAGAZINE

ISSUE ONE > 2016

Issue One | 2016 | Page 1

When seated in the School’s Chapel, we only need to lift our eyes towards the spectacular rose window to see the beauty of our past and the interwoven threads of all that we value here at Woodford House.Each part of the luminescent window symbolises the four cornerstones - academia, sport, cultural and spiritual, and our new strategic priorities - learner centred, family focused, forward thinking and securing our future. When these are put together they create a beautiful pattern of unity with the Holy Spirit and the Woodford Girl at the centre.

In 2015, the Woodford House community entered into a Strategic Plan consultative process. As a result, we have a clear mandate that enables us to shape the roadmap ahead. Our 2020 Vision is one that will enable us to treasure our rich heritage, yet build an exciting and sustainable future for this fine school.

The Woodford House Strategic Plan clarifies the values we hold as a learning community and the strong traditions upon which the School is firmly founded. It also enables us to embrace the challenges inherent in equipping and

empowering young women for an undefined future in a

globalised context. Clarity of purpose, vision and guiding

principles enable us to firmly secure our position and

reputation as a leading school for day and boarding girls,

nationally and internationally.

The Strategic Plan is a living document and we are confident

the priorities will come alive in all aspects of the School. In

this magazine, you will see the stories have been categorised

by the four strategic priorities.

The Woodford Girl lies at the heart of who we are. As

educators, stewards, leaders, supporters and mentors we

are united in our shared moral and educational purpose to

provide an an exemplary education for every Woodford Girl.

The Strategic Plan provides us with an anchor to the past and

a rigorous blueprint for a bright future.

Julie Peterson, Principal

Principal’s Perspective

CONTENTS

Tempus is the official magazine of Woodford House. It is designed to share information with our school parents, families and wider community. It is prepared and distributed by Woodford House, copyright 2016. All editorial and advertising enquiries should be addressed to Woodford House, Private Bag 1001, Havelock North 4157, New Zealand, Telephone: +64 6 873 0700, Email: [email protected]

FORWARD THINKING12 ......... Innovation is a mind-set

13 ......... Growth in Performing Arts

14 ......... School pianos gifted

SECURING OUR FUTURE15-16 .... Exceptional staff

17 ......... A global village

18-19 .... Winterim Exchange

20-23 ... Old Girls’ News

24 ......... History

25 ......... Cherishing the Past

OUR COMMUNITY28 ......... Board News

28 ......... Parents’ Association

4-7 ....... 100% NCEA Success

8 .......... Boarding upgrade

LEARNER CENTRED

9 .......... Founders’ Day

10-11 .... Getting to know our new girls

FAMILY FOCUSED

Tempus Woodford House Magazine

As you drive into the grounds of Woodford House, a large sign proudly congratulates the girls on 100% NCEA success. As you step out of the car and walk into the School a little further, it is evident as to how the girls reached this result.

In 2015, every girl in Year 11, 12 and 13 gained their respective NCEA Levels, and 97% of Year 13 gained entrance to university. In addition, 83% of girls passed their Year Level with an endorsement. An endorsement is given to students who consistently perform above the achieved level.

These exceptional results put Woodford House in the top five schools in New Zealand.*

Each year, New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) award about 3000 scholarships to students across the country. Seven of those scholarships were awarded to girls at Woodford House for their academic excellence in physical education, classical studies, chemistry, biology, accounting and photography.

NZQA Deputy Chief Executive Kristine Kilkelly says the New Zealand Scholarship is regarded as the most prestigious secondary school award available in New Zealand.

“Students are required to demonstrate a very high level of critical thinking and clear application of knowledge, skills and ideas,” Mrs Kilkelly says.

Principal Julie Peterson says the outstanding academic results are a testament to the students and staff commitment to excellence and reaching personal bests.

“This is an outstanding outcome that we, as a school, are extremely proud of. Congratulations girls, the results are a reflection of your dedication, drive and passion for being the best you can be.”

*NZQA Data

100% NCEA Success

LEARNER CENTRED


Tajpreet (Taj) Padda Year 12, Weekly Boarder

Tajpreet Padda has a clear vision for her future – she wants to be a chiropractor and has her sights set on joining New Zealand’s only chiropractic school in Auckland.

Tajpreet has always been interested in health sciences and making people’s lives better through service, charity or healing.

“I knew I wanted to become a chiropractor when I was in Year 9. Before starting high school, I was generally interested in the health sciences, but after doing lots of research I decided I really wanted to be a chiro,” Tajpreet says.

Having a clear vision has allowed Tajpreet to focus on courses that will help her reach that goal.

Last year, she gained an overall excellence in her year level and excellence endorsements in every course - mathematics, English, science, accounting, economics and history.

“At the beginning of 2015 my academic goal was to get all courses endorsed with excellence. At the time, I definitely thought I was pushing it with that goal, but I set my mind to it and worked hard throughout the year to reach my goal.”

Like many of the girls at Woodford House, Tajpreet says her close friends were always willing to help and give advice along the way.

She also says, “my teachers, Deans and Homeroom Mentor held the most important and valuable positions in my schooling life last year and will do for years to come. Their support and endeavour to encourage me in reaching my full potential had a huge impact on my academic achievements.”

100% NCEA SuccessGirls at Woodford House are unique individuals, from their interests to their study habits. Communications and Development Manager Chloe Johnson discovers the girls’ approaches to achieving their personal bests in NCEA.

LEARNER CENTRED

Georgia Mischefski-Gray Year 13, Full Boarder

For someone who grew up on a sheep and beef farm just outside of Whakatane, it is no surprise that Georgia Mischefski-Gray’s favourite place to study is outside in the fresh air amongst nature.

Georgia, who joined Woodford House two years ago, gained an overall excellence endorsement in NCEA last year, and every course was endorsed with merit.

So how did she do it?

Georgia says she balanced study and physical exercise, including her favourite sport, rugby.

“I tried to do all my study in the mornings and into the afternoon. I would never do last minute crams or late night studying. I always made sure I got a good night’s sleep and ate well,” Georgia says.

Surrounding herself in supportive people such as her parents and good friend Manaé Feleu also helped throughout the year.

At the end of this year, Georgia wants to study law majoring in either politics, rural or criminal, at Victoria University in Wellington.

Sarah Williams Year 11, Weekly Boarder

Excellence is a word that can easily be associated with Sarah Williams. So too can the words dedicated, committed and hard-working. Last year, Sarah received an overall excellence endorsement for her year level. She also received merit course endorsements for economics, English, history and science.

Sarah says her favourite place to study is in her room in the Morea boarding house.

“There are no distractions in my room so it is easier to concentrate,” Sarah says.

Her top study tip for other girls is to “start planning early so you have time to do everything to the best of your ability”.

Although Sarah’s success comes from hard work and lots of study, she says having the support of her father Phil Williams, who is also Chair of the Board of Proprietors, and friends really helped.

Sarah hopes to study communication or commerce at Victoria University in Wellington, but this year she will be focusing on an overall year level excellence endorsement, an excellence in English and merit in economics.


Manaé Feleu Year 13, Full Boarder

When Manaé Feleu arrived at Woodford House as an international student, her English was basic.

“I could understand quite a bit if it was said slowly but my speaking and writing were not great,” Manaé says.

Three years on and she has passed NCEA Level 2 with an overall excellence. She also passed five courses with excellence endorsements, including English.

Manaé joined the Woodford House family from Futuna, a small island between Fiji and Samoa, in 2014.

She says consistency and support from her friends was the key to her exceptional grades.

“I worked consistently throughout the year in all of my subjects which meant I didn’t need to revise too much ahead of exams. Doing your prep and keeping your notes tidy throughout the year helps make the end of the year less stressful.”

She says Year 13 boarder Georgia Mischefski-Gray, who is one of her best friends, was a key support person when studying.

“We encouraged and reminded each other that we really had to study. When I got distracted she just reminded me that I had to study. It was the little things like that that really helped.”

When Manaé needed a break from study she would go to town for the afternoon or meet friends for lunch.

“It was so important to have breaks and some down time to relax with friends.”

Eva Goodisson Year 13, Day Girl

As a top athlete who is part of the Woodford House Sports Academy, Head Prefect Eva Goodisson knows how important it is to set goals. In 2015, her main goals were around excellence in sport and academia.

“I was aiming for five to six excellence endorsements and 100 NCEA Level 2 excellence credits. This was a lofty goal as I was also training for the triathlon world championships and other sports events.”

Eva ended the year on a high as she gained excellence endorsements for six courses - mathematics, English, chemistry, biology, physical education and accounting, and become the world champion in aquathon for her age group.

Eva says sport helped with studying because training “made me think more clearly”.

She also puts her success down to having a strong support network of parents, friends and teachers.

Her advice to other students is, ask questions, attend tutorials, make a timetable during exam study and have breaks.

Eva hopes to study health sciences at Otago University before taking a few years off to focus on triathlon training and travelling the world.

Farren McGregor-Smyth Year 12, Weekly Boarder

“If you want to be the best you can be, you must work hard.”

That is Farren McGregor-Smyth’s advice to other students. Her determined and realistic attitude has been the driver to Farren’s success in both academia and sport.

Farren, who is originally from Auckland, is the national kayaking champion in New Zealand for her age group. She is currently working towards competing in the 2020 and 2024 Olympics and hopes to study medicine in Auckland.

Last year, she also set her sights high on achieving NCEA Level 1 and, as a result, gained course endorsements for English and physical education.

“I would always use mind maps to plan and study, especially in science. These would help me understand the topic better,” Farren says.

When Farren wasn’t studying or training, she would visit friends or read a book to take her mind off things.

“My friends played a major part in helping me achieve success. This is because we all supported each other by helping with things we didn’t understand.”


FAMILY FOCUSED

The Richards and Nelson boarding houses are no longer just boarding houses but a place the boarding girls can call home.

The Board of Proprietors made a commitment last year to invest in the girls’ surroundings to create a better sense of ‘home away from home’ for our boarders. During the summer holidays, the Richards and Nelson boarding houses went through an amazing makeover with builders, painters, electricians, carpet layers and our own maintenance staff working tirelessly to complete the project in time for the start of 2016.

During the renovations, a tiled plunge pool was discovered below Nelson, which caused much amusement and interest in the past lives of the girls living in the Nelson boarding house. School archivist Gaye Robertson revealed that after the 1931 Napier earthquake, the plunge pool was filled with cold water and used every second day for the girls to walk through as part of the cleanliness regime (read the full story on p24).

The current girls in Richards and Nelson are thoroughly enjoying the new look. It is amazing what an interior makeover can do to lift the spirits of our girls. The girls now want to hang out in the common areas because they are homely, inviting, colourful and, above all, inclusive.

The use of colour in the boarding houses has been chosen carefully through the direction

and inspiration of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, author of the Theory of Colours. The junior boarding house has bursts of orange to offer a jolt of energy and innovation. It also has pops of bright pink for a youthful, fun, and exciting feel. Red is used in some places to give spaces a sense of warmth alongside neutral tones for a relaxing vibe.

The senior boarding house has pops of green, which is known for its soothing qualities, orange for energy, and grey for a sense of relaxation and serenity.

Year 11 students Sophie Svenson and Georgia Mansell say they love relaxing on the comfortable couches.

“Staying in for weekends is so much better now that the boarding houses are comfy and homely,” Sophie says.

Georgia says, “Sometimes I choose to stay in for the weekend rather than go home”.

Lynnette Porima, mother of Year 10 boarder Katarina Porima, says walking into the renovated boarding house after the holiday period felt like a new and exciting experience.

“The refreshing light coloured walls were warm and inviting. Then the splashes of vi-brant colours and the modern-contemporary features added to the extra buzz as our girl arrived back at Woodford House.”

Lynnette says it is a cosy and homely environment where the girls can play the piano, engage in rich conversations, lounge around on their beanbags, play games, read their favourite novel, watch television and catch up on their homework.

Home is not a place, it is a feeling.BY ANGE RATHBONE, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING


Founders’ Day BY THE REVEREND JOY HAMILTON-JONES

Faith, vision and endless possibilities. These are the ideals our school was founded on in 1893.

On Sunday 28 February, Woodford House held a Founders’ Day service in the School Chapel to acknowledge and remember where we have come from.

Seven students, who are descendants or relatives of the founders, presented a lit candle to celebrate their memory and continuing influence on our lives.

Year 11 student Emily Crosse is the great, great granddaughter of Thomas Ezekiel Crosse who was an early supporter of the School. Thomas’ three daughters and two sons attended the School and in 1909 he became a founding director of the Woodford House Company.

Emily says she has always known about her family connection with Woodford House because her grandfather, Thomas Hugh Crosse, also had a lot to do with the School.

“He helped build the Woodford House driveway, which has been named after him,” Emily says.

“Being a relation of a Woodford House founder gives me a deeper connection with the School, which will always be a special place for my family as it is a reminder of our family members and their incredible achievements.”

Emily’s sister, Lucy Crosse, spent five years at Woodford House, and her Aunty, Sarah Crosse, is also an Old Girl.

Mabel Annie Hodge was the first person to lead Woodford House to new heights and initiate a group of entrepreneur visionaries who had a keen desire to see education with grounded virtues for their daughters in Hawke’s Bay. This group formed the Woodford House Company in 1909, and comprised of William Nelson, Mason Chambers, Thomas Crosse, Winifred Beetham Nelson and Mabel Hodge.

We have much to be thankful for these inspiring people who tirelessly worked to secure a solid foundation upon which this school continues to thrive.

Founders’ Day is a good time for us to give thanks and reflect on the past activities and achievements, as well as on the continued developments, innovations and, above all, visions for a bright future.

What then do we find in God’s word on Foundation Day? We find, as is so often the way in Scripture, a challenge. We find God asking us to expand our vision, to thank God for the foundation of Woodford House, but to also place that foundation within its proper context, which is much larger than the buildings around us. We are challenged to put God and God’s work at the centre of our thanksgiving and our vision.

As we look forward at the endless possibilities, it is important that our

philosophy of Challenging the Future, Embracing the Present and Cherishing the Past, remains.

We are called to be just as attentive to the foundations of our spiritual life, in prayer and in action. We give thanks for the wisdom, foresight and guidance of our founders.

Emily Crosse

Chapel Prefect Caitlin Snell with

Jemma Williams, Emily Crosse,

Bianca Kitchin and Mrs Peterson

at the Founders’ Day service.


Getting to know our new girls

TESSA WALDIN

Sixty-two new students joined the Woodford House family this year and, as with every Woodford Girl, our new students have unique stories about where they come from, what interests them, and why they chose our school. It is our girls’ stories and their journeys that help form the special character of Woodford House. Deputy Principal Catherine Bentley talks to two new students about their journey so far.

ALEESHIA UJDUR

Aleeshia Ujdur Year 9, Full Boarder

Q. Tell us a about your family

A. I live with my mum, Melanie, and dad, Clifford. I also have two dogs, Lily and Cocoa.

Q. Where is home?

A. Waihopo, a 45 minute drive from Cape Reinga. It is in the really skinny part at the top of the North Island.

Q. What is special about living there?

A. It has beautiful beaches. When we go to Cape Reinga there is a sacred ground there where the spirits depart for Hawaiki and that is really special for me. They say there is a hole in the rock, and that is where the spirits depart from.

Q. How is the beach important to your lifestyle?

A. It is absolutely beautiful. We try to not take it for granted because we see it every day. There is plenty of kaimoana and it is perfect for surfing, which I love to do. There is also a harbour. My dad, Uncle Billy and I go fishing together in a creek.

FAMILY FOCUSED

We walk through mud up to our chests to get to the fish, it is heaps of fun. In the term break, I hope to be able to go duck shooting with dad.

Q. What made you start thinking about Woodford House?

A. I did not know Woodford House even existed. It was my mum who made me think about it. She met Mrs Jackie Barron at the Gisborne A and P Show a few years back. They started talking about school and boarding. Mrs Barron mentioned she was the Principal and that was when my mum started receiving the Tempus magazine in the mail. I started looking at them and I could see all of the great opportunities that Woodford House had. That was when I started to want to come here.

Q. So who made the decision for you to come here?

A. I did. I remember being in the car when we picked up the mail and looking forward to finding stuff about Woodford House. I really wanted to come here. I have been on a three-year waiting list. I was really excited during the last summer holidays because I knew I would be starting at Woodford House.


the lunches and so far the pizza is my favourite. Mum and Granny said the food was not too great when they were at school and they never really wanted to eat it. The uniform is really different to wear. At primary school we just wore shorts and a t-shirt.

Q. What has been the trickiest part about coming here?

A. Getting lost as I am not always sure of where to go. And there are lots of stairs.

Q. What has been the best part?

A. Changing classes. At primary school, we stayed in the same class with the same teacher and I did not really look forward to any of the subjects like I do now. I also knew quite a lot about Woodford House before I arrived, and I knew lots of girls already.

Q. What are you looking forward to most this year?

A. All the different activities we will be able to do in our Houses. We only used to do athletics and swimming at my old school. I go to the House meeting on a Wednesday with all the big girls, and we get to contribute to what is happening at House events.

Q. What has been the hardest part for you?

A. Leaving my family. I miss them terribly, but I talk to them most nights. I also miss my dogs and walking them along the beach, which is what I would do every night after school. Oh, and the stairs. There are lots and lots of stairs here at school.

Q. What has been the most surprising thing for you since being here?

A. Joining the Futsal team. Prior to coming here, I used to play football. Recently Mr [Chris] McIvor sent some information to my parents explaining I had been chosen to play in a Wellington Futsal tournament. That has been a big achievement for me.

Q. What has been the best bit?

A. Probably meeting new people and making new friends. It is a life changing experience at Woodford House.

Tessa Waldin Year 7, Day Girl

Q. Tell us a bit about your family

A. I have my dad, Dirk, and my mum, Kate, and my two sisters Zara and Milly. Milly is my twin, we are not identical, but people always get us mixed up. We are both at Woodford House this year. Milly rides horses and I do gymnastics.

Q. Why did you come to Woodford House?

A. It is kind of a tradition in our family because we are the 5th generation to come to Woodford House. There was mum, Granny, Great Granny, then her mum (she was a Chambers, part of the founding family). At the Founders’ Service I lit one of the candles.

Q. Did you always know you were going to come to Woodford House?

A. Yes, we had been on the waiting list for a while.

Q. What did you look forward to the most about coming here?

A. I thought it would be quite cool having lunches here because we had to pack our own lunches at our last school. I really like


FORWARD THINKING

There are two words that sum up the activities happening in this room: Forward Thinking.

Forward Thinking is one of Woodford House’s four strategic priorities, set to take the school through to 2020. The other three are Learner Centred, Family Focused and Securing our Future.

The Forward Thinking priority, which focuses on leading the way in everything we do, provides us with a mandate to nurture the innovative culture at school.

Innovation at Woodford House is not a new story, but it is an exciting one that evolves alongside, if not in front of, educational research and industry trends.

Innovation is a mind-set,not a departmentBY TONI DUNSTAN, DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION

Six girls crowd around a table tinkering with robotics. They aren’t saying a lot to each other, but the looks on their faces show they are thinking about its mechanics - pondering the whys and fascinated with the hows. At the next table, four girls are learning to code a website and, not far from them, teachers are discussing how the girls will develop an app this year.

Woodford House was established on innovation 122 years ago. Founding Principal, Mabel Annie Hodge, was described by Rae Webster in the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography as a gifted and innovative educator who had the vision to establish Woodford House for girls. Miss Mary Holland, the second Principal, continued to develop the School while steering its community through a World War, depression and the 1931 Napier earthquake. Her foresight to recycle the bricks from a demolished boarding house to build courtyards and swimming pool surroundings can still be seen today. Miss Holland also ensured there were two women, Mrs Winifred Beetham Nelson and Miss Elsie Beetham

Williams, as part of the Woodford House Trust, which showed her ability to look beyond their current operations and identify the needs of the future.

This innovative culture was carried on by all of the subsequent school leaders. Each leader continued to introduce new ideas, improve the existing framework and challenge the thinking of staff, students, parents and the wider school community.

In recent times, former Principal Jackie Barron spearheaded our journey to become a leading school in e-Learning with the introduction of digital platforms. We were the first school in New Zealand to use the learning management system Schoology, which forms the basis of our teaching and learning hub. From this launching pad we have been able to integrate Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and online portfolios, which allow our girls to learn anytime, anywhere.

So what will innovation look like at Woodford House this year and beyond? Some may ask, is it even important to focus on innovation in education?

There is no doubt that the current world is evolving far quicker than the capacity of the existing New Zealand and global education systems. Harvard Innovation Education Fellow Tony Wagner says, “Today knowledge is ubiquitous, constantly changing, growing exponentially. Today knowledge is free. It is like air, it is like water. It has become a commodity. There is no competitive advantage today in knowing more than the person next to you. The world does not care what you know. What the world cares about is what you can do with what you know.”

We need to create a better system than the one we grew up with. We need to develop students with creative and innovative minds that can adapt and manage unpredictable challenges in the future.

Forward Thinking will be at the core of what we do and how we think at Woodford House. We are committed to developing girls who will continue to be flexible, creative and agile learners, and well prepared for their lives beyond school.

Yes, innovation will involve tangible initiatives such as coding websites, discovering mechanics, project-based learning and working with 3D printers. But it is more than that, it is a mind-set, one which will be reflected across all areas of school life whether that is in the classroom, on the sports field, or on a stage.

We will look beyond where we are currently successful, identify what skills our students need for tomorrow and put them into practice today.


Conquering the Pop-up Globe

Characters: Dedicated Woodford House drama students

Setting: Downtown Auckland, New Zealand

Act 1 Scene 1

After a long journey from the fertile plains of Hawke’s Bay, the characters arrive in Auckland eager to experience the city, its sights and its sounds.

The cast move quickly as they unpack the van and make their way to the former corner carpark which now presents itself as the Pop-up Globe theatre, the world’s first full scale working replica of London’s Globe Theatre .

The theatre looms large ahead of them, rising from the asphalt in scaffolding and ply. One man’s passion and a number eight wire attitude created this opportunity for New Zealanders.

Student One: “Much Ado About Nothing’ is being performed by the Auckland Young Shakespeare Company, actors not much older than us.”

Student One: “This is bringing what we have read to life.”

Student Two: “I have a greater understanding of what I have read.” Cont on p14

Creativity is the new literacyThe underground vibrations and the roar of machinery on campus is not cause for concern. Instead it is the sound of new beginnings for performing arts at Woodford House.

The last remnants of the music block have been removed as we make way for a new performing arts space, specifically designed for teaching and learning.

The arts space is being built in response to increasing demand for more creativ-ity in schools, particularly within music, drama, speech and dance.

It has been proven literacy levels are higher if a student takes part in drama activities.

Research conducted by Indiana University found attending live theatre increased students’ literary knowledge, tolerance and empathy in a way that seeing the movie or reading the book version of the same story didn’t.

Research also suggests that arts students are twice as likely to volunteer and give back to the community.

Our girls recognise that employers and forward-thinkers are calling for this generation of learners to be armed with skills around creativity, communication, teamwork and critical thinking.

Last year, a large number of arts students received excellence endorsements in NCEA, indicating the academic strength

of these courses at Woodford House.

This year, there has been an increase in students studying music and drama at each NCEA Level. The growing demand and interest in performing arts is also evident by the number of new ventures we will experience this year:

• This is the first year we will have two scenes entered into the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand regional festival. A 15-minute scene from ‘Twelfth Night’ and a student directed 5-minute scene from ‘The Tempus’.

• We have a team registered for the Waikato University Mooting Competition – a prestigious event where students learn the skill of mooting practised in the legal world.

• Sarah Ardin, a Year 13 student was part of Project Prima Volta, a programme to foster the skills and love of opera in young people. Sarah was part of the cast at Festival Opera’s recent season of La Bohème.

• Debating skills are being fostered in a weekly training session.

• Disney’s The Lion King Jr is a combined production between Woodford House and Lindisfarne College. It attracted 45 girls to audition.

A small group of drama students ventured to Auckland this year to experience the famous Pop-up Globe Theatre. Fitting with the theme of creativity and drama, Arts Coordinator Fiona Mackenzie shares the group’s experience in the form of a play script.

BY JOSEPHINE CARPENTER, DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS


School pianos make sweet street musicBY ANDREA JACKSON, COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING COORDINATOR

The streets of Hastings and Havelock North will come alive to the sound of three much-loved pianos gifted by Woodford House. The pianos were given to the School over a number of years and it is now time for Woodford House to ‘pay it forward’ so the instruments can be enjoyed by the wider community for many years to come.

The pianos will be given a new lease of life and decorated with artwork. Two will be in Hastings and one in Havelock North.

Director of Performing Arts Josephine Carpenter says the gifting of pianos also signifies the end of an era for the Woodford House music department, which recently demolished its music block to make room for an expanding performing arts curriculum.

A new performing arts centre designed for teaching and learning will be built this year. (see drawing below).

While the School still has some pianos, Mrs Carpenter says electronic keyboards that can be moved around easily will be more practical for students.

“It is sad to say good-bye to our Haddington music block, but it is also exciting to have a space where more innovative methods of teaching and learning can take place,” Mrs Carpenter says.

She says the walls of Haddington have ab-sorbed 22 years of music from the orchestra, chamber ensembles, choirs and rock bands.

“Haddington has seen many tutors teaching a range of instruments – flute, violin, cello, saxophone, drums and the piano. It’s a building where passion has been at home and a place of happy memories, laughter and fun.”

Hastings Councillor Adrienne Pierce, who is also a member of the Havelock North Business Association, says many cities around the world have street pianos, so why not Hawke’s Bay?

“Our focus is to make our Central Business Districts vibrant and fun places, and who doesn't enjoy a community piano?”

Two further pianos were gifted, one to Kohupatiki Marae and another to a private household.

FORWARD THINKING

Student Three: "Watching it on this stage helps me to understand the play and the performance space.”

Act 2 Scene 1

The following day the girls return to the theatre to watch ‘Twelfth Night’.

Student Four: “Another inspiring performance with plenty of on and off stage action.”

The cast leaves the theatre in awe.

Act 3 Scene 3

After a behind the scenes tour of the theatre, the girls are invited to tread the boards of the stage.

During a workshop with the Director of the Auckland Young Shakespeare Company, the cast are challenged on their knowledge of Shakespeare and their willingness to explore both the language and the Globe stage.

Student Five: “This space is a reflection of a stage, which has seen more than 400 years of performing Shakespeare’s great works, what a priceless opportunity.”

Student Six: “I feel like I am part of its history.”

Act 4 Scene 4

The girls make the journey back to Havelock North with knowledgeable insight of the works of William Shakespeare, well prepared for creating their own Shakespearean scenes at school.

Conquering the Pop-up Globe Cont ...

Hastings City Business

Association General

Manager Susan McDade

and Hastings Councillor

Adrienne Pierce.


SECURING OUR FUTURE

Woodford House has had a long tradition of outstanding academic, sporting and cultural success, but this success does not come by the girls’ efforts alone.

New Zealand teachers are among the world’s most professional educators, according to a recent Teaching and Learning International Study (TALIS).

The study ranked New Zealand teachers fourth out of 35 participating countries, behind the Russian Federation, Estonia and Singapore.

Researchers looked at more than 2800 Year 7-10 teachers and their principals at primary, intermediate and secondary schools in New Zealand. The teachers not only did well in teacher training and professional development, but also in the autonomy in their work and networking with peers.

At Woodford House, we are also proud in knowing our teachers are some of the best in their chosen fields. In 2015 several members of staff shared their expertise with other educators around the country, from speaking at conferences to developing resources for teachers to use nationwide.

It is this professional ‘reaching out’ of our staff that continues to show our girls and the school community that service starts at home.

Exceptional StaffBY DIONNE THOMAS, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

> Art teacher, Barb Benson and Visual Arts teacher Diane Morris:

Ran a regional professional development day for more than 30 Hawke’s Bay art teachers.

> English teacher, Greg Semmens

Presented at the national U-Learn Conference, New Zealand’s number one Information Technology conference.

> Intermediate teachers, Hayley Dustin and Lorna Morice

Developed resources for Years 7 and 8 alongside Dr Ian Hunter, the online developer of Write that Essay, a national tool that helps students write essays.

> Mathematics teacher, Dr Marina Alexander

Lead a group of Hawke’s Bay mathematics teachers to create secure resources for New Zealand Young Farmers network.

> Languages teacher, Sue Pommarède

Organised a national Professional Development day for regional officers in Wellington, including the use of Skype and TedEd in French classrooms.

> Director of Innovation, Toni Dunstan

Acknowledged as a world Schoology ambassador for 2016.

“New Zealand teachers are

among the world’s most professional.”

OECD, TALIS (2016)


SECURING OUR FUTURE

Exceptional StaffAcquiring exceptionally committed and talented staff is crucial for our school. While staff continually upskill in academic spheres by attending regular professional develop-ment regionally, nationally and internationally, they are also encouraged to participate in areas of personal passion or interest as a co-curricular activity.

The myriad co-curricular opportunities our girls are exposed to is testament to the wide range of talent and skills our staff have.

One key area is netball, with our staff being national umpires, regional coaches and talented players. It is not surprising then that, historically, Woodford has continued to maintain large player, coach and umpire numbers, as well as having success in pre-elite and social competitions.

Let’s look at some of the faces you will see on the netball side-lines in key playing, coaching, officiating and governance roles:

> Charissa Barham - Head of Physical Education and Health:

• High Performance Coach Programme with Netball New Zealand

• Emerging Talent Selector - NZ Secondary Schools and NZ Under 21

• Coach - Hawke’s Bay U19 and Women’s Team

> Kelly Ives – Physical Education and Health Teacher:

• New Zealand C Level Umpire

• Umpired at New Zealand Under 17 National Championships in 2015

• In the Emerging Talent Squad for Netball Central Zone

> Dionne Thomas – Assistant Principal:

• Hawke’s Bay Netball Board Member

• Hawke’s Bay Super 6 and Super 12 Umpire

• Hawke’s Bay Umpire Coach

> Briar Chalmers – Sports Coordinator:

• Player for Otane Force – Hawke’s Bay League Champions for 10 years

• Player for Hawke’s Bay Women’s team

• Coached Napier Girls’ High School A – Hawke’s Bay Super 12 Champions 2014-2015

• Coach Year 7/8 and U17/U19 Hawke’s Bay talent development programme

Teachers Jo McDowell, Rachel Roberts, Barb Benson, Marina Alexander, Toni Dunstan and Director of Boarding, Ange Rathbone, can also be seen at the netball courts supporting the girls in coaching, umpiring or managing roles.

It is this depth of staff talent that enables us to keep giving girls exceptional learner centred experiences in physical pursuits.


A global villageIn recognising cultural diversity as a valuable and desirable asset, and embracing the concept of a global village, we welcome a new Director of International Students to the Woodford House family.

Director of International Students Gabrielle Nguyen is passionate about increasing the number of international students and improving the international education experience for both international and domestic students at Woodford House.

“By celebrating cultural diversity and simulating a global village model at school, our students will have the opportunity to take advantage of multiculturalism, be equipped with effective intercultural communication skills and be better prepared for a world beyond Woodford House,” Gabrielle says.

“More importantly, our girls will have the opportunity to build international friendships that last a life time.”

Gabrielle is originally from Hanoi, Vietnam. She came to New Zealand as

an international student herself on a full scholarship to study a bachelor degree in international business. She later pursued further study in marketing at a postgraduate level at Massey University. Gabrielle has been actively participating in New Zealand’s international education industry since 2006. She has played different roles as a student support advisor, education consultant, business development manager as well as an educator. She is experienced in working with various government agencies including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Education New Zealand, overseas New Zealand embassies and regional strategic bodies.

Prior to Woodford House, Gabrielle was Director of International Education at Palmerston North Girls’ High School,

where she doubled the international student number in just over two years. Among the many things that she has achieved, including securing two funding projects with Education New Zealand, Gabrielle has established an active and collaborative international school partnership network, which resulted in a positive increase in student interaction and exchange programmes.

Gabrielle says she is excited about taking the prestigious Woodford House brand and our elite educational experience to international clients. In doing so, she hopes to stimulate thoughts, discussion and learning about internationalism and global citizenship among the Woodford House and wider community, while preparing our girls for greater international achievements and building upon the School’s international profile.

Director of International

Students Gabrielle Nguyen


SECURING OUR FUTURE

Winterim exchange alife changing experienceYear 12 student Caitlin Maiorana shares her student exchange experience from the unnerving solo flight across the Pacific Ocean to being welcomed into a group of friends and embracing the musical vibe of Nashville, Tennessee.

As a Year 7 girl, I listened to speeches from senior girls who had returned from their adventures as exchange students overseas. I was always amazed at the culturally rich and unique experiences they encountered and I knew in my heart that that would be me someday.

Time passed quickly and soon enough I was on the first leg of my journey, flying solo, to Nashville, Tennessee in the United States of America as an exchange student. The families of two students from Harpeth Hall, an independent all girls’ boarding and

day school, hosted me for two weeks each and I took part in a Winterim programme at the School.

This exchange challenged and strengthened me in so many ways. Travelling by myself and being in unfamiliar airports was quite daunting, but now I have done that, I have more confidence in travelling.

Nashville, also known as Music City, is a city like no other. The talented and energetic vibe of downtown Nashville was incredible and made me feel so alive. Listening to the country music pouring into the street and being in a

busy and lively atmosphere is an experience in itself. From my whole time in Nashville, the city life is one of the things I miss the most.

The other thing I miss dearly is the inspiring, unique people I met, all with bold and individual personalities. We can all travel the world and see famous sites, but it is a rare opportunity to meet and stay with local people and experience the way they live. Having the opportunity to stay with two different families and go to Harpeth Hall allowed me to meet so many people I would never have met in different circumstances.

I have not been in many situations where I did not know anyone, or been in places where I had to meet new people. I learnt so much after travelling half way across the world by myself, staying with two unfamiliar families and going to a school with an already tightly knit bundle of friend groups. I have learnt the art of conversation, to step out of my comfort zone and join in, be myself at all times and just relax. These skills are important to anyone as they leave home, leave school, move jobs and interact with more and more unknown faces.

Caitlin with her friends at Harpeth Hall


I remember hearing the seniors say this exchange is such a good experience. However, until you take on that challenge you really do not know how much it will change you. A student exchange can help you become a confident, independent young woman who is equipped with life lessons and skills for the future.

“We can all travel the world and see

famous sites, but it is a rare opportunity to meet and stay with local people and

experience the way they live.”

CAITLIN MAIORANA, YEAR 12


News from the PresidentAutumn greetings to all Old Girls. I hope your 2016 has started well.

If you started at Woodford House in the decade of 1960 to 1970 (inclusive), an exciting reunion is planned for you on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November, this year. Gather your friends and book your travel to Hawke’s Bay to rekindle your memories of time at school, visit your old haunts and regroup with classmates. Look for your reunion invitation either by email or post. If you are not sure your details are correct, email us at [email protected]

We are also excited to combine the Old Girls’ Tempus award ceremony with this event, and later in the year we will announce this year’s recipient.

Do join us on Facebook and LinkedIn as it is a great way for us to stay in touch. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible this year.

Ms Susan Pattullo, WHOGA President

OLD GIRLS’ NEWS Where are they now?

Deborah Battell Independent Consultant, Director and Dispute Resolver 1970-1973

Deborah Battell’s grandfather once said to her, “it is not about doing what you love, it is about loving what you do”. For Deborah, this has meant taking opportunities and finding something to love and learn throughout her career.

Deborah has had a remarkable career, which includes working at the Commerce Commission, being the New Zealand Banking Ombudsman for six years, and now an independent consultant, director and dispute resolver. Her current portfolio includes the following, amongst other roles:

• Consultant to the Qatar Ministry of Economy and Finance on consumer protection.

• Independent evaluator for the Canadian Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investment.

• Strategic and governance review of the New Zealand Financial Services Federation.

• Member of the Victoria University, Master of Business Administration (MBA) Advisory Board.

It has been 20 years since she was a management consultant with KPMG, so it is a case of back to the future as she does a full circle in her career, but she feels that what she can now offer is so much more valuable

because it is based on real experience and much greater self-knowledge and awareness.

Deborah says growing up in a family that expected her to have a professional career has been a key influence in her life. Leaders she has worked for, especially Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand Dame Beverley Wakem and former Chair of the New Zealand Commerce Commission Dame Paula Rebstock, have also inspired her.

Deborah says she has always been prepared to take a risk and is motivated by helping organisations and staff increase their impact. Deborah believes Woodford House helped her learn to be adaptable.

“I learned that you can’t always get what you want, and that it was a tremendous privilege going to Woodford House,” Deborah says.

One of her greatest memories was fully immersing herself in the expressive arts.

Deborah keeps in touch with her Woodford House friends predominantly on Facebook. She says a reunion a few years back helped her get back in touch with friends and she was impressed and fascinated by what her classmates had achieved.

Her advice to the current Woodford girls is to be really clear about your values and what you stand for. She also shared some important words from the Dalai Lama, “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know, but when you listen you may learn something new”.

Deborah gave a speech to Victoria University graduates a few years ago, which can be viewed on Youtube.

Woodford House 1982 ReunionThe third form class of 1982 is invited to a reunion in Hawke’s Bay during the weekend of Friday 28 – Sunday 30 October 2016. Please contact Dana Rickey for further information or to express your interest. Ph: 06 876 4407, Mobile: 0274335430, Email: [email protected]

Deborah Battell


Siobhan WaterhouseOwner and Director of Mr. Fahrenheit PublicityWhen Siobhan Waterhouse looks back at her time at Woodford House, she shares stories of being in the choir – their trip to Australia, competing in the Independent Schools’ Choir Competition, creating the 100th anniversary choir CD, performing in the regional Shakespeare competition, playing in the orchestra and singing on Praise Be.

She says many of these events were captured in the media from radio interviews to making an album and performing on television.

So it is no surprise that Siobhan now owns a boutique public relations agency called Mr. Fahrenheit Publicity, which specialises in arts, entertainment, lifestyle and events.

“I’m pretty sure touring, making an album, being interviewed on the radio, performing and creating TV might have helped launch a career in media and the arts.”

Prior to launching Mr. Fahrenheit Publicity, Siobhan worked in corporate PR for organisa-tions such as Lion Nathan, the TAB and IKEA. In 2007, she received her first job in an arts publicity agency, which changed her life.

“From the very first day, everything felt right. I got to watch plays, talk to people about theatre, work with the likes of Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush, and sit in on rehearsals and call it work.”

As well as running a successful business, Siobhan is a mother of two children, aged 5 years and 20 months old.

She says it was her own mother who had the biggest influence in her life.

“She was really good at planting an idea ‘seed’ that she then helped come to fruition, all the while making me feel like I’d thought of it myself. It’s a really good mother, and person, who can guide their children with absolutely no need for credit.”

Her advice to the current Woodford girls is to challenge stereotypes, be good to each other, and save a portion of your salary every year.

“Women can land any role they like, no matter what,” she says. “Do not follow the crowd or the norm. Think about your strengths, about what you love and what drives you, and decide where you see yourself, and then choose your career path.

“Save 10% of your salary from your first wage and every one from then on. Your 30-year-old-self will thank you. There is little more empowering for a woman than financial independence.”

www.mrfahrenheit.nz

Melanie Harper Owner and Director of Driving Miss Daisy NZ 1969-1974

When Melanie Harper’s youngest child left home she felt driven to start a business of her own. The trained Medical Laboratory Technologist found the inspiration for her business from her Aunt, Trish Beamish. Melanie was often taking her Aunt shopping and to appointments as she was unable to drive.

Melanie realised her Aunt was not alone and Havelock North was crying out for a companion driving service. Melanie came up with the name Driving Miss Daisy and soon discovered there was a similar service in Canada. She contacted the owner who provided another source of inspiration and encouraged her to develop the business in New Zealand.

Driving Miss Daisy New Zealand was born in 2008. Melanie started the small business from her own home, with a handful of clients. She had a vision to cover Havelock North and, with the help of her husband and business partner Jack Harper, the business has grown magnificently. They now have 60 franchises in New Zealand and 16 in the United Kingdom.

Melanie’s current role in the business is Company Director with operational and promotional responsibilities. She works from the Head Office in Havelock North and supports the Daisies throughout the country, giving advice on how and what to do with clients.

Melanie says she learnt independence and loyalty at Woodford House and credits the Woodford system for teaching her the absolute importance of a team.

“All participants in a team are needed and val-ued. This is invaluable in the business world, particularly in franchising,” Melanie says.

Melanie says she has the “best school friends in the world” and although they live far and wide, she has found the loyalty and love between them is the same now as it was in 1974, the year she graduated from Woodford House.

Melanie jokes that her fondest memory from Woodford House was going home for the holidays. She does, however, insist that she had some great times with her friends and was definitely inspired by her teachers, and relished the all-encompassing education that Woodford House offered.

She believes that self-discipline and education are vital for young people today and her advice to the current Woodford girls is to be energetic, active and involved.

www.drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

Melanie Harper

Siobhan Waterhouse

with her two children


Old Girl UpdatesClaudia Clarkson (2009 – 2013) Named top student for second year food science at Otago University

Anna Gilmour (2009 -2013) Anna is heading to Minnesota in the United States of America in May to work as a lifeguard at Camp Tanadoona.

Alice Green (2006 – 2010) Living in Brisbane, Alice works as an enrolled nurse for Heather Hill, a large aged-care specialist nursing agency. She graduated as an enrolled nurse in December 2015.

Marthie Wright (Meyer 1999 - 2005) Marthie lives on an arable and sheep farm in the Methven area of the South Island. Marthie has a 2-year-old son, Andy, and their latest addition, Clara, who was born in December 2015.

Pip Wyley (1999 -2005) Pip is working as the animal welfare inspector for Napier and Hawke’s Bay SPCA. She encourages Old Girls to get in touch if they are interested in adopting a pet, or need to report any animal welfare issues in our community.

Heidi Johnson (Martin) (2001 – 2005) Heidi is currently working at ASB after finishing a nine-year career at TV3.

Leeza Macleod (1995 – 1998) Leeza is a branch manager for Fire Security Services in Hawke’s Bay.

Charmaine McGillan (nee Christie) (1986 – 1989) Charmaine is married with three girls. She is a registered nurse at Middlemore Hospital, living in Waiuku.

Lisa Wilson (1984 -1988) Lisa has just accepted a new role as a senior claims consultant in the disability insurance team at Sovereign Insurance. She received her Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Studies from Victoria University in 1995.

Vicki Taylor (1981 – 1984) Vicki runs a spice emporium, consisting of a retail shop, a cooking school and tours to Kerala, India. Her business is called Red Hot Chilli Pepper and she is based in Caloundra, Queensland, Australia.

Victoria Perry (nee Palmer) (1997 -2001) Victoria and Richard Perry welcomed a son into their lives in September 2015.

Piera Hudson Professional AthleteFor 12 months of the year, Piera Hudson travels the world’s ski fields in pursuit of becoming the first New Zealander to reach the top spot in alpine ski racing.

Half of this time is spent chasing world ski racing events in the Northern Hemisphere. Since November 2015 she has been competing or training in the United States of America, Canada, Europe, Scandinavia and Russia.

Each event is one ski closer to Piera competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

While on tour, the 20 year-old is not in any one place for more than a few days, which means she has had to master the skill of time management.

“I will always remember how much my teachers pushed the importance of being organised and on time for everything,” Piera says. “At the time I was a very unorganised, messy Year 7 who couldn’t tie her tie and wanted nothing less than to have to write everything down in a diary, but looking back on it now, it has helped me so much in the real world, from travelling by myself and making flights and connections to knowing what gear I will need in a certain country. I can definitely thank Woodford House for those skills.”

Piera’s love for skiing and “going fast” began at a young age after her parents introduced her to ski racing. She was only 8 years old when she first competed in New

Zealand and won the Interfield race series Cardrona, Treble Cone and Coronet Peak. A few months later she was on the podium in Switzerland and Austria, much to the surprise of the Europeans who had not seen a New Zealander ski so well.

By 15 years old Piera had won the New Zealand Senior and Junior National Championship titles and since then has held the first seed position in Giant Slalom, Slalom, Super G and Super Combi. No other women in New Zealand have achieved what Piera has across all disciplines in alpine ski racing in the past 20 years.

Piera says pursuing a professional sports career comes down to wanting it so much that you are willing to sacrifice other areas in life, including the social aspects.

“Whenever people ask me if I feel like I’m missing out on my social life, all I can say is, ‘I would rather be at the Olympic Games after party than a familiar weekend bar.”

Although Piera is often away from her hometown of Havelock North, the girls she met at Woodford House are still some of her closest friends today. Her advice to other Woodford girls is, do not sweat the small stuff.

“Just have as much fun as you can and enjoy it while it lasts.”

All of Piera’s ski endeavours are self-funded, including the 2018 Winter Olympics. To help get her to Korea, Piera’s parents have set up a fundraising initiative called Coastal Cowhides. You can support Piera by visiting: www.coastalcowhides.co.nz

OLD GIRLS’ NEWS


Tempus AwardCongratulations to Tiny (Helen) White who received last year’s Tempus award at a special evening attended by members of the Woodford House Old Girls’ Association.

Tiny, 91, received the accolade for her outstanding contribution to equestrian. During her successful career, Tiny won many prestigious trophies for dressage and represented New Zealand on numerous occasions. She was inducted into the Horse of the Year Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Central Hawke’s Bay Hall of Fame.

Tiny was presented with a stunning horse painting by well-known artist Diana Bidwell.

The Tempus award, now in its second year, recognises outstanding achievement by an Old Girl in her field.

Marriages• Felicity Perry (1997-2001) married Andrew

McCarthy on Saturday 9 January 2016. They now live in Geneva, Switzerland.

Engagements• Rebecca Collins is engaged to Matthew

Nicholson from Martinborough.

DeathsIt is with sadness we advise the following Old Girls have passed away. Our condolences to their families.

• WILSON, Judy Anne David (1937 – 1941) on 7 January 2016

• GUDEX, Shirley Juliette (nee Appleton) (WH 1938) on 16 April 2015

• ABBOTT, Yvonne Isobel (WH 1937 -1941) on 26 September 2015

• HOPE, Margaret (nee Lewis) (WH 1942 – 1944) on 2 October 2015

• ARCHER, Diana (nee Mackie) (WH 1949 -1951) October 2015

• FRANKS, Nora Catherine (nee Cronin) (WH 1943 -1945) on 15 January 2016

• GUSCOTT, Isabel (nee Jury) (WH 1932 -1936) on 1 December 2015

• AITKEN, Angela Marian (nee Carver) (WH 1946 -1949 ) on 24 January 2016

• PERRY, Barbara (WH 1946 -1950 ) on 21 December 2015

• HARDING, Prudence Carne (nee Bidwell) (WH 1937 -1942 ) on 18 December 2015

• WEST, Sheila Margaret, formerly Bellerby, (nee Mackenzie) (WH 1946 -1948) on 3 December 2015

Wedding AnniversaryMichael and Jane (Nelson) Tylee celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in January this year. Six of her seven bridesmaids were Old Girls. The couple got married at St Luke’s on 14 January 1956.

Jane with her bridesmaids at Rouncil. From left to right:Elizabeth Caffin, Caroline (McHardy) Cave, Christine (Nelson) Paston, Gay (de Lautour)

Skerman, Jane (Nelson) Tylee, Jenny (Johnston) Pockley, Ros (Ryan) Phillips.


History Enduring Connections

A hostel, originally built for domestic staff in 1939, has been demolished to make way for a new performing arts building specifically designed for teaching and learning. The first residents of the hostel came from Scotland, Greece and the Pacific Islands.

By 1969 most staff were living off site so the building was converted into a boarding house for the students and named Haddington, after the Waimarama home of former Board Chair-man and supporter, Campbell Macniven. The Macniven family originally came from Had-dington, a small town in Scotland. Campbell Macniven is a Woodford House Old Boy and his wife, Dorothy Rathbone, is a Woodford House Old Girl. Their sisters, daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters are also Old Girls. One of their daughters, Mrs Barbara Caseley, currently resides in the original Haddington home in Waimarama.

By 1991 there were more day girls than boarders so Haddington closed its doors as a boarding house and, in 1993, it became the Music Department. In 2010, the building underwent seismic testing but it did not pass the new standards. At this stage, the building was also not fit for purpose as the performing arts curriculum had expanded extensively. A decision was made to demolish the building in 2015.

Behind Haddington was the laundry, which was visited by few people but a very necessary part of life at Woodford House. Originally there was a steam laundry in The Lodge (replaced by Holland House in 1940). A standalone facility was built in the early 1930s with all modern conveniences. This was also demolished in 2015 with plans for it to be relocated near the kitchen towards the end of 2016.

had alternate days for morning showers or a ‘plunge’. This was a small inside pool – cold of course. Quite pleasant in summer, a penance in winter.

Annette (Barker) Eivers (WH 1941-1944) recalls that by time she was in Nelson, the pool was covered over, but her sister Janet (Barker) Hansen (WH 1934-1939) remembered when it was used as a wake-up therapy and subsequently to cool off on the hot Hawkes’ Bay evenings before the present swimming pool was built in 1935. At that time the swimming pool was down in the gully near the old tennis courts, close to Iona Road and Margaret Avenue. Once again the plunge pool has disappeared from view as it was covered during the recent renovations.

Stained glass windowsThe rose window that adorns the east side of the Chapel now symbolises the four cornerstones and the four strategic priorities. However, the window also symbolises a rich history and holds a fascinating story. The window was designed in London by Percy Bacon, best known for his windows in the Liverpool Cathedral, and manufactured for 280 pounds.

The window arrived in Napier during rough seas on 2 October 1929. However, the ship could not get into the wharf and the box containing the window was dropped as it was handled onto a small boat. The window was broken and had to be sent back to England for repair, leaving the School gazing disconsolately at a piece of plywood erected in its place. Eventually, after three attempts, the window finally rested at the heart of the sanctuary.

The theme of the circular rose window is worship. Tracery divides it into lozenge shaped, circular and very small divisions. The lozenges display the symbols of Christian virtues with quotes, the scales of justice, the just shall live by faith; the book of faith thy word is a lantern unto my feet; the lamp of love, the greatest of these is love and the mirror of truth, charity rejoice in the truth.

Nelson’s plunge pool Renovations took place in the Nelson boarding house during the 2015 Christmas break. To the surprise of the construction company, and most staff, a pool was unearthed after workers ripped up a floor.

The pool was installed as a feature of the boarding house in 1931 after it was rebuilt in the wake of the Hawke’s Bay earthquake. Mary (Campbell) Barker writes in Beyond Blue Hills: “It [new Nelson] was very beautiful and had a plunge pool. It looked absolutely lovely, this shimmering pool until you were asked to get in it when it was cold beyond words because of the artesian water. Until then we had all been expected to have cold baths in the morning, but if you ran the water wildly, splashed around, and came out with a bit of water hanging about you, no-one queried it. But with the plunge pool there was no getting out of it. You had to line up and go through it like a sheep dip, keeping as much of yourself out of the water as you could and come out the other end spluttering and shivering. It was tiled and people were always sliding and slipping.”

In a fascinating account of her early life and her time at Woodford, Eileen (Austin) Ellery WH 1940-1943 recalls, “at 6.30am the school bell was rung to get up. We

A bird’s eye view of

Woodford House, including

Haddington in 1969.

GAYE ROBERTSON, ARCHIVIST

Haddington & beyond


Cherishing the Past

Banners updatedFor the centennial of 1994, Miss Sheila Bowden, the Head of Art and students designed banners representing the major events relating to Woodford House in each decade. These were featured in Tempus, the Autumn-Winter 2014 edition. These illustrated the story of the School in pictorial form from 1894-1994.

They were unveiled at the Opening Ceremony for the centennial and have been displayed at Prize Giving every year since. Two new banners, designed by Year 12 student Lydia Hill were launched at the final assembly in December 2015 with special guests, Miss Sheila Bowden, (1965-2005), Gary Bowler (HOD Music 1985-2004), Mrs Caryl Boyle (Speech and Drama 1980-2004) and Miss Alison Thomson, (Principal 1998-2004), who unveiled the 1994-2004 banner. The events illustrated on the two new banners are:

1994-2004

• Mrs Judith Campion 1990-1997 • Miss Alison Thomson 1998-2004

1994• Centennial window dedicated

1995• Large planting of pohutukawa below

the gym and below the tennis courts

1997• Garden Weekend

(new tennis courts)

1999• Woodford integrated into state system

2000• New Hodge classrooms opened

2001• Devastation of the Twin Towers

in New York

2004-2014• Ms Rebecca Cody 2005-2009

• Mrs Jackie Barron 2009-2014

2005• Tile mural begun

2006• Hall extended taking in Senior Common

Room and Principal’s Office

2006• Jack Herczykowski, the son of

Principal Rebecca Cody and husband, Simon, was born.

2006• Rebecca Cody is winched from Rescue

Helicopter on Woodford grounds

2008• Martin Selman sculpture of Carrara

marble placed in Woodford courtyard representing Challenge the Future, Embrace the Present, Cherish the Past

2011100 Years on the Hill was celebrated with a special service.

The next banner will include the 125th anniversary in 2019.


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Parents’ Association News

Board News

Success does not happen by chance. The starting point of success is ambition and one of the most rewarding aspects of chairing the Boards is seeing this, from the positive attitudes displayed by our girls, to the relentless pursuit of excellence from staff and the ongoing commitment from our Board members. Last year the Board of Trustees endorsed and funded the inaugural year of the Scholarship Academy, which is an innovative way to support our top academic girls. The results of this academy were exceptional and the Board is funding it again this year.

Woodford House truly is in a privileged position.

To sustain these extraordinary outcomes, we must continue to invest in our infrastructure and human resources and, to this end, we rely heavily on donations. Everything we do at Woodford House is for the girls, from the small class sizes and the continuing professional development of staff, to the construction of fit-for-purpose buildings and facilities.

The investments we have made in the past are manifesting themselves in the success we enjoy today, but tomorrow’s success needs further investment, hence the modest increase in our request for donations this year. We are confident you will agree these donations are money well invested.

It is heartening to see the reputation of our school and its ongoing success is recognised by the wider community, with external donors willing to help support and secure our future. We have had some encouraging conversations recently with a number of people who are excited about our future and want to be part of it.

It is a great time to be part of the Woodford House community.

During the past few months it has become apparent that the wider school community may not have a clear idea of what the Parents’ Association is, who we are, and more importantly, what we actually do. The answer is quite simple– we are a group of parents and caregivers who are keen to be involved in our school community.

The key role of the Parents’ Association is to support our school families and fundraise through a variety of initiatives to assist with the funding of projects that benefit all girls.

Our role at Swimming Sports is an example of what the Parents’ Association does best. The annual parent function on the Friday night before is one we all look forward to. This function is an opportunity to catch up with friends who we have not seen over the Christmas break, and meet parents who are new to Woodford House. A special thank you to Margie Ellis and the food technology students for providing the delicious canapés, and the ‘bar staff’ who are to be commended, yet again. Their laughter and vibrant personalities are a treat for us all.

On the day of Swimming Sports, the Parents’ Association provides the stalls and the House raffles, which is a long-held tradition. A special mention must be made to Jo Dowley and her team on the home-made cordial stand with five gorgeous flavours this year. Around 20 parents gave their time to help during the weekend and it was fantastic to see some new faces, especially those who are new to the school. Thank you to everyone for your enthusiasm. Based on personal experience, I believe the typical Woodford House parent is someone with a can-do attitude who loves a good laugh, and is totally biased when it comes to House competitions.

The major fundraising drive this year is to build an adventure playground. The Parents’ Association is hosting a winter solstice in mid-June with proceeds going towards this exciting initiative. We are also working with the Woodford House Old Girls’ Association to fund the Artist in Residence programme each year.

BY PHIL WILLIAMS, BOARD OF PROPRIETORS CHAIR AND LOUISE MACGILLIVRAY, BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR

BY ROBYN BURNS, PRESIDENT

What a fantastic start to the year. Firstly, a pass rate of 100% across NCEA levels 1, 2 and 3, and then the announcement of seven national scholarships achieved by our girls. These are truly outstanding achievements and we should be very proud.

ANZ OLYMPIC SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

INSPIRATION FOR A GENERATION

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“real people, real passion”

tempus issue one 2016 lowres - woodford housemorea boarding house. “there are no distractions in...

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